PhD Chemist with Biochemistry & Biotech Experience

ANDREW J. SMITH

***********@*****.*** 413-***-**** Oklahoma City, OK

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-smith-b58180206/

SUMMARY

Ph.D. in Chemistry with 6+ years of research experience in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and structural biology. Skilled in chromatographic purification, spectroscopic characterization, analytical techniques such as differential scanning fluorimetry and mass spectrometry. Experience in working with small molecule inhibitors and protein complexes to investigate protein-small molecule and protein-protein interactions. Proficient in data analysis, technical report writing, and use of advanced laboratory instrumentation. Eager to contribute analytical chemical and biochemical expertise to further scientific research and development.

CORE COMPETENCIES

•Analytical method development & validation

•Protein purification (FPLC, affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion)

•Mass spectrometry data collection and analysis

•Liquid chromatography, UV/Vis spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis

•Chromatographic data analysis & interpretation

•Training other users in various instruments and techniques

•Instrument troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair

•Scientific documentation, figure conceptualization and editing, technical reporting

•Instrumentation: AKTA Pure 25, Waters Synapt G2-Si, Bruker micrOTOF II, Bio-Rad ImageDoc, Bio-Rad C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler, Bio-Rad CFX Connect Real-Time PCR Detection System

•Software: ChemDraw, PyMOL, MassLynx, Bio-Rad Image Lab, SnapGene, DynamX 3.0, Deuteros (open-source software), Adobe Illustrator, MS Office

WORK EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst MA January 2019 – January 2026

•Developed and optimized analytical and biochemical methods to evaluate proteases implicated in relevant diseases including Alzheimer’s Disease and Zika virus infection

•Expressed, purified, and characterized recombinant proteins using AKTA FPLC and analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and native and denaturing PAGE

•Established a method for determining proteolytic degradation of an intrinsically disordered protein that is processed at multiple sites

•Isolated and confirmed novel proteolytic products from caspase-6 cleavage of tau that have not been previously identified

•Conducted mass spectrometry on multiple proteins, including caspase-6, tau, DJ-1, and Zika virus protease NS2B-NS3 for accurate mass determination

•Performed hydrogen-deuterium exchange on Zika virus protease to characterize an allosteric binding pocket

•Conducted analysis of multiple proteins using LC-MS/MS, including folded proteins and intrinsically disordered proteins

•Authored and presented technical reports and experimental data to PI and collaborators

Undergraduate Student Researcher

SUNY Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY October 2016 – April 2017

•Preparation and characterization of thermo-reversible Pluronic® F127 hydrogels for small molecule encapsulation

EDUCATION

•University of Massachusetts Amherst

Ph.D. Chemistry

Dissertation: Molecular Insights into Protease–Substrate Interactions and Functional Dynamics in

Neurodegeneration and Viral Infection

•SUNY Stony Brook University

B.S. Biochemistry with chemistry minor

TECHNICAL SKILLS

•Analytical and biochemical techniques: UV/Vis spectroscopy, differential scanning fluorimetry, enzyme assays using fluorogenic peptide substrates, immunoblotting, native and denaturing PAGE

•Protein biochemistry and molecular biology: recombinant expression in E. coli, site-directed mutagenesis, Gibson assembly, fast protein liquid chromatography (affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography)

•Mass spectrometry: sample preparation, data analysis, LCMS, reverse phase liquid chromatography, intact protein mass determination, analysis of peptic peptides, hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) data collection and analysis

•Software: ChemDraw, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, MassLynx, DynamX 3.0, Deuteros (open-source software), PyMOL, Bio-Rad ImageLab, Adobe Illustrator, SnapGene

HIGHLIGHTS

•Formal training in AKTA Pure 25 and Synapt G2-Si instruments

•Strong background in scientific communication – technical writing, presentations, and collaborations with interdisciplinary teams

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