Brent P. Vasquez
Molecular and Biochemical Scientist
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About
Molecular and Biochemical Scientist with over 10 years of research experience spanning academic, NIH-funded (F31 NRSA), and biotechnology industry environments, including Pfizer Vaccine R&D and NeuroKaire. Proven expertise in designing, optimizing, and executing functional multiomics assays to translate complex molecular data into actionable biological insights. Seeking to leverage robust technical and translational expertise as an Assay Development Scientist in the biomedical field.
Experience
Postdoctoral Translational Research Scientist - Research Associate - NeuroKaire
(2026-04)
Executing PhD-level translational R&D within NeuroKaire's precision medicine platform, a biotechnology venture operating in partnership with Rutgers University. Advancing patient-specific molecular biology workflows and cellular models to optimize therapeutic strategies.
- Develop SOPs for advanced tissue culture and stem cell biology followed by directed neuronal differentiation.
- Develop protocols for PerkinElmer JANUS G3 liquid handler automation and PBMC extractions from patient blood samples.
- Maintenance and operation of ZEISS Celldiscoverer 7 (CD7) – live cell imaging platform.
- Building, monitoring and maintaining laboratory equipment, and administering a startup CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) laboratory.
Senior Associate Scientist - Pfizer Vaccine R&D
(2020-05 - 2020-08)
Associate Scientist - Pfizer Vaccine R&D
(2018-03 - 2020-05)
Bench Scientist - Pfizer Vaccine R&D
(2017-05 - 2018-03)
Optimized opsonophagocytic and neutralization assays and collaborated with cross-functional R&D teams to advance assay validation and support preclinical program advancement, and manage Artel MVS and Tecan Plate Washer lab equipment.
- Spearheaded Agilent Bravo and Hamilton Microlab STAR automation platform troubleshooting guide project, led presentations on latest scientific advancements and methodologies to enhance research efficacy and GLP, oversaw junior team members to meet project objectives, contributed to preclinical milestone delivery ahead of schedule, and received 'OWNIT!' and 'Upjohn' Awards.
- Designed and executed in vitro fluorescence-based immunoassays supporting vaccine candidate evaluation.
- Evaluated new instrumental technologies and methodologies for potential integration into research practices and collaborated with cross-functional R&D teams to advance assay validation and support preclinical program advancement.
- Establishing and validating in vitro assays for lymphocyte function and modulations to assess vaccine efficacy.
- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for cell line engineering for disease modeling and in vivo gene knockdown for studying disease models.
- Developed and analyzed high-throughput multicolor flow cytometry assays for evaluating vaccine-induced immunogenicity, screening for neutralizing antibodies, and characterizing memory B cell populations. Generated statistical reports on FlowJo.
- Utilized cytokine ELISA for assessing vaccine efficacy for major programs including COVID-19, RSV, and C.diff. and quantified the concentration of antigen-specific antibodies in clinical and preclinical serum samples.
- Expertise in proliferation assay development for measuring double stranded DNA concentration in Vero and HEK cell lines to determine antibody titers.
- Data analysis expert in biological and statistical software such as GraphPad Prism and Microsoft Office (Word Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Research Assistant - Rutgers Newark Graduate School of Biomedical Science (GSBS)
(2016-01 - 2017-12)
- Designed western blot experiments and performed biostatistical analysis for studying biofilm formation.
- Collaborated with principal investigators to troubleshoot experimental procedures and optimize sample preparation protocols.
Registered Dental Assistant - Clemente Orthodontics
(2015-01 - 2017-12)
- Provided orthodontic patient services in a fast-paced environment, including bonding brackets, placing/removing arch wires, changing elastics and ligatures, and obtained high-quality diagnostic records, including digital panoramic and cephalometric radiographs.
Education
PhD - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry - University of Pittsburgh Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences (2020-01 - 2025-12)
Masters in Biomedical Science (MBS) - Immunology Concentration - Rutgers Newark (GSBS) (2015-01 - 2017-12)
Dental Assistant License - Dental Studies Institute of Fairfield (2014-01 - 2015-12)
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Biology, Minor in Chemistry - Ramapo College of New Jersey (2010-01 - 2014-12)
