Scientist · MBA Candidate (AI) · ACSM Trainer

Roohid
Parast

Translational scientist at Johnson & Johnson, working at the intersection of clinical biomarker research, IBD drug development, and precision medicine.

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About

Bridging the gap between lab science and clinical impact.

3+
Years in Pharma
J&J
Current Employer
BS
Biochemistry, Temple
MBA
AI Concentration, 2026

I am a scientist at Johnson & Johnson in Springhouse, PA, contributing to the clinical development of compounds targeting inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. My work focuses on generating and analyzing proteomic and transcriptomic datasets that support dose selection, mechanism of action assessment, and PK/PD modeling in clinical trials.

My path into translational science started with a BS in Biochemistry from Temple University, followed by roles at QPS (bioanalytical assay development and validation), and GSK (biopharmaceutical manufacturing). Each step gave me a broader view of how a drug moves from discovery through to the clinic.

Outside the lab, I am completing an MBA with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence, expected 2026. I am interested in how AI and machine learning are reshaping drug discovery, clinical trial design, and biomarker analysis — and how scientists with deep domain expertise can lead that transition. I also hold an ACSM personal trainer certification and write about the science of training, recovery, and inflammation.

Experience

In Progress · 2026
Graduate Studies

MBA — Artificial Intelligence Concentration

Pursuing a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence. Focused on how AI and machine learning are transforming drug development, clinical research, and precision medicine. Expected completion end of 2026.

Machine LearningAI in HealthcareDrug Development StrategyExpected 2026
2024 – Present
Johnson & Johnson

Scientist, Translational Medicine

Delivering translational datasets to support MoA, pathway engagement, and PD/PK modeling for clinical compounds in the IBD, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis portfolio. Generating robust clinical biomarker data for dose selection at governance meetings. Supporting RNA extraction, tissue lysate generation, digital spatial profiling (DSP), and single-cell analysis from human clinical FFPE tissue.

MSD & SMC ImmunoassaysscRNAseqDSP / COSMXIBDELN
2024
GSK

Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Associate

Performed production operations including fermentation, cell culture, chromatographic separation, filtration, and concentration under GMP. Operated large-scale automated equipment, monitored critical process parameters, and participated in cross-functional engineering, validation, and Tech Transfer activities.

GMPFermentationSAP / EBRChromatography
2022 – 2024
QPS

Associate Scientist II

Method development, validation, transfer, and sample analysis of immunogenicity and pharmacokinetic assays using Gyrolab, MSD, and UV-Vis ELISA platforms. Principal investigator on multiple studies, supervising lead analysts and publishing clinical and non-clinical study reports. Trained new hires and managed lab operations under GLP.

GyrolabELISAGLPWatson LIMSImmunogenicity
2021 – 2022
Knights Medical Association

Medical Assistant Intern

Assisted attending physicians during patient examination, documented patient history, physical findings, and procedures. Maintained accurate records of physician communication and patient care activities.

Clinical DocumentationPatient Care

Areas of Expertise

Clinical Biomarker Science

Generating and analyzing proteomic and transcriptomic datasets from human serum and tissue to support clinical dose selection, pharmacodynamic assessment, and mechanism of action characterization.

Immunoassay Development

Method development, validation, and transfer of immunogenicity and PK assays using MSD, SMC, Gyrolab, and ELISA platforms. Experience as principal investigator on multi-study programs under GLP and FDA guidelines.

Spatial & Single-Cell Biology

Supporting digital spatial profiling (DSP/NanoString), COSMX protein analysis, and single-cell RNA sequencing from clinical FFPE tissue to characterize cellular responses to treatment.

Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

GMP production operations including fermentation, cell culture, chromatographic separation, and filtration at large scale. Experienced with SAP, electronic batch records, and cross-functional validation activities.

Inflammation & IBD Research

Focused clinical biomarker support for the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease pipeline, with deep familiarity with the inflammatory pathways and treatment mechanisms relevant to the IBD space.

AI & Drug Development

Pursuing an MBA with an AI concentration to understand how machine learning is transforming clinical trial design, biomarker analysis, and precision medicine strategy.

Writing

Medium

What Biomarkers Can Tell Us About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A scientist's perspective on how proteomic and transcriptomic tools are reshaping IBD drug development.

Medium

From the Bench to the Gym: What Science and Fitness Have in Common

How the principles of rigorous lab science map directly onto evidence-based physical training.

Quora

Answers on Biomarkers, Pharma Careers & Peptides

Answering questions about drug development, clinical science, GLP-1 peptides, and how to build a career in pharma without a PhD.

Let's connect.

Whether you are working in translational medicine, interested in clinical biomarker science, or want to discuss training and fitness from a scientific perspective, I am always open to a conversation.