RAJIV P. BANDWAR, Ph.D.

US Citizen 1-908-***-****

Piscataway, NJ, USA adwsvv@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

• Accomplished life-sciences professional in immunoassays, bioanalytical assays and assay technologies, product research and development, analytical and preclinical validation of in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) methods, high- throughput screening, and translational sciences.

• Extensive experience in biochemical/biophysical methods development, biomarker assays, enzyme kinetics, protein biochemistry, and biomolecular interactions and characterization of large and small molecules.

• Avid and diligent collaborator in cross-functional scientific and management teams. Acknowledged for impeccable work ethics, project leadership, innovation, adaptability, forward-looking attitude, inspiration, enthusiasm, clear communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Highly motivated with a goal to proactively lead/consult in biotech/pharma/CRO R&D projects. ACHIEVEMENTS

• Developed novel diagnostic assays and technical methods for IVD product development, drug discovery, high- throughput screening (HTS), and translational sciences.

• Successfully led and managed preclinical validation studies of multiple pre-commercialization IVD prototypes.

• Led development of high-throughput immunoassay platform in pharma collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline

(China) for screening 2-million compounds as anti-Alzheimer’s, anti-Parkinson’s disease therapeutics. Successfully validated and delivered an Alpha assay platform to GSK 1-month ahead of milestone.

• Set up and managed a robotic high-throughput crystallization screening and imaging facility.

• Initiated several highly productive research collaborations (national and international) that resulted in over 40 publications, reviews, book chapters, posters, talks, abstracts, and renewal of major federal research grants, one of which was converted to MERIT award to the principal investigator.

• Led and managed academic and biotechnology research and development projects and supervised scientific personnel (entry to mid-level scientists, graduate students, postdocs, and interns). PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Principal Scientist (Full-time >> Contract) 2014-Present Allied Innovative Systems, Chatham, NJ

• Led design and execution of multiple diagnostic biomarker assays based on patented innovative technologies.

• Developed three diagnostic methods (including point-of-care) from concept to test prototypes through iterative design control process and vendor management.

• Successfully designed, executed, and managed three analytical and preclinical validation studies, and analyzed data. Procured human peripheral blood and derived products; managed biosample operations and inventory.

• Devised R&D and regulatory strategies for product development and commercialization, patent application, and assisted in grant applications and business development.

• Key personnel on several NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, including two Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) Program applications. Subject Matter Expert 2012-2014

Your Encore, Princeton, NJ

Provide technical expertise/consultation to biotech / pharma clients in research and development projects. Principal Scientist 2010-2012

Signum Biosciences, Princeton, NJ

• Led from bench and developed high-throughput screening (HTS) assays towards compound screening for drug discovery against neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) biomarkers.

• Developed, validated, and delivered an Alpha assay platform to GSK China for HTS of 2+ million compounds.

• QC assay reagents, analyzed postmortem human brain tissue for neurodegenerative diseases biomarkers.

• Generated SOP's, due-diligence documents, and research budget proposals.

• Represented company in due-diligence/business meetings with potential pharma partners (GSK China, AstraZeneca USA) and CRO’s (Blue Sky Biotech, GenScript). Assistant Research Professor 2007-2010

Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ

• Set up and managed a robotic high-throughput crystallization screening and imaging facility at the center.

• Provided high-resolution crystals of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase (RT) DNA/RNA complexes to study HIV drug-resistance mechanism in a multi-disciplinary, multi-industry (Rutgers, NIH, Gilead Sciences) project.

• Developed fluorescence and radioactive assays for HIV-1 RT activity, inhibitor / compound screening. Research Specialist 2000-2006

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ

• Developed fluorescence and radioactive assays for pre-steady-state and steady-state enzyme kinetics of RNA polymerases of bacteriophage T7, yeast mitochondria, Hepatitis C virus (Merck/Schering-Plough contract) for studies of replication and identification of rate limiting steps as antiviral and antibiotic drug targets. EDUCATION / TRAINING / CERTIFICATION

Postdoctoral training in Chemistry and Biochemistry from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Ph.D. in Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, India. M.Sc. in Chemistry from Institute of Science, Nagpur University, India. B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology from Institute of Science, Nagpur University, India. Bloodborne Pathogens for Healthcare - Online Course Certification for NIH compliance. Protecting Human Research Participants - Online Training & Certification for NIH compliance. AWARDS / HONORS (Selected)

• 2009: Publication (Das, Bandwar, et al, J. Biol. Chem. 284, 35092-100) recommended by the Faculty of 1000.

• 2004: Outstanding research presentation award from UMDNJ-RWJMS Department of Biochemistry.

• 2003: Research Achievement Award from UMDNJ for contributions to Annual Research Day.

• 2002: Publication (Bandwar et al, Biochemistry 41, 3586-95) cited as “New & Notable” research by The- Scientist magazine (Vol. 16, Jun 24, 2002, page 29), and the work on kinetic and thermodynamic basis of promoter strength recognized as “New Finding” and “Technological Advance” by the Faculty of 1000. TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS

• Assay Development / Enzymology: Plan, execute, and analyze mechanism-of-action studies using biochemical, biophysical and molecular biology methods. Develop in-vitro HTS assays (96-/384-well plate, radioactive/dot- blot/fluorescent/Alpha formats) for drug/inhibitor/fragment compound screening studies. Troubleshoot assay disconnects. Identify and validate drug targets; advance compound hits and drug targets in early drug discovery

/ preclinical process.

• Protein Biochemistry and Structural Biology: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of protein structure, chemistry, stability, and structure-activity relationship (SAR). High-throughput protein crystallization, screening and optimization, structural analysis. Linear/Non-linear regression analysis, statistical analysis, computer simulation of biochemical data, SigmaPlot, KinTekSim, ImageQuant, SoftMax Pro, Image- J, Scientist software programs.

