Brian Kirk

About Brian Kirk

I currently work at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies as a Research Biologist and Lab Manager for the Gage Lab. I have extensive experience in biochemistry principles and molecular biology techniques including- Microfluidics- Mouse Restraining and Handling, Intraperitoneal (IP) Injection, Subcutaneous (SQ) Injection, PBS Perfusion, Brain Extraction, Hippocampus Isolation- Mouse Colony Management of Transgenic Mouse Lines, including Genotyping- Mouse and Human Blood Processing (PBMC and Plasma Extraction)- Immunostaining- PCR/qPCR/Multiplex PCR- Recombinant Protein and Antibody Production- Plasmid DNA Purification including the use of Biotage PhyPrep and Qiagen MiniPrep, MegaPrep, and GigaPrep kits- SDS-PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis- Western Blots and ELISA- MSD instruments and assays- Molecular Cloning including Gibson Assembly- Protein Purification techniques- Flow Cytometry including use of FCS Express 7 software for data analysis- Aseptic technique in a BSL-2 laboratory environment- DNA, RNA, and protein extraction techniques including use of Qiagen and Zymo extraction kits to extract nucleic acids from complex matrices- Nucleic acid and protein quantification including use of the NanoDrop, Bradford and BCA assay, and ThermoFisher Qubit system- Parasite cell culture and mammalian cell and tissue culture- Research involving malarial parasites and membrane proteins- Microscopy including Wide-Field, Fluorescent, and Confocal Microscopy- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) including clean up steps (purification with magnetic beads), barcoding, library preparation, use of NGS systems, and data analysis using Geneious software- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in a Pilot-Scale biomanufacturing facilityPrevious to my current position, I served my country for over 10 years as a US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer conducting Special Operations missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Originally from Northern California, I grew up with a strong interest in science, engineering, and leadership, with values and ethics instilled in me from my Mom, a former Mayor and County Supervisor, and my Dad, a Biochemistry Professor. I decided to pursue a degree in chemical engineering in college along with a NROTC scholarship to continue the generations of service in my family. I was fortunate to land in the United States Navy in Explosive Ordnance Disposal, a field that is both technically and operationally demanding. I am excited to continue to pursue opportunities in the biotechnology sector.

Experience

1. Lab Manager and Research Biologist - Gage Lab

   Salk Institute for Biological Studies

   Mar 2025 — Present · La Jolla Shores, CA, US

Education

• University of Southern California

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering

  2003 — 2007

• Georgetown University

  Master of Science - MS, Biotechnology

• Missouri University of Science and Technology

  Master of Science (M.S.), Explosives Engineering

  2012 — 2016

Skills

• Afghanistan
• Eod
• Leadership
• Intelligence
• Command
• Explosives
• Emergency Management
• Cbrn
• Program Management
• Security Clearance
• Combat
• Counterterrorism
• Defense
• Military Training
• Military Experience
• Weapons
• Military Operations
• Tactics
• Operational Planning
• Dod
• National Security
• Navy
• Special Operations
• Diving
• Military