Ashish Kumar PhD

Experience

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  National Institute of Immunology (NII)

  May 2011 - Jul 2018

  Doctoral Student

  My thesis, titled "Sestrin2 as a stress regulator: Implications in autophagy and apoptosis," explored how cancer cells reprogram their cellular and metabolic nexus to evade stress using a well-characterized in vitro model. We discovered that Sestrin2 regulates mitochondrial degradation through autophagy, enabling cancer cells to resist mitochondrial-targeted therapies by rewiring glutamine metabolism. This project encompassed hypothesis development, experimental design and execution, data acquisition and analysis, and effective oral and written communication of the results. It resulted in three first-author original articles, one book chapter, and one review article published in respected scientific journals. This research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Chandrima Shaha and awarded by The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-NET research fellowship. Show less

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  University of Helsinki

  Sept 2018 - Apr 2021

  Postdoctoral Scientist

  • Utilizing advanced in-vitro (organoids) and in-vivo techniques to explore cellular crosstalk between adult intestinal stem cells and the niche in order to find therapeutic strategies against aging and gastrointestinal cancer.• Managed the entire project, from project and hypothesis development to experimental design and execution, data acquisition and analysis, and manuscript writing for peer review.• Successfully communicated research findings, leading to two manuscripts from this work currently under revision in prestigious journals.• Contributed significantly to the lab's success in securing a highly prestigious grant (ERC) worth approximately 2.5 million euros.• Actively engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations and presentations throughout the research period.Methods used:- Crypts isolation, Ex-vivo intestinal organoid development.- A flow cytometry-based sorting technique is used to isolate epithelial cells from the intestinal epithelium and organoids. -CRISPR Editing of intestinal organoids and APC null organoids.- Development of functional assays to study metabolic crosstalk: Co-culture assays, metabolic tracing, and metabolomics.- IHC (Immunohistochemistry)- Western Blotting- Confocal microscopy- Mammalian Cell Culture Show less

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  The University of British Columbia

  Mar 2021 - Dec 2023

  Postdoctoral Research Fellow

  HIGHLIGHTS:• Developed 3 different projects, from initiation to execution, collaborating with diverse researchers, physicians, and other stakeholders to develop improved therapies for Ewing Sarcoma.• Identified molecular targets for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma resistance and metastasis, translating preclinical findings into actionable clinical trials.• Developed and established novel experimental protocols to advance cancer research.ROLE DESCRIPTION:• Characterized and validated molecular targets responsible for governing resistance and aiding metastasis in Ewing Sarcoma.• Investigated and characterized critical processes involved in cancer progression, leading to the discovery of a new complex of proteins and molecular mechanisms related to cancer invasion and metastasis.• Conducted accurate and innovative research analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, synthesizing large amounts of data into well-presented documents.• Utilized exceptional written communication skills to synthesize complex research findings into persuasive, accurate, and engaging content, including peer-reviewed articles, short reports, funding proposals, and grant applications.• Demonstrated strong oral communication and interpersonal skills• Acquiring and applying knowledge of clinical trials and related regulatory policies to support ongoing research projects. Show less

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  Bold Therapeutics Inc.

  Oct 2023 - now

  Senior Scientist

  > Preclinical Excellence:- Led comprehensive oncology projects, including drug discovery and preclinical (PK/PD, MOA) studies.- Directed groundbreaking research, expanding therapeutic applications of key oncology assets.- Championed personalized medicine initiatives through genetic profiling, enhancing treatment precision.- Managed vendor selection and contract negotiations for preclinical and translational projects.> Clinical Innovation:- Initiated and led translational projects (ctDNA and biopsy analysis), impacting clinical trial design and patient selection.- Advanced external drug candidates through development, focusing on breakthrough potential and early-phase trials.- Contributed to clinical trial protocols, FDA documents, and the Investigator’s Brochure, ensuring scientific integrity.- Developed comprehensive clinical and non-clinical reports.> Strategic Business Development:- Built strategic partnerships with academic institutions and CROs, accelerating R&D timelines.- Implemented cost-saving strategies, reducing operational expenses by 60-70%.- Conducted market analyses to inform business strategies, enhancing competitive positioning.- Created scientific development plans for investor presentations, highlighting potential growth opportunities.# Core Skills: Strategic Project leadership, Clinical Research Design, Translational Research, Contract Negotiation, Personalized Medicine, Vendor Management, Cost Optimization, Market Analysis. Show less