Anastasya Birger
Raleigh
Summary
Scientist and cross-functional project lead with deep expertise in genome editing, base editing, off-target assessment, primary-cell engineering, and NGS-based assay development. Experienced in translating complex biological questions into rigorous experimental strategies, structured datasets, dashboards, and custom analytical tools that improve reproducibility, speed, and decision-making. Recognized for scientific ownership, clear stakeholder communication, and ability to bridge experimental biology, computational analysis, and translational program needs in fast-paced biotech environments.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist II
Elevate Bio (Life Edit Therapeutics)
Durham, NC
05.2024 - Current
- Drive the development of analytical tools and scalable workflows, including an internally adopted
- NGS/Sanger analysis application and improvements to off-target pipelines and dashboards, enabling greater efficiency and reproducibility across programs.
- Design and define detailed technical requirements for AI-assisted code generation, enabling the rapid development of robust, end-to-end analytical tools tailored to complex biological datasets.
- Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of off-target strategies for gene editing systems, with a focus on base editors and primary cell models.
- Manage and curate complex datasets, establishing centralized, well-structured data frameworks that enhance accessibility, consistency, and data-driven decision-making across teams.
- Advance experimental capabilities by establishing new workflows and supporting high-throughput screening of engineered variants in both cell lines and primary cells.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with computational biology, protein engineering, and experimental teams to address key challenges, identify bottlenecks, and implement practical, data-driven solutions.
- Work in a partner- and deliverables-driven environment, aligning cross-functional efforts to achieve project milestones and effectively communicate progress and outcomes to high-stakes stakeholders.
- Recognized for strong scientific rigor, ownership, and the ability to translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights.
Scientist II, Team Lead
InceptorBio
Morrisville, NC
12.2022 - 05.2024
- Successfully led a project focused on developing an engineering process of primary immune cells using electroporation with mRNA and LNP, demonstrating high transfection efficiency and functionality of the cell product in vitro and in vivo.
- Developed, characterized, and optimized protocols for generating CAR-M from HSC utilizing LVV transduction.
- Translated the research scale protocol of generating CAR-M to the large-scale production, ensuring effective organization and utilization of resources.
- Coordinated teams responsible for production and conducting functional assays of the cell product, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
- Led the design and optimization of a panel with multiple markers for comprehensive immunophenotyping of the cell product by flow cytometry.
- Developed clear and precise protocols for iPSC maintenance and differentiation, ensuring standardized processes and providing training to colleagues.
- Designed and implemented a systematic approach for documentation and tracking of multiple ongoing processes at different stages, promoting visibility and smooth workflows among team members.
- Successfully implemented electronic lab notebook practices, significantly improving documentation accuracy, accessibility, and data processing.
- Effectively coordinated collaborations with external collaborators in both academic and industry settings
- Provided timely and comprehensive scientific reports of team achievements, ensuring transparent communication and alignment with project objectives.
- Demonstrated effective budget management, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and adherence to project financial goals.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Duke University
Durham, NC
11.2019 - 11.2022
- Established from scratch human iPSC tissue culture facilities in the lab and cryo-bank of multiple iPSC lines, set up QC assays and wrote SOPs for all iPSC maintenance procedures, and trained techs and grad students.
- Developed and characterized a protocol for differentiation of iPSC to cortical and midbrain-specific astrocytes.
- Designed and cloned a vector carrying a novel dual gene reporter system and integrated it into the safe locus of the genome of the human iPSC line by CRISPR/Cas9.
- Developed an iPSC line with the stable expression of dCas9-2xVP64, using specific gRNAs, which were able to induce epigenomic modifications and expression of the targeting genes.
- Screened several PD-related genes by knocking them down and identified the most potent candidates able to affect astrocyte functionality and therefore be involved in astrocytic dysfunction of PD.
- Initiated, justified, and purchased spectrum flow cytometry for the lab, established assays, designed panels, and trained lab members to utilize the cytometer and analyze the data using FCS Express.
- Led research group, designed, and managed scientific projects.
Ph.D. Researcher
Hebrew University
Jerusalem, Israel
2012 - 2019
- Developed impedance-based assays to measure recombinant protein activity and cytoskeleton-related cellular responses, enabling faster and more sensitive functional assessment (Birger A. et al. 2015, European Journal of Cell Biology).
- Investigated Semaphorin 3A effects on human cortical neurons and spinal motor neurons, identifying cell-type-specific responses relevant to ALS pathology (Birger A. et al. 2018, Cell Death and Disease).
- Modeled C9ORF72-associated ALS using patient iPSC-derived astrocytes and hESC-derived motor neurons, linking astrocyte dysfunction, senescence, altered secretome, and oxidative stress to motor neuron vulnerability (Birger A. et al. 2015, European Journal of Cell Biology).
Education
Ph.D. - Medical Sciences
The Hebrew University
Jerusalem, Israel06-2019
Skills
- Genome editing & base editing (CRISPR/Cas systems)
- Off-target assessment & risk analysis
- Primary cell engineering (neurons, astrocytes, HSPC, immune cells, iPSC)
- NGS-based assay development & analysis
- Data pipeline & workflow development
- AI-assisted analytical tool development
- High-throughput screening strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration, work in a partner- and deliverables-driven environment
- Translational research & preclinical development
Timeline
Scientist II
Elevate Bio (Life Edit Therapeutics)
05.2024 - Current
Scientist II, Team Lead
InceptorBio
12.2022 - 05.2024
Postdoctoral Fellow
Duke University
11.2019 - 11.2022
Ph.D. Researcher
Hebrew University
2012 - 2019
Ph.D. - Medical Sciences
The Hebrew University