Lily Yang
Senior Associate Scientist
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About
Extensive hands-on experience in cell culture of various cell lines in multiple species (human, mouse, hamster) supporting Research and Clinical Trials. Significant expertise in creating cell banks and producing high quality cell products with cGMP/GLP standards. Successful establishment of departmental systems for cell appropriate documentation for all types of cell culture activities in a searchable format for easy access.
Creative thinker with an analytical mindset and attention to detail in day-to-day production through laboratory information management systems, including the Benching system. Propagation of cell lines using automated platform like Tecan-Fluent, Integra Viaflo to deliver different cell culture vessels, such as Petri dishes, T-flasks, roller bottles, Erlenmeyer shaker flasks, cell stack culture chambers (1-10stack), and tissue culture multi-well plates. Cell based assays such as ELISA, CELSIS testing, RT-PCR mycoplasma test, FBS qualification, cell counter validation, and cell culture automation robot (TCan Fluent).
Experience
Senior Associate Scientist - MAMMOTH BIOSCIENCES - Brisbane, CA
(2024-07 - 2025-06)
- Collaborated with the Department Director to establish and manage Mammoth's Cell Culture Core facility. Ensured the provision of high-quality cells with over 95% cell viability to meet daily request demands.
- Established and managed Mammoth's cell banking for 18 different cell lines, including both master and working banks. Maintained detailed tracking with the Benching system from new cell lines registration (Registry ID) to final cell plates or flasks, ensuring accurate documentation and quality control.
- Set up a comprehensive quality control system for master and working cell vials to pass IDEXX testing (STR, cell check, Mycoplasma and Sterility tests). Provided cell plates, flasks and same day cells without any cell contamination.
Senior Associate Scientist - BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB - Redwood City, CA
(2021-06 - 2024-06)
- Supported all In Vivo Pharmacology studies requiring tumor cell lines (over 110 studies per year, almost 200 cell lines). Collaborated with other departments for their cell line needs.
- Generated high quality syngeneic and xenograft cell lines for in vivo tumor studies with high viability and accurate counts within target time frame.
- Established departmental and Redwood City site cell banks with appropriate documentation (CoA), including related cell line-specific data in a searchable format for future usage (origin, passage history, growth characteristics, etc).
- Maintained effective communication with cell users. Customized detailed plans including cell availability, counts, and pre-implant testing from other functional groups.
- Demonstrated flexibility in many circumstances.
Cell Culture Specialist - MILTENYI - Sunnyvale, CA
(2019-10 - 2020-01)
- Processed primary cells from patients' blood to isolate T-cells in closed-system processing method (Miltenyi device system) to generate CAR T-cells.
- Applied knowledge of cGMP regulations from daily work with CAR T-Cell therapy in aseptic/closed system processing.
QA/QC Specialist - BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB - Redwood City, CA
(2017-11 - 2018-11)
- Expanded over 150 antibody/protein expressed cell lines for BMS Redwood City site use. Focused on cell expansion, cell feeding, harvesting, and cell bank.
- Wrote QC report and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for cell line release.
- Trained new and existing employees in cell culture.
- Performed CELSIS testing, RT-PCR mycoplasma test. Received and processed antibody testing and distribution to internal and external users.
Senior Associate Scientist - ASTRAZENECA - Mountain View, CA
(2016-01 - 2017-10)
- Managed and worked with customers to perform maintenance on 70 different types of cell lines, such as Hep-2, Vero, MRC-5, MDCK (ECACC), HEK-293 and provided cell plates and flasks to Research and CTL cell users.
- Actively participated in the lab safety committee, working closely with Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
Senior Associate Scientist - MEDIMMUNE - Mountain View, CA
(2002-01 - 2014-12)
- Maintained the right balance of staffing and skills through mentorship of colleagues. Wrote and revised multiple SOPs and laboratory protocol. Delivered high quality cell plates and flasks to R&D and Clinical Trials on time.
- Developed cell-based assays through new cell culture devices, such as cell culture robot, cell counter validation.
- Successfully established automatic calendar, inventory control, cell banking, and coordinated scheduling of cell culture activities in cGMP/GLP regulation.
Education
B.S. - Biology - Jilin University
