Thilini Fernando Ph.D.
About Thilini Fernando Ph.D.
Thilini Fernando, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist at Kite Pharma, specializing in Analytical Development. With a strong background in molecular biology and extensive experience in laboratory techniques, she has contributed significantly to the field through her research and publications.
Work at Kite Pharma
Thilini Fernando serves as a Senior Scientist in Analytical Development at Kite Pharma, a role she has held since 2022. Prior to this position, she worked as a Scientist in the same department starting in 2018. Based in Santa Monica, California, she is responsible for developing Genome Copy assays for vector release testing and vector process characterization. Additionally, she leads the development of ddPCR-based methods in compliance with ICH guidelines. Her responsibilities also include the development and transfer of cell bank ID methods for working cell bank release.
Education and Expertise
Thilini Fernando earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from City University of New York, where she studied from 2004 to 2010. She also holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Bachelor's degree with First Class Honors in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Colombo. Her expertise encompasses a variety of laboratory techniques, including PCR/ddPCR, CRISPR/Cas9, and RNAseq library preparation. She has authored technical reports, development reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for method developments.
Previous Experience
Before joining Kite Pharma, Thilini Fernando worked at Cedars-Sinai as a Project Scientist from 2015 to 2018. She also held the position of Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA Health from 2011 to 2015. Earlier in her career, she was a Graduate Student at City University of New York from 2005 to 2009. These roles provided her with extensive experience in research and development within the field of biology.
Research Contributions
Thilini Fernando has published 10 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles over a span of 12 years. She has successfully secured four years of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through grant writing. Her research contributions include developing Vector Copy Number assays for lot release and process characterization, as well as identifying and qualifying critical reagents prior to their release. She also trains junior researchers, including undergraduates, graduate students, junior postdocs, and clinical fellows.