Research & Development Chemist
Resume:
Quentin Avila, Ph.D.
R&D Chemist
• adwunh@r.postjobfree.com
• Charlotte, NC 28210
EDUCATION
University of Oklahoma
Duerfeldt labs, Norman, OK
Ph.D.: Organic Chemistry
Dissertation: Development of
Synthetic Methodologies for N- to C-
Cyclization of Peptidomimetic Small
Molecules and In Silico and In Vivo
Studies of the Role of Cyclization on
Antibacterial and Antiviral Activities.
MS: Organic Chemistry
Thesis: Design and
Synthesis of ClpP Activators via
Computational Structure-Activity
Relationships.
SIGMA Clermont
Clermont-Ferrand, France
MS: Chemical Engineering
SKILLS
Research:
Organic Synthesis:
Multistep synthesis, Anhydrous
techniques, Flash chromatography.
Biochemical methods:
Buffer preparation, Enzymatic
activity and inhibition assays,
High-throughput drug screening.
Analytical methods:
NMR (1D and 2D), FTIR, UV/vis,
Fluorescence, HPLC, DSC, TGA.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Driven Research Chemist leveraging engineering background and extensive understanding of molecular interactions to advance new chemical technologies. Creative organized professional with significant experience in fiber coating product development, organic synthesis, and drug discovery by performing thorough research and structure property relationship studies.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Goulston Technologies, Monroe NC
Research and Development Chemist July 2022 – Current
• Developed polymer fabric coating 25% cheaper than current product on the market by substituting surfactant raw materials guided by structure-property relationship studies.
• Led multiple innovation projects by anticipating risks, effectively planning tasks, and addressing challenges to achieve objectives in a timely manner.
• Provided technical support to customers in coordination with sales team by supervising and executing analytical tests.
• Evaluated research findings to make interpretations and prepared technical reports, presentations to provide implementable solutions to customers.
• Utilized Materials Informatics tools to prioritize specific analytical tests and predict successful samples to optimize research progress.
• Participated in monthly safety inspections and educational offerings for promoting a safe and healthy work environment.
• Coordinated product scale-up and pilot trials with manufacturing group to advance the development of new products.
• Independent study of scientific literature and other technical resources to obtain new perspectives for the advancement of novel solutions.
Nielsen IP Law, Houston TX
Technical Advisor May 2022 – Current
• Review and analysis of novel chemical structures in view of prior art/known structures and structural genus to assist in legal opinions of patentability, invalidity and/or infringement of another’s patent rights
• Assisted in the preparation of patent claims having various scope in procuring patent rights in and to chemical structures including molecular genus.
• Prepared patent application specification directed to chemical structures and synthesis of making the product.
• Counseled patent attorney on multiple chemical technologies by reviewing scientific literature and preparing reports and presentations to assess claims of patent applications. SKILLS
Software:
Chemistry:
ChemDraw, Chem3D.
Computational Chemistry:
PyMOL, Gaussian, AutoDock
Vina, Schrodinger suite.
Office:
Word, Excel, Powerpoint.
Language:
French (native)
INTERESTS
Painting, Baking.
University of Oklahoma, Norman OK
Research Assistant June 2015 – May 2022
• Optimized synthetic methodologies to generate a library of 50 chemically diverse small molecule to study small-molecule accumulation in Gram-negative bacteria.
• Prepared fragment-based designs of small molecules via molecular modeling and docking studies to prioritize the synthesis of a library of small molecules.
• Performed fluorescence-based assays to assess the activity of a library of small molecules on recombinant protein.
• Discovered N- to C-terminal cyclization of peptidomimetic enabling the study of the impact of cyclization on the binding of the chemotype.
• Managed 5 junior graduate students including supervision, guidance and mentorship on best practices while providing constructive feedback. Training and technical support for the Duerfeldt labs by designing procedures for computational methods
(e.g., docking studies, molecular optimization).
• Prepared a research proposal to investigate the antiviral potential of multiple chemotypes targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main protease. PUBLICATION & AWARDS
• Ziwei Hu, Inga V. Leus, Brinda Chandar, Bradley S. Sherborne, Quentin P. Avila, Valentin V. Rybenkov, Helen I. Zgurskaya, and Adam S. Duerfeldt. J. Med. Chem. 2022 65 (20), 141**-*****.
• Avila, Quentin; Zgurskaya, Helen; Duerfeldt, Adam. Recent Advances Towards Rational Antibacterial Discovery Addressing Permeation and Efflux. Medicinal Chemistry Reviews. 2017, 52.
• COVID-19-Related Rapid Response Research Seed Grant, University of Oklahoma, 2020
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Society for Chemical and Biochemical Researchers, Norman OK Vice President 2017 – 2021
• Facilitated the transition of first year students into graduate school.
• Coordinated seminars with industry speakers.
• Organized social events in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (e.g., annual departmental events, networking events, panel discussions).
• Served as liaison between graduate students, university administration and faculty for addressing student concerns while advocating for improved graduate student life.
Contact this candidate