Quality Development
Resume:
Lei Chen, Ph.D
****A Fairway Dr. VALUE OFFERED
Los Alamos, NM 87544
A trained microbiologist with more than 10 years of research experiences with various
505-***-**** (work)
biosafety level 2 and 3 human pathogens and strong scientific knowledge related to
301-***-**** (cell)
infectious diseases. Proficiency in molecular biology and working experience with
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diagnostic assay/product development and commercialization. A hard-working and
technically skilled scientist known for quality of work, distinct set of skills, attention to
detail and timeliness in meeting project milestones. Strong planner and problem solver
who readily adapts to change, works independently and exceeds expectations. Able to
juggle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Research Scientist Molecular Diagnostic Product Development
04/2007 - Present Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Played an essential role in a multidisciplinary team aimed at fast detection of highly
pathogenic human viruses. Developed virus capture and field deployable pathogen
detection technologies. Quickly became a trusted scientist known for “can-do” attitude,
flexibility and high-quality work.
Highlights:
Communicated and collaborated effectively with scientists/engineers in a cross-
disciplinary team to plan meetings and meet project milestones, budgets, scope
and overall vision. Established strong relationships to gain support and
effectively achieve results.
Developed licensable technology to capture and isolate viruses from field
samples. Co-developed a field deployable human pathogen detection device.
Both technologies were licensed to Mesa technology International, LLC.
Engineered a fast folding red fluorescence protein and developed a fluorescent
ligand that can specifically recognize human pathogens.
Supervised summer interns and graduate research assistants.
Research Associate Immunoassay development
10/2001 - 04/2007 University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Played a key role in multiple NIH-funded projects aimed to determine how human
herpesvirus 8 causes cancers. Acquired excellent verbal and written communication and
interpersonal skills. Quickly became a trained virologist with strong ability in problem-
solving, strategy planning, experimental design, prioritizing work and handling multiple
projects simultaneously.
Highlights:
Created a HHV8 infected human B cell system, developed cell-based assay
system for proliferation/apoptosis analysis and profiled oncology pathway
alterations caused by viral infection/replication, which leads to a successful
application of a National Cancer Institute RO1 grant and a pilot grant from the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Developed a viral DNA array system for viral gene expression profiling, and a
cytokine array for cytokine expression profiling. Validated such systems with
recombinant human herpesviruses.
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Earned excellent marks on performance reviews, with citations for excellence in
areas including work volume, accuracy and quality; ability to learn and master
new concepts; and positive work ethic.
Supervised and trained undergraduate students. Assisted with the development
of independent undergraduate research projects
EDUCATION
04/2007 Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
07/2001 Master of Sciences in Immunology
Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China
07/1995 Bachelor of Sciences in Virology & Molecular Biology
Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
KEY SKILLS
DNA/RNA isolation and Recombinant DNA Protein expression
purification technology Purification
Conventional PCR Real- Assay/product Liquid handling robotic
time PCR development systems
DNA sequencing ELISA Fluorescent in-situ
DNA hybridization Assay validation hybridization
Immunoassays /optimization Cell-based assays
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Selected Intellectual Properties
Field deployable device for pathogen detection. (Licensed to Mesa Tech
International LLC by the Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2009)
Carbohydrate ligands for capture of Influenza virus onto beads. (Licensed to
Mesa Tech International LLC by the Los Alamos National Laboratory in
2010)
Selected Publications
1.
L. Chen. A downstream inhibitory cis element that regulates Kaposi’s sarcoma
associated herpesvirus open reading frame 11 gene expression. (Gene Regulation
and Systems Biology, In Revision).
L. Chen and M.S. Park. Identification and characterization of Kaposi’s sarcoma
2.
associated herpesvirus open reading frame 11 promoter activation. Virus
Research. 2009 June; 142:160 168.
L. Chen and M. Lagunoff. The viral Interleukin 6 is not essential for latency or lytic
3.
replication in BJAB cells. Virology 2007 359:425 435.
Punjabi, A.S., Carroll, P.A., Chen L. and M. Lagunoff. Persistent activation of
4.
STAT3 by latent KSHV infection of endothelial cells. J Virol. 2007 Mar; 81(5)2449
58.
L. Chen and M. Lagunoff. Establishment and maintenance of Kaposi's sarcoma
5.
associated herpesvirus latency in B cells. J Virol. 2005 Nov, 79(22):14383 9.
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6.
Selected Presentations
1. Chen. A Red/Green Dual Fluorescence based mammalian system for anti
L.
herpesvirus drug screening. 4th Modern Drug Discovery & Development Summit.
October 15 17, 2008. La Jolla, CA, United States.
2. Chen. and Michael Lagunoff. Establishment and maintenance of KSHV in
L.
cultured B cells. 8th International Workshop on KSHV and related agents. August
21 25, 2005. Wildbad Kreuth, Germany.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Permanent resident (Green Card) of the United States. Chinese Citizen.
Able to relocate & Travel extensively. References available upon request.
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