Robert Connacher, PhD
About Robert Connacher, PhD
Robert Connacher, PhD, serves as a Principal Scientist at Adaptimmune, where he has worked since 2024. He has over 15 years of experience in immunohistochemistry and has contributed to the development of multiplex immunohistochemistry assays for clinical trials.
Current Role at Adaptimmune
Robert Connacher serves as a Principal Scientist at Adaptimmune, a position he has held since 2024. In this role, he continues to contribute to the company's research and development efforts in the field of immunotherapy. Prior to this, he worked as a Clinical Biomarker Scientist at Adaptimmune from 2021 to 2024, where he focused on biomarker development and clinical trial support. His work is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Previous Experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Before joining Adaptimmune, Robert Connacher held several roles in the pharmaceutical industry. He worked at Merck as a Scientist from 2019 to 2021 and as a Senior Scientist for a brief period in 2021. Additionally, he served as a Scientist II Contractor at Joulé, working with Merck from 2018 to 2019. His experience at these organizations involved various aspects of drug development and research.
Education and Academic Background
Robert Connacher earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Developmental Neuroscience from Rutgers University, where he studied from 2010 to 2017. His academic work included a focus on signaling pathways relevant to cell proliferation. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology from Gettysburg College, which he completed from 2003 to 2007. During his time at Rutgers, he served as a Teaching Assistant and a Part-Time Lecturer, contributing to the education of undergraduate students.
Research Expertise and Contributions
Robert Connacher has over 15 years of experience in immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques, both in vitro and in vivo. He has a strong background in optimizing antibody validation processes and has played a key role in developing multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) assays to support clinical trials. His research contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of cellular mechanisms in various contexts.
Engagement in Science Communication
In addition to his research roles, Robert Connacher actively engages in science communication and public outreach initiatives. This involvement reflects his commitment to disseminating scientific knowledge and fostering public understanding of complex scientific concepts. His efforts contribute to bridging the gap between scientific research and community awareness.