Songlei Liu

Novel epigenetic editors for HBV, cardiometabolic, and CNS diseases: - Lead platform expansion initiatives focused on the discovery and characterization of next-generation epigenetic modulators. - Drive cross-functional leadership and collaboration to advance preclinical research projects. - Manage and mentor scientists and research associates, guiding research strategy, experimental execution, and professional development.

Scientific responsibilities: - Design and test new construct sequences that encode Chroma’s epigenetic editors through molecular cloning, DNA/RNA transfection, flow cytometry, and ELISA - Develop and onboard in vitro cell models for testing Chroma’s epigenetic editors leveraging experiences in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture and differentiation - Design and execute arrayed and pooled genetic library screens to help Chroma identify top protein and RNA candidates for its gene regulation platforms - Design and execute experiments that will help Chroma gain a deeper understanding of DNA methylation-driven gene regulation with knowledge and experiences in molecular genetics, single-cell genomics, DNA/RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics Managerial responsibilities: - Teach junior team members scientific knowledge, experimental techniques, and critical thinking skills; manage their performances and provide mentorship on their career growth - Organize and lead weekly/bi-weekly discussions in company-wide meetings to update team members and senior management on project progress - Manage cross-functional teams and facilitate collaboration across the company to enable fast expansion of Chroma’s epigenetic editing platforms

Prof. George Church's lab. - Stem cell (hiPSC) engineering using transcription factors; organoids; - Spatial transcriptomics, in situ sequencing, highly multiplexed in situ RNA detection. Development of a targeted spatial transcriptomic method, Barcoded Oligonucleotides Ligated On RNA Amplified for Multiplexed and parallel In Situ analyses (BOLORAMIS). - Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells using transcription factors into cell types related to neurodegeneration. Experienced with stem cell maintenance and differentiation, flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging (especially in situ sequencing), single-cell RNA sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS); proficient with R for NGS data processing and visualization.

Prof. Zhen Li's lab. Working with a cellular model for adipogenesis. Developing a FRET-based system for monitoring phosphorylation of a transcription factor. Experience in mammalian cell culture, western blot, fluorescent microscopy.

Prof. Yigong Shi's lab. Purification of sub-domains of a membrane protein from E. coli. and crystallization. Experience in bacteria culture, affinity column purification, HPLC (AKTA system, ion exchange, Superdex), hanging drop crystallization, and chemical crosslinking assay for oligomerization.

Prof. Juli Feigon's lab. Purification of protein components of a ribonucleoprotein from E. coli. In vitro transcription and gel purification of the RNA components. In vitro assembly and native gel assessment for complex formation. Quality assessment on a cryo-electron microscope.