Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Core Competencies
Other Relevant Experiences
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Racheal O. Kpete

Senior Research Associate
South San Francisco,CA

Summary

Experienced and detail-oriented researcher with a strong background in pre-clinical and clinical CAR-T cell biomarker research. Possessing 5 years of hands-on academic and industry experience, specializing in laboratory techniques such as large sample preparation and multiplex plate-based assays. Proficient in authoring SOPs and scientific report writing, ensuring adherence to excellent GLP standards. Adaptive team player with in-depth knowledge of data collection, confidential document control, and problem-solving. Thrives in handling complex issues, meeting strict deadlines, and adapting to rapidly changing conditions.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Senior Research Associate - Translational Medicine

Cargo Therapeutics
, CA
10.2023 - Current
  • Directed the execution of 3 assay qualification studies for MSD, including writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), implementing experimental plans, and conducting thorough data analysis and scientific reporting.
  • Managed the integration of the ELLA (automated ELISA) platform into the translational medicine lab, establishing operational systems and performing exploratory analyses to verify assay accuracy and reproducibility.
  • Spearheaded the validation of various analytical assays, compiling results and drafting comprehensive technical reports to ensure the accuracy and reliability of methodologies used in detecting and quantifying process-related bioanalytical constructs.
  • Enhanced laboratory productivity by introducing innovative software tools for efficient data management and analysis, ensuring adherence to best laboratory practices and regulatory standards.
  • Assessed emerging technologies for their potential incorporation into ongoing research efforts, fostering collaboration with external partners on joint research initiatives.
  • Maintained meticulous records of project data and experimental analyses in an Electronic Notebook (ELN), ensuring compliance with ALCOA+ principles and promptly updating records in response to changes.

Research Associate II - Bioanalytical

Charles River Laboratories
, CA
03.2022 - 09.2023
  • Executed analytical method development and quantification of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) biomarker analysis on LCMS and plate-based immunoassay platforms.
  • Performed numerous single and multiplex biomarker analysis on MESO Quickplex SQ 120 MSD platform.
  • Optimized and ran routine ELISAs for characterization of human IgG concentration in murine animal samples.
  • Successfully isolated pure nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) from rodent tissue samples in support of CNS and oncology biomarker analysis.
  • Developed a training program for protein quantification using Bicinchoninic Assay (BCA) to support experimental training within the Bioanalytical department. Successfully trained 4 RAs within 3 weeks of it launching.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with Scientist and fellow Research Associates in troubleshooting, analyzing, and reporting large study data sets on Microsoft Excel; allowing for high throughput and faster study turn-around times.

Graduate Research Student

Northeastern University
, CA
05.2021 - 08.2021
  • Successfully cultured and maintained mammalian HEK293 cells in a BSL-2 laboratory. Established primary cell lines and subcultured cells for further propagation.
  • Routinely stained and counted cells using a hemocytometer to determine cell density and viability.
  • Proficiency in cell seeding into 6-well and 96-well plate formats.
  • Followed established protocols for the quantification and determination of protein concentration via BCA and western blotting.
  • Gained deep and practical understanding of other molecular biology and microbiology techniques such as primer design and PCR analysis (qPCR, RT-PCR) and flow cytometry.
  • Generated scientific reports and scientific posters for analyzed data at the end of the semester.

Education

Master of Science - Molecular Biotechnology

Northeastern University
Boston, MA
01.2020 - 08.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

Rosemont College
Bryn Mawr, PA
08.2012 - 05.2016

Skills

Data Analysis | Sampe Preparation | Sterile Techniques | Good Lab Practices (GLP) | Detail Oriented | Communication |  Problem Solving | HPLC | LC-MS | ELISA | MSD | Cell Culture | ELISA | Bencling ELN |

Core Competencies

  • Deep exposure and handling of biomolecular tissues and matrices including Blood, Plasma, Serum, CSF, Brain tissue etc.
  • Proficiency in executing plate based immunoassays (e.g. MSD, ELISA) using 96-well plate formats.
  • Excellent scientific report writing and SOP authoring skills following high level regulatory standards.
  • High level competency with troubleshooting and machine handling using Automated Liquid Handlers (Bravo & Integra systems), Nanodrops etc.
  • Advanced column chromatography extraction techniques and familiarity with LCMS platforms: AB Sciex and Agilent 5500, 6500, 7500.
  • Mastery of Microsoft Office and multiple data analysis software e.g Benchling, SoftMax Pro, MSD Discovery workbench 4.0, Analyst, Sciex OS, Prism, Microsoft Excel etc.

Other Relevant Experiences

Medical Assistant and Lab Technician, 03/2019 - 05/2021

Total Vision LLC - San Francisco CA

Assisted physicians in writing medical reports, prepping patients for examinations, diagnostic testing and coordinating treatment plans.


Documentation Specialist, 10/2016 - 03/2019

Augmedix - San Francisco CA

Oversaw clinical documentation of medical reports in the neurology, primary care, and gastroenterology departments.

Additional Information

Beast Award – Augmedix Inc. San Francisco, CA 2017 and 2018

  • Received two recognition awards for proactiveness and proficiency in providing accurate clinical data reports on over 6 different accounts.

Timeline

Senior Research Associate - Translational Medicine

Cargo Therapeutics
10.2023 - Current

Research Associate II - Bioanalytical

Charles River Laboratories
03.2022 - 09.2023

Graduate Research Student

Northeastern University
05.2021 - 08.2021

Master of Science - Molecular Biotechnology

Northeastern University
01.2020 - 08.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

Rosemont College
08.2012 - 05.2016
Racheal O. KpeteSenior Research Associate