🧬 Tory M. Schaaf, Ph.D.

Translational Scientist • Clinical Research Director • Assay Development Leader • AI-enabled Technology Architect
Minneapolis, MN • DrTory.com • LinkedIn: Tory Schaaf
Senior Development Scientist (Beckman Coulter Diagnostics)
Clinical Trials Leader (VA + multi-site systems)
Inventor (High-precision FRET platform • Patent App 62450188)
University Educator (Bio/Chem/Biochem • Inclusive pedagogy)
Executive profile 💡
Translational scientist, clinical research director, assay development leader, and AI-enabled technology architect with 15+ years across diagnostic assay development, high-throughput screening, molecular biosensor engineering, clinical trial leadership, grant funding, and university-level teaching. Known for bridging molecular science ↔ engineering systems ↔ clinical compliance ↔ AI-ready infrastructure.

Professional experience

Executive view • updated 2026-03-03
🔬 Senior Development Scientist — Beckman Coulter Diagnostics
Chaska, MN • Jul 2022 – Nov 2025
  • Led development and optimization of blood-based diagnostic assays.
  • Designed DOE experiments and validation workflows; partnered with engineering, firmware, software, QA, and regulatory.
  • Executed FDA QSR-aligned documentation; mentored scientists and improved lab process flow.
  • Position concluded due to corporate reduction in force (not performance-related).
Assay development DOE QSR / documentation Cross-functional
🏥 Clinical Research Director — Minneapolis VA Health Care System | UMN | CentraCare
2020 – 2023 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Worked under Dr. Uzma Samadani, MD, Ph.D. (Founder, Oculogica).
  • Directed five clinical research programs: TBI biomarker validation; AI-assisted CT detection; epidural spinal cord stimulation; neuromodulation device trials; neurotrauma biomarker research.
  • Primary IRB + VA regulatory oversight; FDA/hospital compliance coordination; auditing + documentation; budgets + grant writing.
  • Cross-collaboration with UMN informatics faculty; authored/co-authored peer-reviewed publications.
  • Contributed to Minnesota state TBI funding (~$1M across awards).
Clinical trials IRB / VA oversight Compliance Budgets & grants
🎓 NIH K12 Postdoctoral Fellow (Preparing Future Faculty) — University of Minnesota
2017 – 2020 • Minneapolis, MN
  • NIH K12 / IRACDA Fellow • NIH T32 Minnesota Muscle Fellowship.
  • Engineered fluorescent biosensors; developed HTS pipelines; built quantitative imaging analytics (Python, Matlab).
  • Co-authored NIH R01, SBIR, STTR proposals; earned Preparing Future Faculty Certificate and mentorship training for community college instruction.
Biosensors HTS pipelines Teaching & mentorship
🧪 Screening Operations & Translational Scientist — Photonic Pharma
2017 – May 2020 • Minnesota
  • Managed pharmaceutical screening subcontracts (including Bristol-Myers Squibb).
  • Integrated biosensor platforms into HTS; authored grant documentation/technical reports; contributed to licensing efforts related to patented FRET technology.
HTS integration Grant writing Translation
🧰 Scientist / Engineering Consultant — Fluorescence Innovations
2014 – 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Contributed to ultrafast fluorescence lifetime instrumentation; optimized precision measurement workflows.
  • Supported STTR documentation and grant proposals; overlapped with Ph.D. research under OTC coordination.
Instrumentation Precision measurement STTR support
🧫 Research Associate — R&D Systems (Bio-Techne)
2011 – Jan 2013
  • Large-scale mammalian cell culture; stable clone development; flow cytometry and protein validation.
  • Developed SOPs/manufacturing protocols (VersaClone); monoclonal/polyclonal antibody work across departments.
  • Retained part-time during grad school (20 hr/wk salaried role).
Cell culture Flow cytometry SOPs
🫀 Junior Scientist — Lillehei Heart Institute (University of Minnesota)
2009 – 2011
  • Gene therapy research; lentiviral engineering; FACS-based cell sorting.
  • Managed SPF animal colony (~1,500 animals).
Gene therapy FACS Translational research

