1. Donna M. Carr
donnamcarr@icloud.com | www.linkedin.com/in/donna-carr-466ab53
M: (908) 887-5972 | H: (908) 276-8494
520 Richfield Ave. | Kenilworth | NJ | 07033
Pharmaceutical Scientist
 Expert in in vitro biochemical and cellular assay design, execution and troubleshooting
supporting and advancing discovery programs in Oncology and Infectious Diseases. Hands-on
experience spanning from hit-finding through clinical and post-launch phases. An effective
communicator who is recognized as a strong collaborator and a coach. An innovative thinker
who is both well-organized and efficient with appropriate attention to detail.
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Skill Sets
Lab Skills: Specialist in biochemical and cellular assay development, validation and troubleshooting on
multiple platforms. Independent worker who is adept in the use of automation and data analysis software
(MS Excel, GraphPad Prism, SpotFire, etc.). Excellent organizational and record keeping skills.
• Automation
• Cell Culture
• Data Analysis
• Multiplexing
• NanoBRET
• HTRF
• Luminex
• IMAP
• Experimental Design
• Target Engagement
• Project Management
• Western Blotting
• Kinetic Assays
• Combinations
• Proliferation
• ELISA
Technical writing: Concise SOP generation for assay transfers to and from external partners. Author
study reports for pre-clinical candidate progression. Proficient with MS Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• 25 peer-reviewed journal articles
• Nine study reports authored & four edited
• 15 assay transfer SOPs
• Weekly data reports and project updates
• Three patent applications
• Nearly 50 bound notebooks completed
• 12 ELNs containing detailed MoA protocol
Teamwork : Core Team Representative/Point of Contact for multiple Infectious Disease and Oncology
programs. Highly regarded by colleagues for congenial and productive collaborations.
• Engaged department of >100 people to establish a culture of safety compliance.
• Enabled cross-functional colleagues to incorporate new automated processes.
• Worked with IT to simplify data analysis and ensure accuracy of results in databases.
• Summarized weekly screening assay and MoA data to present to project teams.
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Work Experience
Associate Principle Scientist, Merck Research Laboratories, Kenilworth, NJ 2012 to Present
In Vitro Pharmacology–Cellular Pharmacology
◊ Lead pharmacology program support teams to advance projects from hit ID to lead optimization.
◊ Perform translational PK/PD experiments in Hollow Fiber system to support dose selection of
clinical candidates.
◊ Author and coauthor multiple SOP documents with detailed assay information for screening and
mechanism of action determination.
◊ Implement NanoBRET technology to study compound-target interactions in real time in live cells.
Senior Scientist, Merck Research Laboratories, Kenilworth, NJ 2009-12
In Vitro Pharmacology – Cellular Pharmacology
◊ Supported antiviral program for First-in-Human studies by performing cell panel screen vs.
Standard of Care.

2. Donna M. Carr 2016
◊ Designed and validated a small translational PK/PD device that reduced time between
experiments by 1 week and decreased drug and reagent usage by 10-fold (patent pending).
◊ Reformat low throughput ELISA assay to Luminex platform, incorporate new compound handling
processes, troubleshoot edge effect, validate and provide weekly support to project team.
Senior Scientist, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, NJ 2003-09
Oncology Research
◊ Identified patient stratification biomarkers in multiple oncology indications for first-in-class ERK
kinase inhibitor, MK-8353. Patent # WO 2009/073513; Jun, 2009.
◊ Established and executed a high-throughput profiling platform using >180 cell lines to identify
responder and non-responder genotypes to the ERK inhibitor as single agent and in combination
with standard of care and novel therapies.
− Results of these combination studies were used to guide clinical development strategy after
confirmatory preclinical in vivo studies.
◊ Provided PK/PD target engagement data from xenograft & skin samples following in vivo studies.
◊ Provided weekly assay support for program from LID to PCC candidate nomination.
◊ Hired, trained and managed laboratory personnel.
Scientist II, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, NJ 2000-03
Oncology Research,
◊ Developed high-throughput screening assays for three kinase targets and wrote SOPs for
successful transfer to high throughput screening group.
− Each pulled references and additional hits from a screening library of >1MM compounds.
◊ Developed robotic liquid handling programs and analysis templates to meet the specific needs of
colleagues across therapy areas. Trained new users for independent robot operation.
◊ Analyzed yearly reagent spend for entire research institute to identify areas for potential cost
savings. Recommended process changes that would result in $140,000 annual savings.
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Education
Master of Science – Biochemistry
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Bachelor of Science (cum laude) – Chemistry | Minor – Mathematics
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Associate of Arts and Sciences (cum laude) – Chemistry
University of North Dakota – Williston campus, Williston, ND
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Professional Development / Awards
• Recipient of 6 Merck “Awards for Excellence” – Advancing projects, safety and teamwork.
• 2014 Merck ‘Rewards and Recognition’ award – Contributions to site safety audit preparation.
• 2012 Divisional Presidents Award – NJ Laboratory Waste Harmonization Team.
• Sigma Yellow Belt – two day training session designed to teach Lean Six Sigma fundamentals.
• Managing Excellence Training – three day management training workshop, Oct 2006.
• Recipient of 15 Schering-Plough “Shining Performance” recognitions awards between 2004
and 2010 for ‘Cross Functional Team Work’ and ‘Coaching and Developing Others’.
• Recipient of 3 Special Stock Option awards for exceptional performance between 1999 and 2005.
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