Valérie Lavastre
*** ********* ***-*****, *******, Canada, J3E 1G4
acxbql@r.postjobfree.com
October 31, 2016
Hess Associates
Montréal, Québec
Dear recruiter,
I'm contacting you regarding your stimulant position as Associate Director Toxicology recently posted in Hess Associates.
Holding a PhD in immunology from INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, I hope to pursue a career in the field of clinical/preclinical studies precisely because since my recent formation on drug discovery, I particularly developed a growing interest for clinical research and drug development. Indeed, throughout my postdoc in neurology, I have undertaken a PhD complementary diploma on ''Evaluation, Research and Drug Development'' at the University of Montreal. Attending this program, my goal is to learn more on clinical research, economic issues and regulatory affairs (ex: Health Canada regulations).
For the last seven years, I have devoted my professional time mainly:
in fundamental R&D (neurological development) as postdoctoral fellow
developping and characterizing a new conditional KO mouse model for Autosomal Neuropathy (HSANII)-GLP) (CRCHUM/Montreal Neurological Institute),
in fundamental R&D in immunology working as a research associate
building my skills in project development, management and mastering my lab techniques-GLP, patient recruitment and informed consent)
(INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier) and recently,
in preclinical development (muscular disease) as a preclinical research agent
involved in a drug screening and achieving assay on patient cell-based, drug formulation and administration in mice, monitoring (EMG) tolerance/efficacy experiments in animal models (Université de Montréal in collaboration with chemists from Roche Pharmaceuticals/NuChem Therapeutics).
During these years, I undoubtedly reinforce my skills in cellular and molecular biology
(in vitro experiments), such as: primary cell culture, ELISA/Antibody Array, FACS, qRT-PCR (transcript), Western Blot, immunopurification (magnetic Co-IP, GST-pull down), protein/DNA/RNA extraction, biochemistry assay, etc. I also gained excellent expertise in experimentation/manipulation on animal models (in vivo experiments):
murine models for inflammation (MSc/PhD),
murine neuronal model for neuropathy (Postdoctorat),
experimental asthma (contract as Research Associate) and
muscular disease (contract as Research Agent).
Globally, I developed a strong expertise in project development. Since I had to prepare new experimental protocols and improve others, I had to synthesize scientific studies and filter relevant information. Overall, I provided great support for planning experiments and collaborating to numerous scientific communications (presentations, publications, reports and official writings). I worked closely with a team of researchers and/or MD and learned the value of good lab practice (GLP).
Thus, my previous work experience has allowed me to gain a broad spectrum of excellent management skills such as: negotiating and organizational skills, a firm sense of responsibility, autonomous, a capacity to work hard under pressure, strong problem- solving skills and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Furthermore, I am dynamic, methodic and extremely meticulous. I know how to present information in simple terms and make it accessible to neophytes (skills in teaching and scientific transfer).
Finally, I am highly motivated to work in preclinical development since my last work experience and I would honored to be selected for an interview. I am sure my skills would be added value for your team. I am confident that my accuracy and ability to work creatively will be a great help to your team. I'm a person who is very dynamic and who's paying attention to every details.
I appreciate your time and consideration for this exciting opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon. I can be reached for an interview at your convenience.
Best regards,
Valérie Lavastre
VALERIE LAVASTRE, PhD
326 Lamoureux, Ste-Julie, QC J3E 1G4 438-***-**** acxbql@r.postjobfree.com Professional Summary
Bilingual, accomplished and energetic researcher with a solid history of achievement in fundamental R&D and preclinical research. Motivated leader with strong organizational and prioritization abilities. Areas of expertise include immunology, neurology, muscular disease, preclinical studies and animal models. Skills
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Project Management and Development
Management of Personnel Resources
Monitoring
Education and Scientific training
Judgment and Decision Making
Negotiation skills
Critical Thinking
Coordination
Excellent communication/writing skills
Animal handling and experimentation
Computer skills: MS® Office Suite,
GraphPad PRISM®, Image Lab ,
IMAGEJ, LightCycler® 96
Preclinical Research Agent 2015-2016
Université de Montréal/Pascal Chartrand, PhD - Montréal, QC
Involved in drug discovery project (Myotonic Dystrophy)
Conduct preclinical studies to find drug-lead candidate (in vitro -qRT-PCT- and in vivo experiments-PK blood/muscle collection)
Communicate scientific\technical information and results to internal audiences and Roche pharmaceuticals/NuChem leaders through oral briefings and written documents.
Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination.
Prepare charts, graphs from data samples, providing summary information Research Associate 2013-2015
IN RS-Institut Armand-Frappier/Denis Girard, PhD - Laval, QC
Conduct research to develop methodologies in multiple projects related to inflammation and physiology of granulocytes (coordinate and managing innovative projects)
Prepare reports (IRSST report) or presentations summarizing results, write and publish articles in scientific journals.
Teach and provide technical support to students and technicians
Perform statistical analyses and write, review, or comment on documents, such as grants, scientific publications, or elaborate new protocols.
Postdoctoral Fellow 2009-2013
CRCHUM/Montreal Neurological Institut/G. A. Rouleau, MD, PhD-Montréal, QC
Generate and characterize a novel ko mouse model to understand the role of Wnk1/HSN2 in the sensory nervous system development (behavioral and molecular biology) (HSANII project)
Conduct research to develop methodologies, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
Write and publish articles in scientific journals. Awards: FRSQ (2 years) and RMGA (1 year)postdoctoral fellowship High School Teacher 2007-2008
École secondaire de La Plaine, Collège St-Jean-Vianney-Montréal, QC
Teach Science, technology and physics (secondary I, II and IV) Experience History
Education
Complementary Diploma: Evaluation, Research and Drug Development 2011-on going UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À MONTRÉAL- Montréal, QC
Basic knowledge in drug development (discovery continuum, regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical law, clinical research, strategic challenge and economic issue) PhD: Virology and Immunology 2009
INRS-INSTITUT ARMAND-FRAPPIER/D. Girard, PhD - Laval, QC
Thesis: Anti-inflammatory activity of the mistletoe (VAA-I) on in vivo inflammatory murin model, effect of the induction of apoptosis by VAA-I in myeloid cell lines and inflammatory cells Awards: CIHR (3 years), FRSQ (3 years), FCAR-FRQS (3 years-declined) doctoral research award, travel award from American Society for Cell Biology, Armand-Frappier/Bayer fundation award (1 year-declined). Short Program in Superior Teaching 2005
UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À MONTRÉAL- Montréal, QC
Intership at the Cegep of St-Jérôme (Biomedical Analysis Technology) Master of Science: Experimental Health Science 2001 INRS-INSTITUT ARMAND-FRAPPIER/D. Girard, PhD - Laval, QC
Thesis: Mode of action (MoA) of the induction of apoptosis by VAA-I in neutrophils and eosinophils: monitoring of various inflammatory functions and effect on selective cleavage of various cytoskeletal proteins
Awards : Gold medalist and excellence award from the General Director (2001). Bachelor of Science: Microbiology and Immunology 1999 UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL-Montréal, QC
Research Internship (infectiology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier- A. Descoteaux, PhD (1998) Award: Armand-Frappier fundation award (1998)
Summer Intership (limnology, Université de Montréal-A. Mazunder, PhD (1997) List of contribution
Report published:
Lavastre V, Goncalves D et Girard D (2015) Procédures et évaluation du potentiel pro- inflammatoire des nanoparticules, Études et recherches/ R-886, Montréal, IRSST, 46 pages. Articles published in refereed journals:
7 publications (first author)
7 publications (second author or more)
Selected presentations:
Fundraising for the Hereditary Neuropathy, Joliette (guest speaker) (2011-13)
8th Forum of Neuroscience, Barcelona (poster) (2012)
12th International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG) and the 61st American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting, Montréal (poster) (2011)
INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier meeting 2005, St-Alexis-des-Monts (poster) (2005)
12th International Congress of Immunology (ICI) and 4th Annual Conference of Focis (Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies), Montréal (poster) (2004)
The ASCB 41th Annual Meeting (American Society for Cell Biology), Washington, USA (poster)
(2001)
Reference available on request