Muhammad Sajid, Ph.D.

Scientist with 4+ years of postdoctoral research experience in immunology, metabolic disease, molecular biology, and translational research. Proven track record of leading independent research programs investigating mechanisms underlying obesity, insulin resistance, MASLD/MASH, liver fibrosis, and neurodegeneration, aging and innate immune signaling. Extensive expertise in genetically engineered mouse models, CRISPR technologies, target validation, assay development, biomarker discovery, and mechanistic studies.

Skilled in experimental design, cross-functional collaboration, scientific mentoring, and data-driven decision making. Author of 10+ peer-reviewed publications and presenter at international scientific conferences. Passionate about translating basic science discoveries into therapeutic strategies for metabolic and autoimmune diseases.

Postdoctoral Scientist - UMass Chan Medical School - Worcester, MA

(2024-04)

• Lead an independent research program investigating the role of interferon-γ signaling in Kupffer cells during obesity, insulin resistance, MASLD/MASH, and liver fibrosis.
• Designed and executed complex in vivo studies utilizing conditional knockout mouse models, metabolic phenotyping, and disease progression analyses.
• Conduct hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies, metabolic cage experiments, body composition analysis, and ultrasound imaging to evaluate metabolic outcomes.
• Established and optimized primary liver cell isolation workflows including Kupffer cells and hepatocytes for mechanistic investigations.
• Applied CRISPR-based approaches, qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, multiplex cytokine profiling, Western blotting, and flow cytometry to identify disease-associated pathways and biomarkers.
• Investigated mechanisms regulating hepatic insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and fibrosis through integrated molecular and physiological analyses.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams spanning metabolism, immunology, pathology, and molecular biology to advance translational research objectives.
• Presented findings at national and international scientific conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed publications.

Postdoctoral Scientist - RNA Therapeutics Institute

(2022-04 - 2024-03)

• Designed and developed CRISPRi reporter cell lines to investigate innate immune signaling pathways and RNA-mediated immune activation.
• Investigated molecular mechanisms governing interferon signaling and host-pathogen interactions.
• Characterized TLR7/8-mediated immune responses to circular RNAs and other RNA therapeutic platforms.
• Performed functional genomics, molecular biology, and cell-based assays to identify regulators of immune activation.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary research teams to support RNA therapeutic development and target validation efforts.

Ph.D.