Michael M. Azad
Reidsville, NC 27320
Cell: 336-***-**** E-mail: ***@***.***
Summary
Highly motivated Scientist with a reputation for creativity and innovation, demonstrated through 20+ patents (granted and pending) and commercialized products and major accomplishments in research and development, instrumentation and project management. Proven ability in problem solving, troubleshooting.
Technical Expertise
Polymer and organic synthesis, including free radical, microwave, UV, bulk, emulsion, and inverse polymerization.
Property improvement of the polymer through surface coating and surface modification.
Formulation and reformulation of the new products for cost reduction and customer needs.
Product and process development support to commercialization scale, Analytical characterization, method development and validation.
Firm understanding of the commercialization and customer relation processes.
Protein isolation and purification.
Project management.
Certified ISO lead auditor.
2/2007-6/2016 Evonik Industry, Greensboro, NC
R&D Manager
Technical account manager for private label group in NAFTA Region.
Lead synthetic and formulation scientist involved in the development of superabsorbent polymers for hygiene and non-hygiene industry.
Surface coating and surface modification of the polymer for improved properties.
The synthesis and commercialization of acrylic based polymers for hygiene industry.
Developed and commercialized numerous products for private label customers in US and abroad.
Involved in development and implementation of scale-up procedures and methods for plant production.
Professional EXPERIENCE
8/98-12/2006 BASF Corporations, Charlotte, NC
Technical Account Manager, Project Leader, Technical Center
Lead synthetic and formulation scientist involved in the development of superabsorbent polymers for diaper, hygiene, and non-hygiene industries. Commercialized an amine based resin for separation technology and developed a controlled release polymer for the cosmetic applications. Design, evaluation, and validation of instrumental methods (HPLC, GC, GC/MS, UV/VIS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, etc) to support process and product development. Prepare technical reports and assured proper documentation of analytical data according to GLP and cGMP guidelines. Prepare Control Laboratory procedures for transfer into Quality Control Lab and mentor and train technicians and chemists. Interact with other groups (Engineering, Marketing, Pilot Plant, etc.) to support new and existing product development.
The synthesis and work up of acrylic and non-acrylic based polymers for hygiene, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and water purification industries.
Characterization of polymers with SEC, IC, GC/MS, HPLC (reverse and normal phase) and thermal methods.
Involved in development and implementation of scale-up procedures and methods for plant production.
Develop and validate analytical methods.
Troubleshoot, repair and maintain analytical instruments.
Led analytical department.
7/95-8/98 UOP, Des Plaines, Illinois, Application Science Division, Separation group
Research & Development Chemist, Application Science Division
R & D Chemist involved in process development for the separation and purification of organic solvents. Optimization of large-scale purification processes was achieved by identification and work up of desirable stationary and mobile phases (adsorbents and desorbents). Position stressed in technical decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, teamwork and operational expertise.
Epoxidation and hydroxylation of olefins.
Packed large and small scales separation columns.
Designed and construct pilot plants to perform experiments.
Utilized Purge and Trap system to concentrate volatile organic compounds.
Developed GC (split and splitless mode, packed and capillary columns), HPLC (normal and reverse phase), dynamic HPLC and Spectrophotometer methods to analyze the samples.
Attended team meetings, present technical reviews and provided weekly project updates.
Used breakthrough and pulse test to accomplish the separation or purification.
4/95-7/95 AEROTEK INC., Baxter International, Round Lake, Illinois, Biotech Group Research & Development Chemist, Biotech Group, Global Product Division
Involved in method development and testing of blood substitutes formulated by biotech group. Utilized HPLC, spectrophotometer and electrophoretic techniques to determine stability and purity of the samples.
12/92-8/94 Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois
Research & Development Chemist, Chemical Agricultural Product Division (CAPD)
R&D Chemist involved in development of analytical techniques for the characterization and quantitative measurement of delta-endotoxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Utilized GCG peptide analysis software for the generation of synthetic peptides with immunogenic potential. Developed HPLC, immunological, cytotoxic and electrophoretic test methods to characterize the products.
Purified known Bt delta-endotoxins from natural and recombinant sources in the evaluation of insect susceptibilities, investigating individual as well as synergistic responses.
Developed techniques for characterization of novel Bt strains being screened for increased insecticide activity.
Developed immunological assay utilizing Abbott’s Matrix diagnostic instrumentation.
Performed analytical procedures in compliance with BOP & GLP.
Evaluated an ELISA competitive inhibition assay for the screening of beta-exotoxin in Bt strains.
Collaborative areas included molecular biology, microbiology, division quality assurance, entomology, licensing, marketing and regulatory.
Attended team meetings, presented technical reviews and provided project updates.
4/92-12/92 Manpower, Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois
Research & Development Technician, Chemical Agricultural Product Division (CAPD)
Conducted research on the biological insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Duties included HPLC analysis of raw material, in-process samples and finished products. Position also stressed the ability to work independently as well as strong written and verbal communication skills.
Developed a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) assay for the measurement of delta endotoxins of Abbott Laboratories’ commercial strains.
Optimized trypsin-activation for the measurement of Bt toxins.
Kept proper documentation of assay raw data, results, log books and other records as specified.
Analyzed Bt products for beta-exotoxin using HPLC.
Performed HPLC analysis, troubleshooting and maintenance.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Computer literate in Windows, and Macintosh operating systems. Software experiences include: spreadsheet, graphics, word processing, database, modelling, project management (Phase Gate, I2P), statistical (JMP, ECHIP, MINTAB), and instrumentation applications (HPLC, GC, etc.).
Patents, POSTER & PAPER PRESENTATION
Numerous Patents in the areas of Pharmaceutical, Petrochemical and polymer
Two published papers in the area of microwave-assisted polymerization in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Novel tool for quantitative analysis of Bt toxin protein. Presented to Taiwan Bt Conference.
Quantitative analysis of Bt product Dipel & Xentari. Presented at the 1993 Abbott corporate technology exchange.
Role of Smart Polymers in Auto Industry. Presented to Ford Motor Company.
Certificates
Design and Interpretation of Clinical Trials from John Hopkins University
Certified Lead ISO Auditor
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
In process of getting PhD in Nanoscience (will graduate in Fall of 2017)
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois
MS degree in Material and Chemical Synthesis, December 2001
MS degree in Analytical Chemistry, May 2000
Loyola University - Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
ACS certified Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, May 1991
Bachelor in Physics, May 1991
Bachelor in Philosophy, May 1990
Bachelor in Political Science, May 1990
HOBBIES
Soccer, Video games, Martial arts, biking, reading and computers.