Nicole Leung

Associate Researcher @ Xaira Therapeutics

About

I'm a molecular biologist with experience spanning genomics, transcriptomics, and high-throughput sequencing, driven by a passion for building robust experimental workflows and translating complex biological questions into reproducible data.Over the past several years, I've worked across biotechnology and academic research, from large-scale sequencing operations at UCSF's Center for Advanced Technology to developing single-cell and bulk RNA-seq workflows at Xaira Therapeutics. My work has included next-generation sequencing library preparation, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, in vivo rodent studies, and troubleshooting experimental variability across diverse biological systems. I enjoy optimizing protocols, learning new techniques, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging scientific problems.I thrive in environments that value curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning, and I'm always interested in opportunities to contribute to impactful research in genomics, molecular biology, and AI-enabled life sciences.

Country

United States

City

San Francisco

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

DNA Sequencing, Investigative Research, Research Collaboration, Research, Critical Thinking, Biotechnology, Community Service, Recruiting, confidence, Lab research, Laboratory Skills, Non-profit Volunteering, Microsoft Office, Tutoring, Higher Education, Biology, Equipment Maintenance, Multitasking, Skilled Multi-tasker, Quality Control

Experience

Associate Researcher

Xaira Therapeutics

2023-12 - Present · 2 yrs 10 mos

San Francisco Bay Area

Staff research 2

University of California, San Francisco

2021-5 - 2024-2 · 2 yrs 10 mos

San Francisco, California, United States

Laboratory Technician

Thermo Fisher Scientific

2020-10 - 2021-5 · 8 mos

Santa Clara, California, United States

Laboratory Technician

Avellino

2021-1 - 2021-3 · 3 mos

Education Abroad Ambassador

University of California, Riverside

2019-9 - 2020-10 · 1 yr 2 mos

Riverside, CA, USA

Serve as mentors to students who want to study abroad. We provide resources for our students to be aware of international opportunities to do internships, volunteer, or work abroad. This involves education abroad recruitment, marketing/outreach, event programming, and peer-advising.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of California, Riverside

2016-11 - 2018-3 · 1 yr 5 mos

University of California, Riverside

In the Dr. Timothy Paine and Dr. Irma De Ley Lab, I researched the relationship of parasitic nematodes with target host slugs and non-target host earthworms. Collaborated with multiple labs, professors, and post-doctorates to coordinate resources, experiments, and equipment maintenance Worked closely with principle investigator for experimental design development and standard operating procedure Extracted and analyzed DNA for identification of nematodes using PCR Used dissecting scope and microscopes to study nematode and earthworm anatomy Managed laboratory supplies inventory by anticipating and stocking needed supplies Organized and maintained clean laboratory spaces following lab safety protocols Statistically analyzed mortality rates and processed results into graphics using R and Excel Published research paper based on experiments’ results