TIMOTHY JOHN RAST
3553 46th Avenue South * Minneapolis, MN 55406
 [Send email to request phone number] 32.7565 * 

 RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Innovative, highly skilled professional with 20 years of laboratory research
experience and expertise in molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry.
Additional strengths in optimization of product extraction/purification, project
coordination and bioinformatics. History of planning, developing, executing, and
documented well-designed experiments in accordance with GLP and study protocols.
Continuously investigate, develop, and implement lab practices/protocols based on
scientific developments and advancements; recognized for ability to make
intellectual contributions to current research activities and adapt easily to
challenging projects, shifting priorities, and changing research focuses.

Skillfully manage full range of laboratory functions to ensure optimal use of
time and resources; maintain and calibrate equipment, monitor inventories, and
ensure compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines. Background in hiring,
training, and mentoring junior researchers. Valued, respected associate who
displays superior work ethic, strong attention to detail, and high professional
standards.

LABORATORY SKILLS

Recombinant Yeast In Vivo Models * Mouse Oral Infection Models * Organ
Harvesting * PCR * RT-PCR

Sequence Analysis for Molecular Marker Optimization * Genome Assembly * Primer
Design * Cloning

DNA Sequencing * DNA (chromosomal and plasmid), RNA, & Protein Extraction *
Immunoassay Development

Southern/Northern/Western Blot * Fermentation Product Analysis *
Co-immunoprecipitation * Mutagenesis

Microarray Development * Gel Eelectrophoresis * Immunofluorescence * Human
AffyChips * Staining

Radiolabeled and Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization * Tissue, Sample, and Reagent
Preparation

Shuttle Vector Construction * Transformation Techniques * HTS * Biochemical
Pathway analysis

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN * 1989-2009

Scientist - Laboratory of Dr. Dana Davis, 2006-2009
Fungal genetics lab focusing on stress response in Candida albicans

Developed host-pathogen interaction model at mucosal surface in human epithelial
cells and ex vivo human tissue. Investigated human innate immune response by
analyzing global gene expression profiles confirmed by RT-PCR and western blot.
Studied localization of gene expression in human tissue using fluorescent
microscopy and in situ hybridization. Researched regulation of processing of
transcription factors related to iron metabolism and virulence in Candida
albicans.

Scientist - Laboratory of Dr. P.T. Magee, 2000-2006
Fungal genetics lab focusing on physical mapping, mating, and translocation in
Candida albicans

Selected to lead 6-year, contracted project to create fosmid-based,
sequence-tagged site, genomic physical map of 16 Mb heterozygous diploid to
assemble fragmented collection of genome sequence contigs into complete genome
sequence. Supported development of research plans, budgets, and schedules to
ensure attainment of project goals. Determined equipment needs and oversaw
purchasing, maintenance, and repair of instruments, including biorobot.
...Continued...

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN * Continued
Scientist - Laboratory of Dr. P.T. Magee

 * Skillfully coordinated research efforts of collaborators (including
Biotechnology Research Institute in Montreal) and private contractor (OpGen in
Madison, Wisconsin), as well as junior scientists and technicians.

Junior Scientist-Scientist - Biological Process Technology Institute, Bioprocess
Facility, 1995-2000
Core service facility providing advanced research, training, and
university-industry interaction in biological process technology

Engaged in all aspects of research and development (short- and long-term
assignments) for university and private biotechnology companies. Designed and
developed research plans on variety of projects. Supported technology transfer
and implemented advanced security measures at facility.

 * Operated, maintained, repaired, and remodeled 2,000-square foot BL2 pilot
scale fermentation facility containing several 25-300 L fermenters, pulse
combustion drier, continuous flow centrifuges, and several apparatuses used
during purification of varied biosynthetic products. The facility also had a
500-square foot chemical analysis unit.

Junior Scientist / Student Lab Technician - Laboratory of Dr. Palmer Roger,
1989-1995
Bacterial physiology lab elucidating molecular level regulation of switching
from acetogenic to solventogenic phases in lifecycle of gram positive anaerobic
bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum

Performed broad range of lab functions, including transforming, screening, and
analyzing mutant strains for altered fermentation product profile. Cloned and
sequenced ATP-dependant RNA helicase, supported development of transformation
methods, and assisted with vector construction. Created and maintained genomic
library.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Completed graduate-level courses at University of Minnesota in Chemical
Engineering and Medical Microbiology, as well as ongoing training/coursework
related to GMP, regulatory compliance, and lab safety.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Proficient with GeneSpring, Pathway Analyst, DNA Strider, DNAStar, AmplifX,
BLAST, and Ensembl, and Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Display advanced knowledge of digital and analog controls, data management and
organization practices, and process scale-up and automation; designed and wrote
computer programs for biorobot. Assisted in website design.