Michelle D Johnson PhD CSci FIBMS

Michelle D Johnson has extensive work experience in the field of molecular biology and genomics. Michelle D currently serves as the Head of Assay Development at LEX Diagnostics, where they are responsible for developing fast-PCR assays and optimizing thermocycling conditions for the LEX novel platform. In addition, they curate a pathogen database and designs PCR assays for respiratory diseases, while ensuring uniformity and traceability within the organization.

Prior to their current role, Michelle worked as the Assay Development Manager at LEX Diagnostics.

Michelle also worked at Cambridge Epigenetix as a Senior Scientist, where they applied 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows for early cancer detection. Michelle D led a team in developing and implementing these methods, and also conducted proof-of-concept studies. Before that, they held the position of Senior Assay Development Scientist at Cambridge Epigenetix.

Michelle's previous experience includes working at the University of Cambridge as a Senior Research Associate, where they generated and analyzed epigenetics data from human pregnancies, and as a Research Associate, where they conducted research on epigenetics.

Michelle D also worked at Imperial College London as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, where they developed a next-generation sequencing method for analyzing DNA methylation. Additionally, they worked as a Research Associate at Imperial College London, where they focused on characterizing genes associated with immunologically mediated kidney disease.

Earlier in their career, Michelle worked at Exelixis Deutschland GmbH as an Associate Research Scientist, contributing to genomics-based tools and data for drug discovery projects. Michelle D also carried out feasibility studies for up-scaling molecular biology workflows and managed the internal Sanger Sequencing service.

Michelle's first research role was as a Research Assistant at Stanford University, where they applied classical positional cloning approaches to identify genetic variants in the genetic model of progressive ankylosis.

Overall, Michelle D Johnson has a diverse array of expertise in assay development, genomics, epigenetics, and molecular biology, gained over their extensive career in academia, industry, and research institutions.

Michelle D Johnson earned a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, General from the University of California, Davis from 1991 to 1995. Later, from 2005 to 2009, they pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Complex Trait Genetics at Imperial College London. Michelle D obtained the certification of Chartered Scientist from The Science Council in October 2018.