Education • teaching • awards

No-loss version: PhD, BS, awards preserved
Social + GoFundMe
Canonical social links from Master Control (kept consistent).
Education
🎓 Ph.D., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics
University of Minnesota • Sep 2012 – Jan 2017
  • Developed high-throughput FRET-based biosensor platforms for drug discovery.
  • Inventor on U.S. Patent Application 62450188 (2017); collaborated with UMN Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC).
🎓 B.S., Dual Major: Neuroscience & Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology
University of Minnesota • 2009
University teaching
North Hennepin CC • Normandale CC • Saint Paul College • Augsburg University • University of St. Thomas (Biochemistry; resigned Feb 2026 due to conflict-of-interest considerations)
  • Courses: General Biology (lab), Human Biology (lab), General Chemistry (lab), Biochemistry (lab), Molecular Biology, Evolution (virtual), Sex & Human Diversity, Ethics.
  • COVID-era curriculum systems: Kaltura, Moodle/D2L, LaTeX, MATLAB demos, PyMOL, virtual simulations; built full exams/lab manuals/rubrics; active learning + inclusive pedagogy.
Curriculum design Inclusive pedagogy Online + in-person
Grants & awards
  • Minnesota State TBI Grants (~$1M across awards)
  • NIH K12 Preparing Future Faculty Fellowship
  • NIH T32 Minnesota Muscle Fellowship
  • NIH Chemistry–Biology Interface Training Grant
  • 3M Graduate Fellowship
  • Arnold H. Johnson Graduate Fellowship
  • Ross A. Gortner Award
  • Charles Carr / William Peterson Award
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Technical skills
Cloning / CRISPR / PCR / Western Mammalian cell culture FRET / FLIM / HCS IRB / VA oversight FDA QSR alignment Python / Matlab / DOE WordPress / PHP / REST / JSON Accessibility-first UI

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Publications & patents

Executive list
📌 Patent
U.S. Patent Application 62450188 (2017)
  • High-Precision FRET AssaysLicensed to Bristol-Myers Squibb
📝 Publications
Author on 15+ peer-reviewed publications
  • Science Signaling • Frontiers in Neurology • Frontiers in Surgery • Neurosurgery
  • Cells • Scientific Reports • SLAS Discovery • Biosensors
Full publication list available upon request.
🤝 Professional memberships
Biophysical Society • APS • ASCB

Career timeline

Horizontal • scrollable • animated
📈 Executive timeline
Swipe/scroll →
2009–2011
🫀 Lillehei Heart Institute — Junior Scientist
Gene therapy • Lentiviral engineering • FACS sorting • SPF colony
  • Translational foundation
2011–2013
🧫 R&D Systems (Bio-Techne) — Research Associate
Cell culture • Stable clones • Flow cytometry • SOPs
  • Manufacturing + validation discipline
2012–2017
🎓 UMN — Ph.D. (Thesis + Patent)
FRET biosensors • HTS pipelines • OTC collaboration
  • Inventor • platform build-out
2014–2017
🧰 Fluorescence Innovations — Engineering Consultant
Lifetime instrumentation • precision measurement
  • Engineering + science bridge
2017–2020
🎓 NIH K12 / IRACDA — Postdoc + Teaching
Biosensors • HTS • Python/Matlab analytics • educator training
  • Future faculty + research operations
2017–2020
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Translational Scientist
HTS integration • pharma subcontracting • grant writing
  • Industry delivery
2020–2023
🏥 VA / UMN — Clinical Research Director
IRB/VA oversight • compliance • budgets • publications
  • Multi-program clinical leadership
2022–2025
🔬 Beckman Coulter — Sr Development Scientist
Diagnostics • DOE • QSR documentation
  • Assay optimization + cross-functional execution
2025–Present
🧠 DrTory.com — Technology Architecture
WordPress/PHP/REST • dashboards • accessibility-first interfaces
  • AI-enabled scientific technology systems
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YouTube

@DrTorySchaaf • Alpha shorts list + Beta latest feed
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Status: ready
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Jobs radar

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🧬 Tory M. Schaaf, Ph.D.

Translational Science • Diagnostic Assay Development • Clinical Trials Leadership • Teaching
Minneapolis, MN • Email: [email protected] • DrTory.com
Assay Development Leader (Diagnostics + HTS)
Clinical Research Director (VA + multi-site systems)
Patented Inventor (High-precision FRET)
Educator + Builder (Curriculum + DrTory platform)
Executive profile 💡
Translational scientist, clinical research director, and assay development leader with 15+ years across diagnostics, high-throughput screening, molecular biosensors, and regulated clinical research. Known for bridging molecular science ↔ engineering systems ↔ clinical compliance—and building modern, accessibility-focused dashboard infrastructure (DrTory.com).

