NICOLE LAZARUS

Immunologist & Cytometry Specialist
San Francisco, US.

About

Highly accomplished Immunologist and Cytometry Specialist with over 15 years of experience in translational research and biotech, recognized for expertise in high-dimensional flow cytometry, spectral cytometry, and rare cell sorting. Proven leader in implementing cutting-edge cytometry technologies, directing core facility operations, and training cross-disciplinary teams. Seeking a challenging biotech role to leverage advanced assay development, data analysis, and platform leadership skills to drive scientific innovation.

Work

Synthekine, Inc.
|

Senior Scientist

Menlo Park, CA, US

Summary

At Synthekine, Inc., led advanced immunology research and platform development, driving critical preclinical studies and optimizing high-dimensional cytometry workflows to advance drug candidate selection and biomarker discovery.

Highlights

Pioneered the development of novel mouse models for anemia and lung injury, significantly reducing experimental variability by 25%.

Designed and executed over 10 critical PK/PD studies, directly informing lead candidate selection for IND submission.

Optimized 25-30-color spectral cytometry panels across 3 distinct programs, accelerating high-throughput biomarker discovery.

Conducted comprehensive RNAseq analysis, identifying over 5 novel immune gene signatures currently under clinical evaluation.

Mentored 3 junior scientists and provided comprehensive training on cytometry data analysis workflows to cross-functional teams.

University of California, San Francisco
|

Research Specialist

San Francisco, CA, US

Summary

As Research Specialist at UCSF, directed multi-parameter flow cytometry and cell sorting operations within a translational immunology lab, developing advanced panels and supporting diverse clinical and animal studies while managing core facility operations.

Highlights

Directed and optimized multi-parameter flow cytometry and cell sorting operations for a translational immunology lab, enhancing research throughput.

Developed and validated over 25 high-parameter cytometry panels, directly supporting clinical and animal studies in SIV/HIV, TB, and lung injury.

Served as interim FACS core director from 2020-2021, successfully supervising core operations and comprehensive user training.

Co-authored over 10 peer-reviewed publications in immunology and infectious disease journals, disseminating key research findings.

Led laboratory safety compliance initiatives and optimized reagent procurement, improving operational efficiency and resource management.

Stanford University
|

Research Assistant

Stanford, CA, US

Summary

At Stanford University, managed in vivo pharmacology and flow cytometry studies for preclinical fibrosis and colitis models, designing and analyzing cytokine response profiles and contributing to research publications.

Highlights

Managed comprehensive in vivo pharmacology and flow cytometry studies for preclinical fibrosis and colitis models, advancing disease understanding.

Designed and executed analysis of complex cytokine response profiles utilizing ELISpot, Luminex, and FlowJo platforms, providing critical insights.

Mentored undergraduate researchers, fostering scientific development and contributing to multiple peer-reviewed publications.

Education

University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America

B.S.

Biology

Skills

Flow Cytometry

Cytek Aurora, BD LSRII, BD Fortessa, FACSAria II, FACSAria III, High-dimensional Flow Cytometry, Spectral Cytometry, Rare Cell Sorting, Multi-parameter Flow Cytometry, Cell Sorting, 12-30+ Color Panel Design, Instrument Calibration, User Training, FACS.

Translational Research & Preclinical Development

In Vivo Model Development, Murine Studies (Lung Injury, Fibrosis, Colitis, Anemia), Preclinical Candidate Assessment, PK/PD Studies, IND Submission, In Vivo Pharmacology.

Immunological & Molecular Techniques

ELISpot, MSD, NanoString, RNA-seq, Cytokine Analysis, Cell Isolation (Murine/Human), Luminex.

Data Analysis & Visualization

FlowJo, UMAP, viSNE, JMP, Rosalind, GraphPad Prism, MSD Discovery Workbench, NanoString nCounter.

Scientific Leadership

Cross-functional Team Leadership, Scientific Mentorship, Core Facility Direction, Instrumentation Portfolio Management, User Training.

Laboratory Management

BSL-2 Safety, Laboratory Safety Compliance, Reagent Procurement Optimization, Operational Efficiency.