Jacquelyn Sousa

Synthesizing oligonucleotides as a therapeutic for a variety of diseases. Developing a high-throughput process of manufacturing oligos for in vitro screening.

Assist the RNA Therapeutics department with the manufacturing of oligonucleotides for research. Operate multiple automated oligonucleotide synthesizers. Purify oligonucleotides by HPLC. Qualitative analysis via LC/MS.

• Carried out the midscale production of mRNA transcribed from DNA, targeting 25 to 50 mg of purified product in each reaction. • Purified and sterile filtered the mRNA for final product at a concentration of 1 ng/ul. • Determined mRNA purity via Fragment Analysis. • Used numerous chromatography (affinity, HPLC) methods in order to obtain the purest sample. • Operated several automated instruments, mainly Hamilton liquid handlers, and other uniquely developed in-house automated equipment.

• Organized, prepared, and executed DNA sequencing reactions. Analyzed sequence data (electropherograms) to ensure efficiency and quality. • Operated liquid handlers for daily high-throughput projects as well as troubleshooted instrument and experimental issues. • Assisted with the acquisition of Beckman Coulter Genomics to GENEWIZ and the development of an automation department at the company. • Worked with a highly skilled team to develop an automated production workflow. • Assisted in Research and Development projects by testing cost efficient reagents and providing feedback. • Devised experiments to maximize the efficiency of our production throughput. • Prepared buffers, reagents, media, and primers. • Drafted new and followed secure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). • Maintained Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and a detailed laboratory notebook.