Jonathan Leigh Afshar
Pharmaceutical Scientist/Biotechnologist
Lab Operations
Research & Science
Full time
I am a talented, goal-oriented, and hardworking professional in pharmaceutical science and biotechnology. With a strong background in analytical chemistry, research and development, and laboratory operations, I am dedicated to contributing to the discovery and development of novel drug compounds. I thrive in collaborative environments and have a proven track record of success in the pharmaceutical industry.
Skills
- Experimental bench science
- Data production for company patents
- UHPLC (Agilent 1290) operation, analysis, and method development
- PION/Distek® dissolution with real-time fiber optic UV probes
- Electronic lab notebook (ELN) experiment documentation
- PowerPoint presentation
- HPLC
- GC
- High throughput organic transesterification method
- HPLC-RI
- USP Apparatus II Dissolution
- Cation-exchange HPLC
- Karl Fischer titration
- GC residual solvent analysis
- Agilent 1100 and 1200 Normal Phase, Reverse Phase, and Ion Exchange HPLC
- Concentration and pH kinetic solubility studies
- Waters Empower software
- Documentation via electronic lab notebook (ELN)
- HPLC, TOC, viscometry, osmometry, thin-layer chromatography, and UV-Vis spectroscopy
- UV spectroscopy
- Differential scanning calorimetry
- Dissolution testing
- LC/MS analysis
listed
Awards and achievements
- MCPHS Dean's List: 2006-2007, 2008, 2011
- Merit Scholarships: 2006-2011
Work Experience
Biopharmaceutical Scientist III
Eurofins Professional Scientific Services, LLC
Oct 2022 - Sep 2023
- Serve under a managed service provider at one of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies
- Collaborate with high-level scientists who are dedicated to discovering and developing novel synthetic drug compounds undergoing early clinical development
- Conduct experimental bench science, data production for company patents, UHPLC (Agilent 1290) operation, analysis and method development, PION/Distek® dissolution with real-time fiber optic UV probes (in-situ dissolution analysis), electronic lab notebook (ELN) experiment documentation, and using PowerPoint to help colleagues train on new LIMS software
- Assist the company with moving all laboratory hardware to a new Massachusetts headquarters
Research Associate, Analytical Chemistry
Novogy, Inc.
Jan 2014 - Dec 2016
- Helped facilitate the analysis and development of alternative biofuels by conducting synthetic-organic and analytical chemistry
- Conducted ongoing analytical method development for HPLC, GC, and a high throughput organic transesterification method
- This procedure involved the in-situ extraction of oils from genetically modified and fermented yeasts, followed by transesterification and GC-FID quantitation of FAMEs
- HPLC-RI was also utilized to monitor ongoing fermentation reactions
Scientific Associate II, Analytical Development
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Via: Overture Partners)
Jan 2012 - Dec 2013
- Performed research & development on analytical methods for small molecule APIs and drug products
- USP Apparatus II Dissolution, cation-exchange HPLC, Karl Fischer titration, and GC residual solvent analysis were all used in method development and stability testing protocols
- Developed PDU-2 (media transfer) dissolution methods of tablets in multiple formulations
- Agilent 1100 and 1200 Normal Phase, Reverse Phase, and Ion Exchange HPLC skills
- Concentration and pH kinetic solubility studies on various buffer salts for dissolution
- Waters Empower software for assay/impurity analysis, data analysis, and reporting
- Collaborated daily with various levels of professional scientists and staff
- Documented experiments via electronic lab notebook (ELN) with peer-review
Quality Control Chemistry Analyst
Bio-Concept Laboratories, Inc.
Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
- Conducted research at an FDA-registered (cGMP) contract research & manufacturing organization
- This position required the development and execution of multiple analytical methods for various ophthalmic pharmaceutical preparations, according to GMP practices
- Analyzed clinical trial drug products using HPLC, TOC, viscometry, osmometry, thin-layer chromatography, and UV-Vis spectroscopy
- Documentation of experiments kept in a handwritten/reviewed lab notebook and several company databases
Education
BS Pharmaceutical Science
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Jan 2006 - Jan 2012