Scientist Ii Molecular Biology

Megha Thakur, Ph.D.

315-***-**** - ***********@******.***

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Woburn, MA

SUMMARY

Accomplished and results-driven scientist with deep expertise in drug discovery, pharmacology, and translational research. Extensive experience in both in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, with a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques and mechanistic studies. Proven ability to drive therapeutic discovery through innovative experimental design, assay development, and biomarker analysis. Adept at cross-functional collaboration and scientific leadership in fast-paced biotech environments. Recognized for significant scientific contributions, with 10 publications and multiple prestigious fellowships and awards. EXPERIENCE

Scientist II – In Vivo/ In Vitro Pharmacology (Company Shutdown Feb 2025) Kojin Therapeutics, Boston, MA (Sep 2024 – Feb 2025)

• Designed and conducted in vivo efficacy studies in collaboration with biologists and chemists.

• Developed xenograft models and assessed mechanisms of cell death pathways.

• Developed biomarker assays for oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and immune modulation. Scientist II – In Vivo/ In Vitro Pharmacology

Biocytogen, Waltham, MA (May 2024 – Aug 2024)

• Led multiple in vivo and in vitro pharmacology projects focusing on immune modulation and inflammatory responses.

• Developed and optimized ELISA, MSD, and Luminex assays for biomarker quantification.

• Authored study protocols and comprehensive technical reports. Scientist – In Vivo/ In Vitro Pharmacology (Company Shutdown Jan 2024) Catamaran Bio, Boston, MA (Sep 2023 – Jan 2024)

• Designed and executed in vivo studies for CAR-NK cell therapy targeting solid tumors.

• Evaluated tumor microenvironment and immune cell dynamics by tumor dissociation and using flow cytometry (BD FACSymphony™).

• Utilized bioluminescence imaging (AMI) to monitor in vivo tumor progression. Research Scholar

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX (June 2016 – Aug 2017)

• Investigated DNA polymerase beta mutations leading to genomic instability and inflammation.

• Used molecular biology techniques to assess DNA repair mechanisms in gastric cancer models. Associate Scientist

Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, India (Oct 2010 – Mar 2015)

• Conducted pharmacokinetic studies of small molecules and biologics in preclinical models.

• Performed jugular vein and bile duct cannulation for ADME studies.

• Received 4 Bristol Myers Squibb R&D Star Awards for outstanding contributions. EDUCATION

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology and Toxicology – GPA: 3.94 (May 2023) PhD Thesis: Oncogenic Role of FGFR2 in UVB-induced Skin Carcinogenesis

• Developed a keratinocyte-specific, CRE-inducible FGFR2 knockout mouse model to elucidate FGFR2’s role in skin cancer.

• Identified critical signaling pathways in UVB-induced tumorigenesis, resulting in two first-author publications.

• Demonstrated >50% reduction in tumor burden in FGFR2 knockout mice.

• Presented findings at 10+ national/international conferences; received Best Poster Awards at AACR-JCA and International Skin Conference.

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India

• Masters in Pharmacology – First Class with Distinction (Oct 2010) Thesis: ‘Screening of clonidine and role of growth hormone on hepatoprotective activity in rats’

• Bachelors in Pharmacy – First Class with Distinction (June 2007) TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Invivo: Mouse xenograft PK/PD models, Inducible Cre models, Drug administration via IV/PO/SC/IP, Jugular vein and bile duct cannulations in rat.

• Exvivo: Isolation of primary keratinocytes from mouse skin.

• Assay Development: ELISA, MSD, Luminex, qRT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry.

• Molecular Biology: CRISPR gene editing, cell culture, transfection, proliferation assays, transduction.

• Immunology Techniques: Flow cytometry (BD FACSymphony™), immune cell profiling, cytokine analysis.

• Software & Documentation: Studylog, GraphPad Prism, Benchling, Labguru, Aura Imaging. PUBLICATIONS

1. Thakur M, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2024;144(2):341–350. 2. Thakur MA, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2022;142(11):2873–2884. 3. Zhao S, Klattenhoff AW, Thakur M, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2019;11(8). 4. Zhao S*, Thakur M*, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2019;11(6). (First co-author) 5. Subbaiah M, Thakur M, et al. J Med Chem. 2019.

6. Klattenhoff AW, Thakur M, et al. Oncotarget. 2017;8(68):112942–112958. 7. Kallem R, Thakur M, et al. Drug Metab Lett. 2012;6:134–144. 8. Rasal VP, Purnima A, Pasha I, Thakur M, Alatgi AC. Indian Drugs. 2011;48. 9. Biradar S, Kangralkar VA, Mandavkar Y, Thakur M, Chougule N. Int J Pharm Sci. 2010;2:112–115. 10. Biradar SS, Rasal VP, Biradar SS, Thakur M. Pharmacologyonline. 2010:19–24. TEACHING & LEADERSHIP

• Teaching: Introduction to Biology, Physical and chemical principles of drugs.

• Mentorship: Supervised graduate and undergraduate students at UT Austin. HONORS & AWARDS

• AACR Scholar-in-Trainee Award (2022)

• Best Poster Awards – International Skin Conference, Molecular Carcinogenesis Conference, Livestrong Cancer Institute, International DMPK Symposium.

• 7 Research Fellowships ($110,000+ in funding)

CERTIFICATIONS

• MIT Sloan School of Management – Artificial Intelligence in Pharma and Biotech (2024)

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