Skilled and reliable professional with extensive hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Proficient in utilizing biochemical techniques, data analysis, and problem-solving skills to drive research objectives. Proven expertise in viral vector projects, as well as process development and enhancement of a pDNA platform. Adept at collaborating effectively with a diverse team of scientists and technicians. Recently achieved a Master of Engineering in Biological and Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on Biomanufacturing. Passionate about conducting research in the field of biomanufacturing, more specifically on vaccine and therapeutics production.
Hi, I’m
Cheikh M Diop
Dakar
Summary
Overview
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Institut Pasteur De Dakar
Bioprocess Engineer
01.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Contributing to the technology transfer and integration of a novel mRNA vaccine platform.
- Received comprehensive training in analytical assays focused on mRNA drug substance and drug product characterization and quality control.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited technical documents in accordance with IPD template requirements.
- Improved decision-making processes with development of risk scoring system, prioritizing issues based on their impact.
BIOVECTRA
Process Development Biology Intern
05.2024 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Led a strain engineering research project, overseeing experimental design, setting milestones, and delivering key outcomes aligned with project objectives.
- Participated in weekly lab meetings, sharing updates on progress and discussing challenges faced during experiments.
- Conducted an extensive literature review to curate a comprehensive database of target genes for E. coli strain engineering.
- Constructed and generated a novel overexpression screening plasmid tool compatible with plasmid producing strains.
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Research Technician
11.2022 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Worked closely with principal investigator and team to build new laboratory for vaccine research and development.
- Shadowed upstream and downstream production of a live attenuated vaccine in a R&D environment.
- Communicated effectively with external vendors to procure necessary materials and equipments.
- Revised and wrote standard quality control operating procedures.
Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary
Research Technologist
01.2018 - 08.2022
Job overview
- Generated and assessed quality of plasmid DNA for AAVCOVID clinical candidates
- Tested sera from AAVCOVID vaccinated mice by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for RBD-specific IgG binding titers.
- Measured viral neutralization by in vitro neutralization assays with a pseudotyped lentivirus and AAV
- Assessed cellular response from AAVCOVID vaccinated mice using ELISPOT kit
- Independently cloned and generated large plasmid libraries
- Performed diverse molecular assays such as PCR, qPCR,RT-PCR, Tapestation quantification and DNA/RNA tissue extraction
SpringBank Pharmaceuticals
BIOLOGY INTERN
08.2017 - 10.2017
Job overview
- Purified proteins using nickel affinity chromatography
- Measured protein concentration via bradford assays
- Performed cell culture on HEK 293T cells
- Performed ELISAs to detect the desired protein in human cells
Education
McGill UniversityMontreal, QC
Master of Engineering from Biological and Biomedical Engineering
12.2024
University Overview
GPA: 4.0
Relevant Coursework:
- CGMP and Regulation in Biomanufacturing
- Process Analytical Technologies and Data Sciences
- Cell Culture Engineering
- Downstream Processing
- Gene and Cell Therapy Viral Vectors Biomanufacturing
- Biomanufacturing of RNA Biologics
Suffolk UniversityBoston, MA
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Biochemistry
05.2017
University Overview
GPA: 3.8
Skills
- Aseptic Techniques
- Molecular cloning
- Plasmid design
- DNA Sequencing
- Automated Liquid Handling
- Cell culture
- ELISA
- ELISPOT
- Project management
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Data analysis
LANGUAGES
French Fluent
English Fluent
Publications
Publications
- Maciorowski D, Diop C et al. Immunogenicity of an AAV-Based COVID-19 Vaccine in Murine Models of Obesity and Aging. Viruses. 2022 Apr 15;14(4):820. doi: 10.3390/v14040820.
- Zabaleta N. et al. An AAV-based, room-temperature-stable, single-dose COVID-19 vaccine provides durable immunogenicity and protection in non-human primates. Cell Host Microbe. 2021 Sep 8;29(9):1437-1453.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.08.002.
- Zinn E. et al. Ancestral library identifies conserved reprogrammable liver motif on AAV capsid. Cell Rep Med. 2022 Nov 15;3(11):100803. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100803.
Timeline
Bioprocess Engineer
Institut Pasteur De Dakar
01.2025 - Current
Process Development Biology Intern
BIOVECTRA
05.2024 - 12.2024
Research Technician
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
11.2022 - 09.2023
Research Technologist
Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary
01.2018 - 08.2022
BIOLOGY INTERN
SpringBank Pharmaceuticals
08.2017 - 10.2017
McGill University
Master of Engineering from Biological and Biomedical Engineering
Suffolk University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Biochemistry
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