lilja kjalarsdottir

Research technician at the biotech company Genis. Job involved isolation and culture of primary human chondrocytes. I also evaluated viability and proliferation of those cells upon treatment with various compounds under development at Genis.

My graduate work at UTSW was in the area of beta-cell biology and insulin secretion, where I studied the genomic effect of Vitamin D on primary mouse and human islets. For my postdoctoral position I wanted to compliment my experience in the field of insulin secretion and genomics with studies in the field of insulin resistance and other -omics fields (such as metabolomics, proteomics and acetylomics). This landed me in the laboratory of Deborah Muoio at Duke, where I study the function of the mitochondrial enzyme Carnitine-O-acetyltransferase (CrAT) in skeletal muscle.

Laboratory of Dr. Joyce Repa, PhD I conducted independent research in the area of Type 2 Diabetes. I studied the role of the Vitamin D Receptor in insulin secreting beta-cells.

Participated in a research assignment at the University of Iceland, under the supervision of Dr. Haraldur Halldorsson, to study AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulation of the endothelial NO-synthase in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

As CSO at Genis I managed the research and development of chitin and chitosan-based therapeutics I provided leadership and management to R&D employees. I managed analytical assay development, preclinical studies, clinical trial design, drug development and medical device projects. I led, in conjunction with the board of Genis, the research, patent and product development strategy for supplement, drug and medical device products. I ensured that product composition and marketing strategy fit within regulations of each market. Provided support to distributor and pharmacies carrying our supplement products. I presented company research and patent portfolio to potential investors and collaborators. I handled press communication (print, radio and TV) Writing projects included grants, clinical trial protocols and applications, Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD), Investigator's Brochure (IB) documents and manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.

As Head of R&D I managed research personnel and oversaw work of research collaborators. I designed preclincal experiments, clinical trials, research proposals and study applications. I led the development of an improved composition of an existing product leading to dosage lowering and improvement of product yield. I presented the company research to potential investors and collaborators. I provided support to manufacturing division during development of production methods and scale up (enzyme production, chromatography methods, chemical reactions and ultra/nano-filtration steps). Provided support to manufacturing division duing commencement of GMP processes with regards to analytical assays.