Ashley Untereiner

About Ashley Untereiner

Translational scientist with a strong passion for advancing innovative therapies in anti-obesity and metabolic disease, specializing in target discovery, preclinical pharmacology, and functional evaluation of primary and stem cell–derived islet systems. Proven experience leading proof-of-concept in vivo studies, defining PK/PD relationships and mechanisms of action, and driving programs through internal target review toward clinical development. Highly skilled in building and scaling preclinical platforms, managing CRO partnerships, and integrating complex biological data across multiple projects. A collaborative and hands-on scientific leader with deep expertise in stem cell biology, human islet-like organoid development, and translational research that bridges cutting-edge science with impactful drug discovery.

Experience

1. Senior Scientist

   Genentech

   Jul 2024 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Identify, propose, and champion novel anti-obesity targets for evaluation by the internal Target Assessment Team and Research Review Committee, with the goal of advancing promising programs toward clinical development. Currently serving as Biology Team Lead on a program that has progressed into lead identification• Lead the design and execution of PoC in vivo pharmacology investigations to characterize PK/PD profiles and elucidate MOA of anti-obesity compounds in preclinical models• Provide scientific and technical hands-on support for research involving in vivo and ex vivo studies in animal models of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic-related diseases• Team lead for the design, assessment, and interpretation of incretins and drug candidate responses in primary mouse and human islets and human β-cell models (EndoC-βH5) to support drug discovery• Lead training on rodent primary islet isolation and functional assessment in diabetic and prediabetic models for MOA studies, and act as the primary liaison for human islet procurement via the Integrated Islet Distribution Program• Direct the analysis and interpretation of complex data while effectively managing multiple parallel projects• Manage multiple CROs to execute PoC studies and preclinical analyses• Support the development of technical documents, study reports, and integrated data packages for regulatory submissions• Manage and mentor multiple research associates while fostering cross-functional collaborations with the Chemistry and Biology departments

Education

• University of Saskatchewan

  M.Sc.

  2009 — 2011

• Lakehead University

  PhD

  2011 — 2015

• University of Saskatchewan

  Master of Science (M.Sc.)

• University of Regina - Campion College

  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

  2003 — 2008

Skills

• Molecular Biology
• Elisa
• Laboratory Skills
• Pcr
• Cell Culture
• Scientific Writing
• Western Blotting
• Research
• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (Rt-Pcr)
• Bioenergetics
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr)
• Laboratory
• Rt-Pcr
• Cell Biology
• Data Analysis
• Confocal Microscopy
• Chemistry
• Surgery
• Characterization
• Teaching
• Molecular Cloning
• Animal Models
• Science
• Biochemistry