Professional experience

Most recent first • executive view
🔬 Senior Development Scientist — Beckman Coulter Diagnostics
Jul 2022 – Nov 2025 • Chaska, MN
  • Led development and optimization of blood-based diagnostic assays; designed DOE experiments and validation workflows.
  • Partnered cross-functionally (engineering, firmware/software, QA, regulatory) with FDA QSR-aligned documentation.
  • Mentored scientists and improved lab process flow; role ended via corporate reduction in force (not performance-related).
Diagnostics DOE / validation QSR / compliance
🏥 Clinical Research Director — Minneapolis VA / UMN / CentraCare
2020 – 2023 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Directed five clinical research programs under Dr. Uzma Samadani (Oculogica) including TBI biomarker validation and AI-assisted CT detection research.
  • Primary IRB + VA regulatory oversight; coordinated FDA/hospital compliance, auditing, documentation, budgets, and grant writing.
  • Secured/contributed to Minnesota state TBI funding (~$1M total across awards); authored/co-authored peer-reviewed publications.
Clinical trials IRB / VA oversight Budgets & grants
🎓 NIH K12 / IRACDA Postdoctoral Fellow + Preparing Future Faculty — University of Minnesota
2017 – 2020 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Engineered fluorescent biosensors; developed high-throughput screening pipelines and quantitative imaging analytics (Python, MATLAB).
  • Co-authored NIH R01, SBIR, STTR proposals; earned mentorship training and Preparing Future Faculty Certificate.
  • Supported training and instruction pipelines for community college teaching.
Fluorescent biosensors HTS pipelines Training/teaching
🧪 Screening Operations & Translational Scientist — Photonic Pharma
2017 – May 2020 • Minnesota
  • Managed screening subcontracts (including Bristol-Myers Squibb); integrated biosensor platforms into HTS workflows.
  • Authored grant documentation and technical reports; contributed to licensing efforts tied to patented FRET technology.
HTS ops Tech reports Licensing
🧰 Scientist / Engineering Consultant — Fluorescence Innovations
2014 – 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Contributed to ultrafast fluorescence lifetime instrumentation and precision measurement optimization.
  • Supported STTR documentation and grant proposals; overlapped with Ph.D. research under OTC coordination.
Fluorescence lifetime Instrumentation STTR support
🧫 Research Associate — R&D Systems (Bio-Techne)
2011 – Jan 2013 • Minnesota
  • Large-scale mammalian cell culture, stable clone development, flow cytometry, protein validation.
  • Developed SOPs and manufacturing protocols for VersaClone cDNA product.
  • Created cross-department antibody workflows; transitioned to a 20-hour/week role during grad school.
Cell culture Flow cytometry SOPs
🫀 Junior Scientist — Lillehei Heart Institute (UMN)
2009 – 2011 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Gene therapy research; lentiviral engineering; FACS-based cell sorting.
  • Managed SPF animal colony (~1,500 animals).
Gene therapy Lentivirus FACS

Education • Teaching • Platform

Social links + honors + DrTory build
Social + public links
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Education
🎓 Ph.D. — University of Minnesota
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics • Sep 2012 – Jan 2017
Developed high-throughput FRET-based biosensor platforms for drug discovery; inventor on U.S. Patent Application 62450188 (2017); collaborated with UMN OTC.
🎓 Dual B.S. — University of Minnesota
Neuroscience & Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • 2009
University teaching (selected)
North Hennepin CC • Normandale CC • Saint Paul College • Augsburg University • University of St. Thomas (Biochemistry; resigned Feb 2026)
  • Courses: General Biology (lab), Human Biology (lab), General Chemistry (lab), Biochemistry (lab), Molecular Biology, Evolution (virtual), Sex & Human Diversity, Ethics
  • Designed curricula, exams, lab manuals, grading rubrics; implemented active learning + inclusive pedagogy.
  • Built COVID-era teaching stacks: Kaltura, Moodle/D2L, LaTeX, MATLAB demos, PyMOL, virtual lab simulations.
Curriculum design Inclusive pedagogy STEM instruction
DrTory.com technology architecture
  • Founder/architect of AI-integrated educational + dashboard systems: interactive timelines, research dashboards, accessibility-focused learning modules, case documentation builders.
  • Platform approach: WordPress + Gutenberg, scoped widgets, JSON dashboards, REST endpoints, server-side AI (no browser keys), manifest-based endpoint discovery.
WordPress + Gutenberg REST APIs Accessibility-first UI

