Goutham Vasam

Dynamic and seasoned Bioinformatics Research Scientist with a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, I bring a comprehensive background in computational biology, underscored by a strong publication record and extensive postdoctoral experience. My expertise spans the development and management of large-scale omics data projects, with a proficiency in Python, R, and Linux, enabling me to excel in both independent research and collaborative team environments. My work at Genentech has refined my skills in data curation, analysis, and visualization, contributing to translational genomics and drug discovery initiatives. I am adept at leveraging machine learning and deep learning techniques to derive meaningful insights from complex datasets, with a focus on enhancing scientific understanding and advancing medical research. My commitment to excellence, combined with a passion for innovation and a keen attention to detail, positions me to make significant contributions to any research institution or biotech company. I am TN visa eligible, ready to relocate, and eager to apply my analytical acumen to new challenges in the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs.

Experienced Consultant / Bioinformatician
Amaris Consulting                                                                                                                   Jun 2022-Current
Project: Scientific Computational Data Curator at Genentech (subsidiary of Roche) Jun 2022-Dec 2023
• Developed data-centric narratives to guide the creation of robust, cutting-edge informatics solutions, enabling Translational Genomics initiatives across five workflows and multiple cross-functional teams.
• Managed acquisition and disposition activities for biomedical data from hundreds of external and internal publications, culminating in data visualization and drug discovery processes.
• Harmonized and ingested data from at least 15 different public and access-restricted sources, encompassing various modalities.
• Analyzed and processed over 150 datasets, including RNA-seq (bulk and single-cell), ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq (bulk and single-cell), WGS, WES, spatial transcriptomics, multiomics, GWAS, and other NGS data.
• Collaborated with the Data Team and other teams for data tasks, and with the Genomic Workflows and Data Infrastructure (GWDI) team for smooth functioning of data registration processes and bioinformatics analysis workflows.
• Contributed to the automation of scRNA-seq data ingestion through the GEO pipeline, which ingests over 300 datasets quarterly, by scripting code, creating Jenkins jobs, and documenting for ABS curation.
• Supported the specification, acquisition, organization, checking, and annotation of data using specified standards, ensuring high-quality and QC'd data are cataloged and stored in a defined location or system.
• Communicated effectively with peers, supervisors, and scientists, and relayed blockers within and across teams.
• Prepared, updated, and reviewed documentation and code.

Postdoctoral Fellow 
University of Ottawa                                                                                                             Jun 2017-May 2022
• Led and contributed to projects focusing on mitochondrial function, muscle pathologies, and preeclampsia, encompassing both wet lab research and bioinformatic analysis.
• Applied classical machine learning along with computer vision and deep learning techniques for the classification of clinical placental histopathological sections.
• Authored and reviewed documentation and manuscripts, resulting in the publication of 13 peer-reviewed articles, including research in image analysis, transcriptomics and proteomics (label free quantification and TMT-labelled sample analysis using tools such as Maxquant, Perseus, Trans Proteomic Pipeline, Proteome Discoverer).
• Collaborated within a team setting, supervised projects and students, and managed laboratory supplies.
• Conducted experiments, disseminated findings, and instructed a class of 100 undergraduate students.
• Implemented data science and visualization techniques to enhance research publications.
• Organized and actively participated in seminars and conferences.

Clinical Research Assistant III 
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute                                                                                    Dec 2020-Dec 2023
• Conducted on-demand collection, processing, and banking of human clinical samples, including placenta, maternal blood, cord blood, and swab samples for the clinical studies: COVID-19 in Pregnancy Event (COPE) and Pregnant and Lactating Individuals & Newborns COVID-19 Vaccination (PLAN-V).
• Handled high-risk pathogens and contributed to the investigation of the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and newborns, as well as the effects of vaccination.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Pharmaceutical Sciences, May 2017 
North Dakota State University  -  Fargo, ND, US

Master of Science (M.S.): Pharmacology and Toxicology, August 2011 
National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research  -  Mohali, Punjab, India