Jigesha Shah

San Francisco, CA acd1ae@r.postjobfree.com 267-***-****

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

• Masters degree in Biological Sciences from University of Leeds (UK) with a specialization in molecular biology and

biochemistry

• Highly experienced and broadly trained molecular biologist with more than 7 years of professional research, teaching, managing,

and technical experience

• Extensive experience in different methods and technologies in molecular genetics, including transgenic technologies,

immunohistology, in situ hybridization assays, cloning, single gene- and genome-based expression assays, and bio-informatics

• Demonstrated expertise in stable cell line generation, plasmid cloning, mammalian tissue culture and gene therapy vector

production

• Successfully performed several molecular and cell biology techniques: DNA extraction, synthesizing RNA and DNA samples,

DNA and RNA purfication, PCR, DNA analysis with restriction digests and sequencing

• Proven proficiency in developing novel molecular, biochemical, and other analytical/quantitative assays and technologies,

experience in training students and researchers in these techniques

• Self-directed, able to work both independently and as a reliable team member with excellent leadership qualities

SKILLS

Experience in Molecular Biology:

• Construction of plasmids

• Gene amplification, PCR and Quantitative PCR, Primer Design and Optimization, Gene expression assays

• Automated DNA sequencing and analysis with ABI 3100 Sequencer, NGS

• Cloning including sticking ends, Klenow end-blunting and end-labeling of DNA fragments, elution of DNA fragment

from agarose gel in gel electrophoresis

• mRNA synthesis and siRNA library screening

• Transformation of competent cells, plasmid and bacterial growth production

• DNA extraction

Experience in Immunochemistry:

• SDS-PAGE, ELISA, FACS and Western Blotting

• GST Pulldowns and Immunoprecipitation

• Flowcytometry, LC/MS-MS or HPLC

Experience in Virology and Microbiology:

• Tissue culture with 293HEK, A549, Hela, B50 (mammalian) and hybrid cell lines

• Triple transfections and infections of cells

• Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF)

• Virus purification by gradient method

Experience in Bioinformatics:

• Vector NTI, RAPTOR, CS-BLAST, Primer Premier, Genesis, MS Office

Experience in Management and Leadership:

• Instruction of students and coworkers in laboratory procedures in the instrumentation of safety guidelines (Biosafety Levels 1 & 2)

• Part of Lab Management Committee

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

University of Pennsylvania--James Wilson Translational Research Lab and Gene Therapy Program

Research Specialist C July 2009 – January 2014

• Supervised, trained and motivated students and coworkers in molecular biology techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA and

RNA synthesis and analysis, Western blotting, protein expression, enzymatic assays, DNA extraction and purification

• Produced over 1000 AAV viral vectors by mammalian tissue culture, transfection, TFF and gradient purification

• Developed stable cell lines that expressed eGFP, hLDLR and hIDUA transgenes

• Optimized cell-based assays and protocols for generating stable cell lines and determining titers of viral vector

• Specialized in construction of over 500 plasmids using different cloning strategies, and organizing an inventory

Achievements:

• Promoted to Stable Cell Line Research Project from Vector Production in less than a year

• Promoted to Research Specialist C as a reflection of hard work and consistent contribution towards the ongoing research

• Generated over 1,000 viral vectors for gene therapy

Cardiff University, UK

Research Assistant October 2007 – October 2008

• Implemented experiments to extract and screen DNA of over 500 patients for mutations in genes associated with ADHD

• Worked on the clinical side of the project by meeting the patients directly and counseling them about the ADHD project

Achievements:

• Developed a quick high throughput technique used as a standard thereafter, the X-chromosome marker test, to

group patients’ DNA family-wise.

St. James Hospital, University of Leeds, UK

Research intern June 2006 – October 2007

• Conducted experiments to identify genes that are associated with familial exudative vitroretinopathy

• Authored and defended project thesis in front of a panel of the biomedical faculty

• Reviewed several research papers for publication

Achievements:

• Recruited as a full-time research intern after successful completion of masters thesis project

University of Pune, India

Graduate Teaching Assistant June 2002 – March 2005

• Taught undergraduate level laboratory courses

• Demonstrated dissection of chordates and non-chordates, preparation of histological transverse section slides of tissues and whole

mount slides, Carried out blood group analysis (RBC/WBC) using haemocytometer

Achievements:

• Substituted as a molecular biology teacher at the college

• Spoke as a guest speaker at other universities

• Mentored several students wishing to pursue further studies in Biology

EDUCATION

• Master of Science (Major: Biosciences) 2005-2006, University of Leeds (United Kingdom)

• Bachelor of Science (Major: Biochemistry), 2001-2004, University of Pune (India)

• Certificate in Finance and Accounting, 2011-2012, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Permanent Resident of the United States

References Available on Request

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