Robert Connor

Background

About Robert Connor

Highly motivated research scientist with extensive experience in drug development from initial concept through lead target identification, preclinical development and IND submission. Primary expertise includes developing preclinical models for multiple therapeutic areas including cancer, diabetes and fibrosis. Seeking an opportunity to leverage my extensive background in pharmacology and drug development to guide compounds through advanced preclinical testing to successful IND filing. • Demonstrated project leadership experience developing a novel gene therapy program (adenovirus-interferon) from bench discovery to IND submission for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). • Extensive cancer animal model development in rodents (carcinogen-induced, orthotopic, syngeneic and xenograft) and PK/PD models for multiple programs (oncology, diabetes, fibrosis). Experienced with use of non-invasive imaging techniques/systems. • Experience designing studies to identify clinically translatable parameters (e.g. dose-response, re-dosing, pre-tox tolerability, immune response characterization). • Comprehensive in vitro skills include tissue culture, cell line generation, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, FPLC purification, RNA-seq, IHC, Flow Cytometry and IF/IC. • Successful at developing collaborative partnerships with academic institutions (MD Anderson Cancer Center Genitourinary Oncology, Univ. of Iowa) to evaluate preclinical gene therapy candidates (adenovirus-interferon) in preclinical and FIH studies. • Excellent communication skills demonstrated by a track record of scientific accomplishments through publications, patents and presentations. Strong background in virology both in academic research (influenza) and industry (adenovirus). AREAS OF STRENGTH: Multi-disciplinary Drug Discovery Tumor Immunology & Microenvironment Animal Model Development Design, Management, Analysis and Reporting of Nonclinical Pharmacology Studies (QA-audited) Pharmacology Written Summaries for FDA Briefing Documents Scientific Writing, Reporting and Presentations Cross-department Coordination and Effective Matrix Team Member Creativity, Troubleshooting and Critical Thinking Skills CRO Management - Data Analysis and Quality Control TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS: Animal Model Development for disease indications, Animal Dosing, In Vivo Imaging, Drug Delivery, Tissue Collection and Processing, IHC, Microscopy, Stable Cell Line and Primary Cell Culture Development & Optimization, Protein Isolation & Purification, DNA/RNA Isolation & Purification, WB, ELISA.