Wali Malik
About Wali Malik
Wali Malik serves as the Senior Director of Lab Automation at Tessera Therapeutics, where he has worked since 2022. With extensive experience in laboratory automation and a strong educational background in biotechnology, he has held various roles in notable companies such as MedImmune, Merck, and GSK.
Work at Tessera Therapeutics
Wali Malik serves as the Senior Director of Lab Automation at Tessera Therapeutics, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he focuses on enhancing laboratory automation processes to improve efficiency and productivity. Prior to this, he was the Director of Lab Automation at the same company for nine months, where he contributed to the development of automation strategies and workflows.
Career History
Wali Malik has an extensive background in laboratory automation, having worked at several prominent organizations. He began his career at MedImmune as an Associate Scientist I from 2008 to 2014. He then transitioned to Merck, where he served as a Senior Scientist Laboratory Automation Engineer from 2014 to 2017. Following this, he worked at GSK in various roles, including Laboratory Automation Researcher and Lead Automation Specialist, from 2017 to 2019. He also held the position of Principal Automation Engineer at Sana Biotechnology, Inc. from 2019 to 2021.
Education and Expertise
Wali Malik holds a Master's degree in Biotechnology with a focus on High Throughput Drug Discovery and Molecular Target of Diseases from Johns Hopkins University, which he completed from 2009 to 2011. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Maryland College Park, graduating in 2008. His educational background supports his expertise in designing and implementing complex automation systems.
Technical Skills and Specializations
Wali Malik specializes in automating complex workflows for various laboratory processes, including analytical, upstream, and downstream operations. He has expertise in using Hamilton and Tecan robots, along with peripherals like robotic arms and plate readers. His skills include programming, troubleshooting, and modifying liquid handlers and Cellario-based systems, enabling the development of comprehensive automation strategies for high-throughput applications.
Achievements in Lab Automation
Throughout his career, Wali Malik has developed and implemented advanced software and digital solutions to streamline lab workflows, including electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). He leads collaborations aimed at enhancing automation strategies for high-throughput next-generation sequencing, plasmid production, RNA production, and oligonucleotide synthesis, showcasing his commitment to innovation in laboratory automation.