Felix Chu

20+ years of experience in Histology, Immunohistochemistry, and biomarker development with a focus on Oncology and Immunology. Proven track record with screening, optimization, and validation of commercial and in-house antibodies to discover and characterize novel tumor antigens and develop anti-tumor drugs. Expertise in designing, executing, imaging, troubleshooting, analyzing, and presenting on Multiplex IHC (chromogenic and immunofluorescent) to understand and characterize the mechanism of action in the tumor microenvironment.

Senior Scientist II - Abbvie CDx Pathology, Companion Diagnostics Center of Excellence

(2020-01)

• Develop multiplex assay by combining ISH and IHC methodology to detect RNA and protein on the same tissue.
• Develop transcriptomics high-plex IF panels.
• Screen, develop, optimize, and validate commercial and in-house antibodies for companion diagnostic and patient selection with clinical trials by IHC methodology.
• Oversee and manage multiple companion diagnostic projects with different Contract Research Organizations and vendors.
• Perform image analysis using HALO.

Scientist I - Atreca

(2016-01 - 2020-12)

• Established a Histology and Immunohistochemistry laboratory from the ground up.
• Evaluated and purchased equipment for processing, embedding, and sectioning FFPE tissue.
• Evaluated and purchased autostainer and immunostainer.
• Evaluated and purchased automated whole slide scanner for bright field and fluorescent.
• Develop dual IHC and IF protocol with immunofluorescent and chromogen on frozen and FFPE mouse and human tissues to contribute to antibody-target characterization research.
• Design, plan, and conduct antibody screening and validation using FFPE, frozen normal and tumor human TMA to determine Atreca's antibody binding specificity.
• Tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning of fixed and frozen tissues.
• Multiplex staining with immunofluorescent and chromogen to understand the tumor immune microenvironment (i.e.. Triple IF CD8/CD3/PDL1, FoxP3/OX40/CD4).
• Image acquisition and analysis using Zeiss Axio Scan and 3DHistech.
• Present data in team and company meetings.

Senior Research Associate - Genentech Pathology Core Labs Immunohistochemistry

(2009-01 - 2016-12)

• Develop multiplex IHC protocol with immunofluorescent or chromogen.
• Design, plan, conduct and interpret experiments for IHC method development with minimal supervision. Adheres to IHC lab SOPs and study timelines, reporting to a lab supervisor/manager.
• Interprets experimental data and modifies experimental design appropriately with minimal guidance from investigators, pathologists, or lab management.
• Independently researches internal and external sources to guide study design and experimental layout.
• Executes routine, clinical trial, or supernatant screen IHC studies; interprets and communicates results of such studies to lab management or study pathologist.
• Maintains scientific records, evaluates experimental data, draws conclusions, and coordinates laboratory work with the group's objectives.
• Performs investigations (literature searches, inquiries, collaborations) to initiate implementation of new technologies or new methods.
• Present data in lab meetings.
• Drafts, reviews, modifies, and maintains lab SOPs.
• Interacts with peers within the lab as well as pathologists and managers.
• Takes on administrative responsibilities such as EH&S issues, daily inspections, lab maintenance, and reagent order.
• Takes on technical responsibilities such as maintenance or operation of specialized equipment.
• Informal supervisory responsibilities (e.g. mentoring of junior lab members).

Histotechnologist II - Exact Sciences (Formerly Genomic Health)

(2013-01 - 2021-12)

• Perform routine and non-routine Histology procedures such as embedding, sectioning, and H&E staining.
• Perform macro dissection of samples (FFPE human breast, colon, and prostate samples).
• Prepare reagents, solutions, and controls.
• Perform and document equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Interact with internal Pathologists and external customers following SOP to ensure specimens are processed promptly.
• Provide summary reports on process metrics.

Associate Research Scientist II - Exelixis, INC.

(2003-01 - 2009-12)

• Manage and train two associate/assistant researchers.
• Assemble large data sets in PowerPoint format to present to upper management.
• Perform necropsy on mice and rats.
• Collect/Process/Embed tissue samples with Paraffin Tissue Processor and HistoEmbeddor
• Operate Leica Immuno Stainer for H&E and counter stain.
• Prepare special stains such as trichrome and pentachrome
• Operate Dako Autostainer Universal Staining System for immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.
• Process and embed tissue samples with Paraffin Tissue Processor and HistoEmbeddor
• Receive and accession specimens.
• Clean and maintain equipment and reagent systems.
• Order reagents, antibodies, and tool parts

Histotechnician - Northern California Gastroenterology Consultants, Pathology Lab

(2008-01 - 2009-12)

• Receive and accession specimens.
• Gross specimen and enter data accurately.
• Process and embed tissue samples with Paraffin Tissue Processor and HistoEmbeddor
• Section and stain tissue
• Clean and maintain equipment.

Associate Research Scientist - Lab Support on Assignment with EOS Biotechnology, INC.

(2002-01 - 2003-12)

• Process tissue samples with Paraffin Tissue Processor and HistoEmbeddor
• Free tissue sample with OCT in liquid nitrogen
• Operate Dako Autostainer Universal Staining System
• Run Immunohistochemistry using antigen retrieval technologies and signal amplification.
• Use different Antibodies such as CD 31, CD105, CD145, and Factor VIII
• Operate microtome and cryostat for serial or step section.
• Clean and maintain equipment and reagent systems.
• Order reagents, antibodies, and tool parts

Laboratory Technician IV - Neuromuscular Disease Laboratory, UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

(1999-01 - 2002-12)

• Collect human and animal tissue.
• Perform and evaluate antibody titers.
• Run histological stains such as ACP, ALKP, SDH, ORO, EST, ATP, SPA, and Dystrophin
• Prepare complex reagent.
• Ensure the accuracy of inventory records and safe storage of flammable and toxic chemicals.
• Calibrate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and organized records of all laboratory experiments, procedures, patient records, and data.

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry - University of California, Davis (1997-06)

Bachelor of Art - Art History - University of California, Davis (1997-06)