Soham Maity

About Soham Maity

With over 10 years of research experience in chemistry and biotechnology, I am currently a Research Scientist at IASO Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative solutions for global health challenges. My core competencies include bioconjugation, protein purification, organic synthesis, and spectroscopy. At IASO Therapeutics, I lead the development of a conjugate vaccine against Salmonella typhi, a major cause of typhoid fever and a public health threat in many regions of the world. I have successfully purified and characterized the vaccine components and performed immunogenicity studies on animal models. During my PhD, I have designed novel photo-switchable sensors based on fluorescent proteins, and published multiple peer-reviewed papers in prestigious journals. I am passionate about applying my skills and knowledge to create impactful and life-saving products that can improve human health and well-being.

Experience

1. Research Scientist

   Iaso Therapeutics

   Feb 2022 — Present · East Lansing, MI, US

   Lead the development of a conjugate vaccine against Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella bacteria. Co-authored NIH SBIR phase I grant proposal for conjugate vaccine against streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium causing pneumococcal diseases. Developed conjugation of bacteriophage capsid protein Qβ (MW = 2556 kDa) with various bacterial antigens (both synthetic and natural) using lysine-based bioconjugation methods and purified through ultrafiltration/diafiltration and chromatographic methods (e.g. size exclusion chromatography). Optimized the molar ratio, buffer condition, reaction time, and temperature for scalable and robust synthesis of the conjugates. Evaluated the success of the conjugation via gel-electrophoresis and mass spectrometry-based methods (such as LC-MS and MALDI) and controlled the antigen loading on the capsid protein for optimal immunological performance. Designed and developed a new method for site-specific conjugation, purification, and analytical characterization of Qβ with large bacterial polysaccharide coating antigens (MW ~ kDa). Expressed bacteriophage capsid protein, Qβ recombinantly from E. Coli and purified via chromatographic (e.g, ion exchange and ceramic hydroxyapatite) and sucrose density gradient-based methods. Analyzed the level of antibodies produced in mice from the conjugate vaccine using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to gain insight into the efficacy of the vaccine. Partnered with an external manufacturing group to successfully transfer the process of synthesizing bacterial antigens for large-scale production.

Education

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

  Master of Science (M.S.), Chemistry

  2013 — 2016

• Jadavpur University

  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with Honors, Chemistry

  2010 — 2013

• Michigan State University

  PhD in Chemistry

  2016 — 2021