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Kiren Khanduja
Senior Engineer at Pionyr Immunotherapeutics
Professional Background
Kiren Khanduja is a highly motivated and proactive biopharmaceutical scientist and leader renowned for his expertise in downstream process development and scale-up, particularly in the realm of CMO tech transfer for GMP biologics. Over the years, Kiren has honed his skills in addressing and overcoming complex purification challenges associated with various molecule formats, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), Fc-fusion proteins, single-chain variable fragments (scFv), and PEGylated molecules. His impressive track record spans from pre-clinical stages through to commercial production, demonstrating his comprehensive knowledge and adaptable approach in the biopharmaceutical field.
In his distinguished career, Kiren has not only excelled in scientific roles but has also emerged as a thought leader in cross-functional teams, thriving in diverse and global environments. His belief in leveraging individual strengths aligns seamlessly with his approach to teamwork and collaboration, resulting in innovative solutions and successful project outcomes. Kiren's capabilities extend to a range of scientific areas including chromatography, tangential flow filtration (TFF), ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), Quality by Design (QbD), and the application of Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies to optimize biopharmaceutical processes.
Education and Achievements
Kiren's academic foundation is firmly rooted in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, having earned both his Master of Science in Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University. This prestigious institution is known for fostering innovative thinking and solid problem-solving skills, both of which Kiren brings to his professional endeavors. The education he received at Johns Hopkins not only equipped him with essential technical expertise but also nurtured his passion for continuous self-development and strategic thinking in biopharmaceutical science.
In terms of professional achievements, Kiren has held various key roles that have significantly impacted the biopharmaceutical landscape. Currently, he serves as a Senior CMC Engineer at Pionyr Immunotherapeutics, where he is instrumental in advancing the technical capacities of the organization in meeting regulatory and production standards for biologics. Prior to this role, he was a Scientist II and Scientist at Boehringer Ingelheim, where he contributed to innovative projects that advanced the company's biopharmaceutical portfolio.
Moreover, Kiren’s experience includes managerial roles, such as Operations Manager at Sublime Concentrates, where he demonstrated strong leadership and operational oversight, and Business Development Manager at Gymsurfing, highlighting his versatility and ability to adapt across different organizational needs. Additionally, his background as a Process Development Associate III and II at Perseid Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma, equipped him with substantial experience in process optimization and technology transfer.
Kiren's early career also includes valuable cooperative education (co-op) experiences at Genentech, where he gained firsthand exposure to cutting-edge biotech research and development processes, as well as a foundation that has supported his success in subsequent roles. Furthermore, his time as a Graduate Research Assistant at The Johns Hopkins University allowed him to apply his academic knowledge to practical research, further strengthening his qualifications.
Achievements
Kiren has received recognition for his innovative contributions and leadership capabilities throughout his career. His expertise in downstream processing and viral clearance strategies has made him a sought-after expert in his field. It is in these areas that he has made significant contributions to biopharmaceutical projects which not only meet but exceed industry standards and regulations. His commitment to quality and safety in biopharmaceutical development has ensured successful transitions from laboratory to manufacturing environments.
In addition to his technical skills in chromatographic methods and process optimization, Kiren's proficiency in statistical analysis and tools such as JMP Statistical Software has empowered him to effectively characterize processes and validate viral clearance measures, ensuring the utmost safety and efficacy in biologics production. His strategic partnerships foster collaboration across different teams, driving innovation and enhancing problem-solving capabilities.
Kiren’s philosophy that “many minds yield exponential results” resonates deeply within team dynamics, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere that encourages knowledge sharing and creative solution-finding. This core belief has propelled many successful projects under his leadership and made a lasting impact on his colleagues and the organizations he has served.
As Kiren continues to push the boundari
