Rodrigo Mansilla
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Highly accomplished Senior Research Scientist with a robust background in recombinant protein expression, purification and characterization, specializing in research and development of biopharmaceuticals. Skilled in experimental design, critical data analysis, and leading cross-functional teams to successfully manage innovative research projects, coupled with strong problem-solving skills and effective communication abilities. Proven track record of mentoring and advancing biotechnological research, with a focus on innovative therapeutic solutions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Assistant - Volunteer
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia
12.2024 - Current
- Carry out chromatographic purification procedures for recombinant antibody-like molecules.
- Develop and characterize the physical properties of nanoparticle formulations based on non-ionized niosomes.
Senior Research Scientist - Downstream Process
Center of Biotechnology and Biomedicine
Concepción, Bio Bio
02.2014 - 11.2024
- Lead project teams in the development of new recombinant proteins for therapeutic and diagnostic use in humans and animals.
- Responsible for developing and implementing upstream and downstream processes for the production of recombinant proteins, such as hormones, growth factors, cytokines, Fc-fusion proteins, antibody fragments, and chimeric antigens.
- Conduct the development and implementation of biological assays for the validation of recombinant therapeutic proteins.
- Design ELISA assays for the detection of recombinant hormones in animal blood samples.
- Carry out the development of topical gel formulations based on recombinant proteins, and the assessment of their efficiency in animal models.
Research Assistant
University of Concepción
Concepción, Bio Bio
12.2012 - 11.2024
- Conduct research and development activities to discover and produce new therapeutic proteins.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior bioengineers, biochemists, and biologists, training them on good laboratory practices, instrument operation and maintenance, and molecular biology techniques.
- Discover new single-chain antibody fragments against human growth factors through phage display technology.
- Develop mammalian cell lines producing recombinant proteins, such as growth factors, Fc-fusion proteins, and antibodies.
- Set up upstream processes for recombinant protein expression in bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cell lines.
- Design and implement downstream processes for recombinant protein production, including in vitro protein refolding, chromatography purification (IEC, IMAC, SEC, HIC, protein A affinity), and buffer exchange (dialysis, diafiltration, tangential flow filtration).
- Carry out in vitro and in vivo assays for the biological activity testing of recombinant proteins.
Research Assistant
VETternology Diagnostic Solutions
Concepción, Bio Bio
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Produce recombinant chimeric antigens expressing epitopes of Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma cynos.
- Conduct immunoassays to characterize the antigenic response for chimeric antigens.
- Develop a lateral flow assay (LFA) for the detection of dogs infected with kennel cough.
Education
Master of Science - Biochemistry And Bioinformatics
University of Concepcion
Concepcion, Chile06-2015
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
University of Concepcion
Concepcion, Chile07-2012
Skills
- Molecular biology (PCR, gene cloning, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, ELISA)
- Recombinant protein expression (hormones, growth factors, cytokines, Fc-fusion proteins, antibody fragments, and chimeric antigens) in E coli, P pastoris, HEK and CHO cells
- Protein purification using lab-scale AKTA systems (AKTAprime, AKTAstart, AKTApure), and UNICORN software
- Upstream bioprocessing optimization utilizing cell culture platforms, such as shake flasks and lab-scale bioreactors
- Downstream bioprocess (tangential flow filtration and chromatography protein purification by IEC, HIC, SEC, IMAC, MMC, and protein A affinity)
- In vitro protein refolding (on-column and buffer exchange)
- Protein-protein interaction characterization by microscale thermophoresis (MST)
- Cell-based assay development and optimization for drug discovery (3T3, KIT225, CTLL-2, Hep-2)
- Selection of antibody-like molecules by phage display
- Lateral flow assay design and development
- Research project design and grant writing
- Mentorship for undergraduate students
- Organizational and time-management skills
- Analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Project management
- Teamwork
- Leadership
Research Projects
- Development and validation of a human interleukin 2 biobetter variant for metastatic renal cancer treatment. Project manager and senior scientist (Dec 2022 - Nov 2024).
- Development of a recombinant chimeric vaccine against pcv2 and validation of its biological effects. Research assistant (Apr 2022 - May 2023).
- Development of a new lateral flow diagnostic system against dog kennel cough. Research assistant (May 2022 - Feb 2023).
- Characterization of growth hormone secretagogue as stimulating molecule for salmonids immune system. Research assistant (Jan 2021 - Dec 2021).
- Validation of a therapeutic formulation for wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer patients. Project manager and senior scientist (Dec 2017 - Mar 2020).
- Development and validation of a recombinant alpha human interferon production process: new line of viral medicine treatment. Project manager and senior research (Mar 2017 - Dec 2018).
- Therapeutic prototype for the treatment of lung cancer. Project manager and research (Oct 2014 - Jan 2016).
- Pharmaceutical formulation applied to diabetic foot ulcers. Research assistant (Mar 2014 - Dec 2015).
- Innovate a high-flow biotechnology platform for the generation of new antibody-like molecules from phagemid vectors. Production of anti-VEGF molecules for use as biopharmaceuticals for therapeutic use. Research assistant (Jan 2013 - Dec 2013).
- Development of a production process for epidermal growth factor. Project manager and research (Mar 2012 - Jun 2013).
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Professional
Patents and Publications
- Development and characterization of a novel variant of long-acting bovine follicle-stimulating hormone (brscFSH). Cabeza O., Parra N., Cerro R., Mansilla R., Zuniga-Sanchez R., Gutierrez-Reinoso M., Escribano E., Castillo R., Rodriguez-Alvarez L., Tavarese K., Gaudencioe S., Martinse L., Hugues F., Acosta J.,Moreno E., Montesino R., García-Herreros m., Camacho F., Toledo J., Sanchez O. (2024). Theriogenology. 226, 76-86.
- Polymeric nanoencapsulation of alpha interferon increases drug bioavailability and induces a sustained antiviral response in vivo. Pedroso S., Lamazares E., Fleitas N., Gancino M., Mansilla R., Gomez C., Altamirano C., Fernandez K., Ruiz A., Toledo J.R. Materials Science & Engineering. C 116-111260 (2020).
- Expression and Characterization of Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Produced in SiHa Cells Transduced with Adenoviral Vector. Parra N., Mansilla R., Aedo G., Vispo N., González I., Castillo C., Camacho F., Sánchez O. (2019). The Protein Journal. 38, 693-703.
- Preliminary study for the detection of pig specific antibodies against peptides obtained from PRRSV envelope proteins using Dot blot assay. Zuniga R., Czub M., Waeckerlin R., Mansilla R., Camacho F., Ruiz A. (2017). Bionatura. 2 (4), 432-36.
- Polypeptide molecules against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Sanchez O., Camacho F., Toledo J., Mansilla R., Zapata L., Salas A. (2014). WO2016065494A1.
Certification
- "Animal Cell Culture Technology" course. Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso. Dec 2014
- "Get started: ÄKTA pure™ system" online course. Cytiva. Jan 2025.
- "Tips and troubleshooting: recombinant protein production" online course. Cytiva. April 2024
Affiliations
- Volleyball player
Timeline
Research Assistant - Volunteer
University of British Columbia
12.2024 - Current
Research Assistant
VETternology Diagnostic Solutions
12.2021 - 12.2022
Senior Research Scientist - Downstream Process
Center of Biotechnology and Biomedicine
02.2014 - 11.2024
Research Assistant
University of Concepción
12.2012 - 11.2024
Master of Science - Biochemistry And Bioinformatics
University of Concepcion
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
University of Concepcion
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