Robert Policastro
Manager, Bioinformatics @MaxCyte, Inc.
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WORK HISTORY
Manager, Bioinformatics @MaxCyte, Inc.
Waltham, MA, US
As Bioinformatics Manager with a focus on MaxCyte’s SeQure platform, I lead the computational strategy for assessing the on/off-target editing and genomic safety of client cell and gene therapies using assays like GUIDE-seq and ONE-seq. To support this mission, I direct the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of robust, scalable bioinformatics workflows, while generating automated, reproducible reports that translate complex genomic data into actionable insights. Finally, I ensure our analyses and infrastructure adapt to meet the evolving expectations of the FDA and the broader gene-editing field.
EDUCATION
Indiana University Bloomington
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Stony Brook University
Master of Science - MS, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
University of Rochester
Bachelor's degree, Biology, General
ABOUT ROBERT POLICASTRO
As manager, Bioinformatics with a focus on MaxCyte’s SeQure platform, I lead the computational strategy for assessing the on/off-target editing and genomic safety of client cell and gene therapies using assays like GUIDE-seq and ONE-seq. To support this mission, I direct the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of robust, scalable bioinformatics workflows, while generating automated, reproducible reports that translate complex genomic data into actionable insights. Finally, I ensure our analyses and infrastructure adapt to meet the evolving expectations of the FDA and the broader gene-editing field.As a Computational Biologist (Senior & Principal Scientist) at Ensoma I supported the efforts of building a in vivo gene editing platform through the analysis and interpretation of sequencing data from various platforms such as Illumina, 10X, and Nanopore. As the first Computational Biologist hired for the Boston team I was responsible for building out the infrastructure and establishing in-house expertise for many NGS and high-throughput assays related to transcriptomics, genomics, and epigenetics. I also designed and executed a succesful genotox assessment in support of the regulatory submission of Ensoma\'s gene replacement therapy.Prior to joining Ensoma I worked as a Computational Biologist (Scientist I & II) at eGenesis where I advanced the efforts of gene-editing pig organs for transplant into humans. During my time there I was involved in transcriptomics, genomics, and epigenetic projects for characterizing and improving our product, and to advance our understand of the immunological impact of our xenotransplanted organs.In my PhD I developed a method (STRIPE-seq) for quick, cheap, and easy global discovery of transcription starts sites (TSSs). Furthermore, I published a comprehensive R package for the analysis of TSS-mapping data from STRIPE-seq and other sequencing modalities such as CAGE. I was also involved in numerous computational collaborations in both basic science and cancer biology in various systems such as human, mouse, and flies.I\'m an avid user of R and Python, a budding Rustacean, and still unable to escape awk and sed. You\'ll often find me answering bioinformatics questions at support forums such as Biostars and SO.
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