David Fast, PhD
About David Fast, PhD
David Fast, PhD, is a Senior NGS Scientist at SOPHiA GENETICS, with a background in immunology and bioinformatics. He has extensive experience in genomic data analysis and scientific research, having previously worked at the University of Alberta and Dose Biosystems.
Work at SOPHiA GENETICS
David Fast has been serving as a Senior NGS Scientist at SOPHiA GENETICS since 2021. In this role, he applies his expertise in next-generation sequencing (NGS) to enhance genomic data analysis. His work involves the design and implementation of bioinformatic pipelines, which are essential for processing and interpreting complex genomic datasets. David's contributions to the company focus on advancing the capabilities of genomic analysis and improving the accuracy of somatic variant calling.
Education and Expertise
David Fast completed his PhD in Immunology at the University of Alberta, where he studied from 2014 to 2020. He also holds an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Immunology and Infection from the same institution, which he completed between 2010 and 2014. His academic background has equipped him with a strong foundation in scientific research methodologies, particularly in high content screening and advanced statistical analysis techniques. David is proficient in utilizing tools such as Docker and AWS for computational tasks.
Background
Before joining SOPHiA GENETICS, David Fast worked as a Research Scientist in Bioinformatics at Dose Biosystems from 2020 to 2021. He also briefly served as a Scientist at the University of Alberta for two months in 2020. His diverse experiences in research settings have contributed to his skill set in genomic modifications, micro-dissections, and cell culture techniques, including work with mammalian and insect cell lines.
Achievements
David Fast has developed a strong background in scientific writing and data presentation, which supports his research endeavors. He is experienced in using advanced microscopy techniques, including transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. Additionally, he is skilled in data visualization and interpretation, employing tools like GraphPad Prism and Fiji to analyze and present research findings effectively.