Jason Nichols

About Jason Nichols

I have extensive experience in cell and molecular biology at GSK, most recently focusing on 2D and 3D cell culture (including primary human cells) and developing complex in vitro models for drug discovery and translational research. I independently created and optimized a novel 3D spheroid tri-culture system that mimics the human liver microenvironment and allows for testing multiple treatment conditions and readouts, such as steatosis, fibrosis, toxicity, and inflammation by high content imaging and flow cytometry. I am drawn to science by a constant desire to learn new things and the creative problem solving that is required to achieve the thrill of a new discovery. In addition to learning, I enjoy the opportunity to teach others about lab instruments and techniques as a mentor to new hires. I am passionate about applying my skills and knowledge to advance the understanding and treatment of diseases.

Experience

1. Scientific Investigator

   GSK

   Nov 2022 — Present · Upper Providence, PA, US

   Independently developed a novel complex liver model system with primary human hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells in 3D spheroid tri-culture. Partnered closely with a statistician to utilize Design of Experiment (DoE) principles to maximize experiment plan and treatment scheme. Incorporated automated liquid handling to ensure consistency and improve efficiency to cell culture tasks. Utilized high content imaging to identify changes in cellular features. Mentored new employees.• Tested 512 unique treatment combinations in one complex model assay.• Measured multiple readouts including lipid accumulation and morphology (steatosis), collagen accumulation (fibrosis), and ALT/AST (toxicity) from a single assay.• Discovered a novel treatment combination to demonstrate increased steatosis and collagen production without the need for added TGFb.• Identified treatment induced changes in cytokine secretion with BD Cytometric Bead Array.• Collaborated with Perkin Elmer to maximize microscope features, enabling identification of spheroids in X, Y and Z plane with minimal background autofluorescence.• Developed analysis script to quantify spheroid size, lipid morphology and collagen production.

Education

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  Master of Science - MS

• Northeastern University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

• North Carolina State University

  BS