Diop Soda Balla
Staff Scientist, Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics @Sanford Burnham Prebys
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WORK HISTORY
Staff Scientist, Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics @Sanford Burnham Prebys
US
Lead scientist for 15+ orphan GPCR-targeted drug discovery programs in collaboration with internal and external partners• Designed and implemented novel HTS-compatible assays (LIFT, hERG, TR-FRET, β-arrestin, BRET, internalization)• Contributed to successful NIH R01 funding and one licensing deal for proprietary compounds• Managed cross-functional teams and mentored junior researchers in assay execution and screening design• Authored scientific manuscripts (six in progress)
EDUCATION
Faculty of Sciences / Universite Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar / Senegal
M.S., Natural Sciences
Universite de la Mediterranee Aix-Marseille II France
PH.D., BIOLOGY OF EUKARYOTES (GENETICS, DEVELOPMENT, CELLULAR BIOLOGY)
Faculte des Sciences/ Universite Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar / Senegal
Bachelor's degree, Natural Sciences
Universite de la Mediterranee Aix-Marseille II France
D.U.S.B.B.C., BIOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Universite de la Mediterranee Aix-Marseille II France
M.S., BIOLOGY OF EUKARYOTES
SKILLS
ABOUT DIOP SODA BALLA
Biomedical scientist with over a decade of experience in translational science and drug discovery, specializing in G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology, assay development, and high-throughput screening (HTS). Recognized for leading multidisciplinary programs across therapeutic areas including neurology, oncology, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.At Sanford Burnham Prebys, I have led over 15 early-stage drug discovery programs, contributed to NIH R01 funding, and supported licensing outcomes. My scientific leadership spans custom assay development (hERG, LIFT, TR-FRET, BRET, β-arrestin, FLIPR), small molecule screening, and program management involving chemists, structural biologists, and data scientists. I also have extensive experience in mentoring, grant authorship, and translational innovation initiatives.I am passionate about applying discovery science to real-world challenges in human health and am actively exploring senior scientist, principal scientist, or director-level roles within mission-driven biotech or pharmaceutical organizations.AREAS OF EXPERTISE:GPCR TARGETS | HIGH-THROUGHPUT SCREENING (HTS)| DRUG DISCOVERY STRATEGY | TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCHNEUROLOGY | CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE | METABOLIC DISORDERS | SMALL MOLECULE THERAPEUTICS | ONCOLOGYASSAY DEVELOPMENT | LIFT | BRET | TR-FRET | FLIPR | TEAM LEADERSHIP | GRANT WRITING | MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
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