Writing & Editing Experience

 

Deborah Farson is an accomplished freelance scientific and medical writer and editor with over 30 years of scientific experience in academia and the biotechnology industry. She has authored or co-authored 5 issued patents, 16 peer-reviewed papers, 27 abstracts, numerous posters, and reviewed manuscripts for journals. In addition, Deborah wrote, edited, and formatted reports summarizing research and development data in support of patents, FDA filings, business development documents and peer-reviewed publications.

 

FarsonInk 2009 to present
Freelance Writer and Editor

  • Cactus Communications: Edit scientific and medical manuscripts for MDs and PhDs who speak English as a second language.
  • Genalysis: Write grant proposals, lesson plans, and white papers; substantive editing of scientific and medical manuscripts for MDs and PhDs who speak English as a second language.
  • Demand Media Studios: Write scientific, health and environment website content.
  • P. Kasper & Associates: Write white papers on regulatory issues.
  • Journal of Visualized Experiments: Peer reviewer.
  • Successfully edited two manuscripts that were accepted by Human Gene Therapy and BioProcessing Journal. Both manuscripts required substantive editing: reformatting test, tables, figures and references. Editing correspondence with Journals.

Cell Genesys, Incorporated | South San Francisco, California 1991-2009
Senior Director Research & Development Services–most recent title (2007-2009)

  • Authored or co-authored 4 issued patents, 7 peer-reviewed papers, 19 abstracts and posters. Reviewed manuscripts for journals. Wrote or edited extensive series of reports summarizing research and development work in support of patents, FDA filings, and business development activities. Transferred methods from research to development; edited SOPs.
  • Led project team preparing cell lines for FDA approval. Worked with R&D and Regulatory Affairs to ensure that company was in compliance with FDA regulations for the clinical use of cell lines.
  • Supervised Library and Information Services that specialized in document retrieval, literature searches and maintenance of company-wide document archives. Established new program for maintenance and documentation of laboratory notebooks and archiving of reports critical for the support of patents and clinical trials.
  • Extensive background in cell-based research which includes cell line development; hybridomas; antibody production; protein production; isolation of primary cell lines; cell-based assays; gene targeting; cell lines for production of retroviruses (MLV), lentivirus, AAV and adenoviruses.
  • Broad experience as project team member in research targeted to immunotherapy, therapeutic antibodies, cancer (breast, lung, blood, melanoma, and prostate), hemophilia, angiogenesis and gene therapy.

Hana Biologics | Alameda CA 1987–1991
Scientist

  • Developed serum-free media for suspension cell lines.
  • Worked on project geared toward isolating liver stem cells to be used for hemophilia therapy; cell characterization, isolation, Factor VIII, Factor IX.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory | Berkeley CA 1974–1987
Research Associate, Laboratory Manager

  • Isolation and characterization of primary avian tendon cells, mouse mammary epithelial cells.
  • Worked on extracellular matrix and regulation of differentiated function.
  • Laboratory and Building Manager.