Erica Tien
WORCESTER
Summary
- Experienced Sr. Scientist II with a robust background in target discovery platforms, encompassing small molecules, next-generation antibody platform development, CRISPR screening and shRNA/RNAi profiling.
- Recognized project manager and leader in diverse internal and external projects, specializing in autoimmune disease areas such as Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and Atopic Dermatitis.
- Proficient in executing next-generation sequencing methods including Bulk RNA-Seq, scRNA-Seq, Oink, TCR BCR Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics for advanced immunology discovery programs.
- Adept collaborator and communicator, fostering effective teamwork both internally and externally.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Scientist II Transformational & Translational
AbbVie
08.2021 - Current
- Lead and executing Bulk RNA-Seq, scRNA-Seq and Spatial workflows, managing tasks from tissue storage and sample preparation to data generation specializing in autoimmune disease area.
- Support the pathology group in advancing the growth of single-cell spatial multiomic technology in drug development by participating in the development, execution, validation, and troubleshooting of single-cell and spatial multiomic assays for autoimmune diseases.
- Collaborating in automated workflow design and execute experimentation for instrument selection or refinement/improvement of sample processes.
- Managing portfolio disease projects focusing on disease area Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) ensure each project aligns with overarching goals and objectives.
- Support the design and execution of proof-of-concept experiments to initiate portfolio entry for new therapy programs.
- Work with clinical team to design sample collection kits, laboratory manual, and specimen logistics for shipments to third party vendors.
- Coordinated with multiple teams and managed CROs in a highly matrixed environment.
- Mentor and coach team members to help achieve the project goals.
Scientist Project Lead
Skyhawk Therapeutics
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Development and of current and new protocols on a variety of sample types such as whole blood, FFPE tissue samples and plasma. (bulk RNA-Seq, Drug-Seq, scRNA-Seq, Smart-Seq, Drug-Seq, CITE-Seq, and long-read sequencing Nanopore sequencing platform).
- Tested and validated a low-cost and HTS NGS based (3’UPX kit) to proof-of-concept screening for novel compound mechanistic studies and compound repurposing efforts.
- Designed and Developed PCR-based assays for quantifying gene expression.
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource for variety single-cell technology, provide guidance on experimental design, method or platform selection.
- Utilize available resources to achieve timely execution of projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams (internal and external) to execute plans and deliverables.
- Provided scientific and operational oversight of CROs and other ancillary vendors.
- Educate other associate scientists, provide hands-on training, and give internal and external presentations.
Research Scientist Sequencing Core
Boston University
12.2017 - 05.2019
- Developed, validated and troubleshooted on bulk RNA-Seq, scRNA-Seq (such as Smart-Seq, Cel-Seq,10X Genomic) on difficult clinical specimen.
- Developed and optimized new tissue dissociation, immune cell purification and PBMC isolation protocols to expanded services by the scRNA-Seq core.
- Coordinated and led research projects for clinical samples screen, Illumina platform, and scRNA-Seq for therapeutic discovery.
- Successfully completed over 50 academic and industrial client’s projects for over 1000 samples from BUMC, BU and pharmaceutical companies.
Research Scientist
Pfizer
07.2016 - 05.2017
- Developed and improved protocols for human iPSC/ESC to cardiomyocyte, hepatocytes and neuron cells.
- Reprogrammed human skin fibroblasts and hematopoietic stem cells by retroviral methods into iPSC stem cells.
- Gene expression profiling experimental design, RNA isolation and QC, differential gene expression analysis follow up validation with qPCR and providing biomarkers and MOA based on expression and pathway analysis.
- Optimized transfection conditions for genome-editing tools such as CRISPR and siRNA overexpression construct delivery.
- Developed multiplexed phenotypic assays for cellular and drug target biology utilizing chemical genomics, RNAi, lentivirus, CRISPR, and overexpression platforms.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Connecticut
05.2013 - 03.2016
- Developed animal models to predict variation of drugs response and Drug-Drug interaction.
- Differentiation of human Cardiac iPSCs for Drug Screening & Discovery.
- Next generation RNA sequencing samples QC, library preparation, data analysis.
- Phenotypic Screens in 96-well format to identify and validate targets for CVD using physiologically relevant cell models (differentiated cell lines, stem cells, primary cells).
- Collaborated with PI and colleague to conceptualize, edit, and contribute data to an NIH R01 grant.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Yale University Department of Pharmacology
07.2011 - 08.2012
- Dose- response expression profiling for MOA study of compound efficacy, toxicity, and off-target activity in tissue culture.
- Compound profiling and mechanism of actions studies for therapeutic molecules against a broad range of molecular targets, including enzymes kinetics and GPCRs.
- Established international collaboration with leading labs to test "actives" from a screen of 10K compounds and identified compounds for further testing in preclinical trials
- Phase II study of PHY906 combining CPT-11 in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Education
Ph.D. - Pharmacology
China Medical University
Taiwan 07-2012
Skills
- Single-Cell and RNA Sequencing
- Proficient in single-cell and single-nucleus isolation from tissue and blood from clinical trial
- Skilled in different library preparation using 10x Genomics Chromium and other single-cell platforms
- Project Management
Accomplishments
- AbbVie VP Award 2022
- James R. Gillette Best Paper Award. The 1st place award for Postdoctoral Fellow
- Travel award for The American for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
- First Place award from The American association for Pharmacology
- Graduate Study Abroad Program provided by the National Science Council.
- Departmental Honors for Senior Thesis provided by the College of Pharmacy, Taiwan.
- First Place award for Pharmacology PhD students, Taiwan
Timeline
Sr. Scientist II Transformational & Translational
AbbVie
08.2021 - Current
Scientist Project Lead
Skyhawk Therapeutics
05.2019 - 08.2020
Research Scientist Sequencing Core
Boston University
12.2017 - 05.2019
Research Scientist
Pfizer
07.2016 - 05.2017
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Connecticut
05.2013 - 03.2016
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Yale University Department of Pharmacology
07.2011 - 08.2012
Ph.D. - Pharmacology
China Medical University
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