Ji Gao
About Ji Gao
Ji Gao is a Senior Research Scientist I/II at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Princeton, New Jersey, with a background in bioanalytical and genomics research.
Current Position at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Ji Gao currently works as a Senior Research Scientist I/II at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Princeton, New Jersey. In this role, Ji Gao develops high-throughput assays using Bruker TimsTof label-free workflow to confirm target engagement and profile off-target liabilities. Additionally, Ji Gao profiles MHC class II and class I peptides to guide immunogenicity risk assessment and neoantigen discovery.
Previous Experience in Applied Genomics
From 1999 to 2004, Ji Gao was an Associate Research Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb in Hopewell, New Jersey. In this position, Ji Gao was involved in Applied Genomics, presumably working on genomic research and analytics. This five-year tenure provided a foundational experience that contributed to Ji Gao's expertise in research science.
Early Career as Bioanalytical Scientist
Ji Gao's early career includes a position as a Bioanalytical Scientist at MDS Harris from 1998 to 1999 in the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Area. During this one-year period, Ji Gao gained valuable experience in bioanalysis, which laid the groundwork for subsequent roles in research science.
Educational Background in Biology and Chemistry
Ji Gao studied Biology at Jinan University, earning a Bachelor's degree. Following this, Ji Gao pursued further education in Chemistry at The University of Memphis, where a Master of Science degree was achieved. This academic background provided a solid foundation in both biological and chemical sciences, essential for a career in research.
Notable Contributions to Research and Development
Ji Gao has made several significant contributions to research and development. These include creating a robust TMT multiplexing workflow to study low abundance citrullinome in various biological samples, which confirmed target engagement and discovered potential PD markers for FIH trials. Additionally, Ji Gao built and optimized sample preparation workflows for FFPE, OCT, and frozen tissues, supporting discovery and translational programs. Another key contribution was leading targeted biomarker assay development, enabling critical Go/No Go decisions, development phase transitions, and compound selections.
Collaboration with Cleveland Clinic
Ji Gao has collaborated with the Cleveland Clinic to study the molecular mechanisms for IL-1R-TLR induced IRAK activation. This research contributed to immunology programs and resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals. Such collaborative efforts highlight Ji Gao's ability to work alongside other research institutions and contribute valuable insights into immunological mechanisms.