Scientist / Manager Scientist

SERGEY B. KUZNETSOV, PhD

**** ******* **** • Louisville, Kentucky 40229

434-***-**** • ****************@*****.***

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE ~ SCIENTIST

Award-winning Research Scientist with PhD in Genetics and extensive background planning and coordinating highly complex R&D projects in the areas of Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Molecular Genetics.

20+ years of experience spanning biopharmaceutical discovery, mammalian gene mapping, cell pluripotency and differentiation, cancer biology, gene construction, and recombinant protein expression.

Solid background in siRNA/transfection/transduction expression analysis, in vivo/ex vivo procedures, and development of molecular diagnostic and cell-based functional assays for drug discovery.

Uniquely qualified to initiate and direct laboratory operations, research, and experiments supporting pre-clinical and clinical studies while driving development of groundbreaking biopharmaceutical and biotech products.

Highly developed leadership and communication skills with talent for inspiring superior team performance while coordinating initiatives in deadline-driven environments.

Areas of Expertise

Scientific Research & Development • Scientific Writing & Editing • Cell Line Development

DNA & RNA Isolation, Analysis, Detection • ELISA • Western Blotting • Knock-out Mice

Recombinant Protein Expression • Mouse & Mouse Embryo Manipulation • Gene Engineering Laboratory Protocols & Reporting • Tissue Culture • Plasmid Vector Construction

Mouse Xenograft Cancer Models • Mammalian & Bacterial Cells Transfection/Transformation

DNA/RNA Extraction • Southern-Blot Hybridization • Cloning & DNA Library

DNA Sequencing • Cryosectioning of Mammalian Tissues • Immuohystochemistry & Microscoping

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, Louisville, Kentucky • 2010-2011

Research Associate, Gheens Center of Aging: Planned and executed research projects focused on the role of micro RNAs in the processes of development and aging. Conducted in-depth analysis and quantitative/qualitative research of critical subject matter data and processes.

Highlights:

• Designed and constructed plasmid DNA vectors for transfection of neuronal cells.

• Isolated and cultured mouse primary neuron cells.

• Designed and built 10 plasmid DNA constructions with different micro RNA genes for target delivery to the mouse brain for neuron specific gene expression.

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, Kingston, Rhode Island • 2008-2010

Research Fellow, Department of Physics: Performed cutting-edge cancer research encompassing in vivo imaging of tumors and direct delivery of specific drugs to treat tumors. Utilized mouse xenograft model of cancer; injected and grew human cancer cells, and dissected tumors/organs for cryosectioning and microscoping.

Highlight:

• Produced findings illuminating the possibility to mark tumors and metastases with special fluorescent dyes, enabling detection in organisms and effective dissection of tumors during surgical operations.

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, Charlottesville, Virginia • 2005-2008

Research Associate, Department of Pathology: Served as key contributor to high profile research initiatives focused on the role of NORE1A gene and protein (relative to RASSF1A gene) in tumor suppression, and the mechanisms of this suppression. Monitored and maintained compliance with data collection and project protocols. Prepared and submitted comprehensive reports, documentation, and research results. Continued…

SERGEY B. KUZNETSOV, PhD • Page 2 • ****************@*****.***

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, Highlights:

• Successfully confirmed the suppressive activity of NOR1A protein on mouse model, and discovered a new tumor self-protection mechanism from NORE1A and RASSF1A suppressors.

• Developed plasmid DNAs; transfecting human and mouse cancer cells, checking the expression of proteins of interest.

• Delivered conclusive evidence that calpains, a family of proteins involved in growth control, are responsible for cleavage of NORE1A and its closest relative RASSF1A tumor suppressor by tumor cell lines.

• Identified a new mechanism allowing many lung cancer cells to escape growth suppression: a proteolysis of tumor suppressors NORE1A and RASSF1A by calpains as alternative mechanism of their down-regulation.

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT HEALTH CENTER, • 2003-2005

Visiting Fellow, Center for Vascular Biology: Pivotal driver in the study of Hif2a (hypoxia inducible factor 2, alfa subunit) gene and protein, a key contributor to the vascularization of tumors. Analyzed a difference in expression and degradation of this protein and its close relative Hif1a gene and protein.

INSTITUTE OF CYTOLOGY & GENETICS, Novosibirsk, Russia • 1986-2003

Senior Research Scientist (1996-2003): Played vital role in numerous large-scale research projects. Designed experiments; developed and maintained laboratory protocols, notebooks, and documentation. Effectively formulated and executed strategic design, preparation, and conduct of study. Applied for and won multiple grants from Russian Fund of Basic Investigations, as well as an Emergency Research Grant from the International Science Foundation.

Highlights:

• Successfully completed cutting edge research and projects in the areas of gene mapping, and cell and chromosome differentiation study in hybrid somatic cell clones, and somatic hybrids of embryonic stem cells and differentiated cells between different mammalian species, including human.

• One of a select group of individuals assigned to Grant # 265 from Russian Government to support young scientists: “Mapping of pig chromosomes using pig-mink hybrid cells: chromosome 2 and 12”.

• Deployed molecular and biochemical methods (PCR/RT-PCR; protein electrophoresis; etc) for precise gene mapping in mammals, and investigation of cell differentiation.

• Credited with developing numerous techniques to detect smallest differences in electrophoretic mobility of enzymes of parental species in hybrid clones, which was critical for gene mapping of the pig genome. Subsequently, using somatic cell hybrid panel pig-American mink, singlehandedly mapped 20 genes of the domestic pig, Sus scrofa.

• Localized more 50+ genes and microsatellite loci of the American mink, Mustella vison, with the somatic cell hybrid panel American mink-Chinese Hamster, in collaboration with Dr. S. O’Brien from the National Cancer Institute, a world leader in comparative gene mapping.

• Played major role in the study of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells by using hybrid cell panel between mouse embryonic stem cells and differentiated cells. Delivered groundbreaking results including discovery of non-random segregation of “differentiated cell” chromosomes in the hybrid cells and a phenomenon of “chromosomal memory”.

Note: Additional positions with Institute of Cytology & Genetics include Research Scientist, Research Fellow, and Research Assistant.

EDUCATION / CREDENTIALS

Ph.D., Genetics, Institute of Cytology & Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia

Master of Science, Biology, Rostov State University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

(Both Ph.D. and M.S. were evaluated by Global Credential Evaluators Inc. and Morningside Evaluations & Consulting for accreditation in USA.)

*Extensive List of Publications, Presentations, and Lectures Available Upon Request*

*Willing to Relocate*

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