• Biochemical and Molecular Biology: Recombinant protein expression, extraction, purification and characterization (using UV-vis, FPLC, HPLC, IEC, SEC, IMAC, SDS-PAGE, IEF, DLS, western blot). Site- directed mutagenesis, PCR, cloning, cell transformation, cell culture, cell sorting, aseptic techniques. ELISA and cell-based assays.

• Analytical and Biophysical Instrumentation/Methods: Envision, Storm, Typhoon, TopCount, Beckman LSC, Fluoromax, KinTek, AKTA, Waters, PhastSystem, Janus, Gryphon/Phoenix instruments – operation, maintenance and troubleshooting. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and surface plasmon resonance

(SPR/Biacore, training / certification from GE Healthcare). Flow Cytometry (Millipore Guava EasyCyte).

• Project Management: Proficient interaction with cross-functional teams, strategic planning, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Generate SOP's, due-diligence documents, budget and grant proposals, QC methods and materials. Personnel training, supervision, lab safety, GLP, compliance, and Medical Science Liaison (MSL).

Additional Info (endorsements, recommendations, certifications, etc.): https://www.linkedin.com/in/bandwar PATENTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Patents

1. Bystryak S. and Bandwar R.P. (2020) “Modular device and methods for performing flow-through assays” United States Patent-pending.

2. Bystryak S., Dobiszewski K., and Bandwar R.P. (2022) “Methods for performing ultrasound assisted particle agglutination reactions” United States Patent Application. In preparation. Reviews / Book chapters

1. Patel S.S. and Bandwar R.P. (2003) “Fluorescence methods for studying the kinetics and thermodynamics of transcription initiation,” Methods in Enzymology 370, 668-686. 2. Patel S.S., Bandwar R.P. and Levin M.K. (2003) “Transient-state kinetics and computational analysis of transcription initiation,” Kinetic Analysis of Macromolecules (Practical Approach Series), K. A. Johnson

(Editor), Oxford University Press, Chapter 5, pp 87-129. 3. Bandwar R.P. and Rao C.P. (1997) “Transition-metal saccharide chemistry and biology: An emerging field of multidisciplinary interest,” Current Science, India (Special section: chemistry-biology interface) 72, 788-796. Peer-reviewed research articles (out of 27 total)

1. Bystryak S., Bandwar R.P. and Ossina N. (2022) “A pilot study to assess the performance of a rapid ultrasound particle agglutination method for the detection of HIV antibodies”, J. Immunoassay Immunochem. 43, 176-191.

2. Bystryak S., Acharya C., Dobiszewski K., Zhu H. and Bandwar R.P. (2020) “Preclinical assessment of a cartridge-based flow-through assay for determination of adult CD4 T-Cell count”, The Open AIDS Journal 14, 50-60.

3. Bystryak S., Bandwar R.P. and Santockyte R. (2019) “A flow-through cell counting assay for point-of-care enumeration of CD4 T-cells”, J. Virol. Methods 271, 113672. 4. Das K., Martinez S.E., Bandwar R.P. and Arnold E. (2014) “Structures of HIV-1 RT-RNA/DNA ternary complexes with dATP and nevirapine reveal conformational flexibility of RNA/DNA: insights into requirements for RNase H cleavage,” Nucleic Acids Res. 42, 8125-8137. 5. Tang G-Q., Nandakumar D., Bandwar R.P., Lee K.S., Roy R., Ha T. and Patel S.S. (2014) “Relaxed Rotational and Scrunching Changes in P266L Mutant of T7 RNA Polymerase Reduce Short Abortive RNAs while Delaying Transition into Elongation,” PLoS One 9, e91859. 6. Das K., Bandwar R.P., White K.L., Feng J.Y., Sarafianos S.G., Tuske S., Tu X., Clark A.D. Jr., Boyer P.L., Hou X., Gaffney B.L., Jones R.A., Miller M.D., Hughes S.H. and Arnold E. (2009) “Structural basis for the role of the K65R mutation in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase polymerization, excision antagonism, and tenofovir resistance,” J. Biol. Chem. 284, 350**-*****.

7. Tang G-Q., Roy R., Bandwar R.P., Ha T. and Patel S.S. (2009) “Real-time observation of the transition from transcription initiation to elongation of the RNA polymerase,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 106, 221**-*****. 8. Bandwar R.P., Ma N., Emanuel S.A., Anikin M., Vassylyev D.G., Patel S.S. and McAllister W.T. (2007) “The transition to an elongation complex by T7 RNA polymerase is a multistep process,” J. Biol. Chem. 282, 22879- 22886.

9. Bandwar R.P., Tang G-Q. and Patel S.S. (2006) “Sequential release of promoter contacts during transcription initiation to elongation transition,” J. Mol. Biol. 360, 466-483. 10. Tang G-Q., Bandwar R.P. and Patel S.S. (2005) “Extended upstream A-T sequence increases T7 promoter strength,” J. Biol. Chem. 280, 407**-*****.

11. Bandwar R.P. and Patel S.S. (2002) “The energetics of consensus promoter opening by T7 RNA polymerase,” J. Mol. Biol. 324, 63-72.

12. Bandwar R.P., Jia Y., Stano N.M. and Patel S.S. (2002) “Kinetic and thermodynamic basis of promoter strength: Multiple steps of transcription initiation by T7 RNA polymerase are modulated by the promoter sequence,” Biochemistry 41, 3586-3595.

Conferences/Talks

• Over 10 conference posters at national and international meetings (ACS, Biophysical Society, GRC, FASEB).

• 2 Talks given at the Transcriptional Regulation and Oncogenesis Program meetings (UMDNJ, Rutgers).

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