Lavanya K.

About Lavanya K.

Distinguished scientist in Immunology research at Sanofi, with over six years of impactful contributions to autoimmune and cancer research- Demonstrated excellence in leading and executing research of national and international importance, particularly in the redox biology, cancer metabolism, and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics- Contributed significantly to innovative drug development studies for oncology research projects resulting in high-impact 8 peer-reviewed publications, developed novel experimental methodologies, and collaborated on breakthrough studies in autoimmunity and ferroptosis- Actively involved in training, mentoring, and cross-functional innovation initiatives, consistently recognized for outstanding performance and scientific rigor.

Experience

1. Senior Associate Scientist

   Sanofi

   Jul 2022 — Present · Cambridge, MA, US

   Functional Assay Development & Validation • Designed, developed, and validated functional assay platforms (reporter assays, AlphaLISA, MSD) for evaluating small molecule inhibitors in autoimmune pathways • Independently developed protein ubiquitination assay through literature review, optimization, and validation • Established whole blood and primary cell systems for physiologically relevant compound evaluation • Characterized protein activation and localization using subcellular fractionation techniquesProject Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration• Led functional screening strategy and candidate selection, coordinating multiple concurrent studies across inhibitor programs • Served as functional representative on cross-disciplinary teams, providing technical and strategic guidance • Coordinated in-vivo efficacy studies and led cytokine assay execution, identifying lead compounds with dose-dependent activity • Collaborated with genomics and immuno-oncology teams on RNA sequencing and target validation studiesCell Biology & Mechanistic Studies• Generated 20+ stable cell lines supporting structure-activity relationship and compound binding characterization • Developed protein dimerization analysis systems using complementation technology • Evaluated compounds in primary cells and generated potency data for candidate rankingTechnical Leadership• Provided technical training on AlphaLISA, MSD, reporter assays, and data analysis tools to scientists across therapeutic areas • Trained colleagues across teams on assay techniques and shared resources while managing own project timelinesScientific Communication• Presented findings at internal meetings, and conferences (oral and poster presentations)• Maintained comprehensive experimental documentation and performed rigorous data analysis using GraphPad Prism

Education

• Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani

  Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.), Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration

  2011 — 2015

• Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani

  Bachelor of Science, Pharmacy

• University of Pittsburgh

  Master's program, Pharmaceutical Sciences

  2015 — 2016

• Long Island University

  Master's degree, Pharmaceutical Sciences

  2017 — 2018

• Long Island University

  Master of Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences

• Erie Community College

  Certificate Program, Biotechnological Science

  2017 — 2017