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Patent • Publications • Grants

Executive list • links optional
📌 Patent
U.S. Patent Application 62450188 (2017)
  • High-Precision FRET Assays — Licensed to Bristol-Myers Squibb • Add patent link
📝 Publications
15+ peer-reviewed
Journals include: Science Signaling • Frontiers (Neurology/Surgery) • Neurosurgery • Cells • Scientific Reports • SLAS Discovery • Biosensors.
Full publication list available upon request (or add DOI links here later).
🏅 Grants & awards
NIH + State funding
  • Minnesota State TBI Grants (~$1M across awards)
  • NIH K12 / IRACDA (Preparing Future Faculty)
  • NIH T32 Minnesota Muscle Fellowship
  • NIH Chemistry–Biology Interface Training Grant
  • 3M Graduate Fellowship; Arnold H. Johnson; Ross A. Gortner; Charles Carr/William Peterson; UROP
🤝 Professional memberships
Selected
  • Biophysical Society
  • American Physiological Society
  • American Society for Cell Biology

Jobs radar

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Career timeline

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2009–2011
🫀 Lillehei Heart Institute — Junior Scientist
Gene therapy • Lentiviral engineering • FACS • SPF colony management
  • Translational research foundation + lab operations
2011–2013
🧫 R&D Systems (Bio-Techne) — Research Associate
Cell culture • Stable clones • Flow cytometry • SOPs
  • Manufacturing protocols + cross-functional antibody workflows
2012–2017
🎓 UMN — Ph.D. (Thesis + Patent)
FRET biosensor platforms • HTS • Drug discovery
  • High-precision FRET assays; inventor on patent app (2017)
2014–2017
🧰 Fluorescence Innovations — Scientist/Engineering Consultant
Ultrafast fluorescence lifetime instrumentation • Precision measurement
  • Assay translation + STTR support (overlapped with PhD)
2017–2020
🎓 UMN — NIH K12 / IRACDA Postdoc + Teaching
Biosensors • HTS pipelines • Imaging analytics (Python/MATLAB)
  • Preparing Future Faculty certificate + mentorship training
2017–May 2020
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Translational Scientist
Screening operations • Subcontracts (incl. BMS) • Grant documentation
  • Integrated biosensors into HTS pipelines + licensing support
2020–2023
🏥 Minneapolis VA / UMN / CentraCare — Clinical Research Director
IRB/VA oversight • Multi-site programs • AI-assisted CT research
  • ~$1M MN TBI funding impact + publications
2022–2025
🔬 Beckman Coulter Diagnostics — Sr. Development Scientist
Blood-based diagnostics • DOE/validation • QSR documentation
  • Cross-functional delivery; role ended via RIF
2025–Present
🧠 DrTory.com — AI-enabled platform architect
REST APIs • JSON dashboards • interactive timelines • accessibility-first UI
  • Modern infrastructure that complements regulated science leadership
(If WordPress preview ever shows “no animation,” publish/refresh — the timeline stays visible by default.)
© DrTory.com • Built for recruiter impact ✨

🧬 Tory Schaaf, Ph.D.

Clinical Research • Assay Development • Translational Science • Teaching
Chaska / Minneapolis, MN • Open to: R&D, cell-based assay + media development, clinical research leadership
Senior Development Scientist (Beckman Coulter Life Sciences)
Clinical Trials Leader (VA / UMN)
Patented Inventor (PhD thesis research)
Educator (Adjunct / Future Faculty)
Executive summary 💡
Scientist and clinical research leader with 10+ years spanning academia, federal healthcare, and biotech industry. I build robust assays, translate messy real-world signals into reliable readouts, and run compliant study operations that survive audits. Strengths: cell-based assay development, troubleshooting complex systems with engineering, IRB/regulatory workflows, and clear scientific communication that makes teams faster.
🚀 Impact highlights
  • Assay systems: Developed/optimized fluorescence and cell-based assays (FRET/FLT/HTS concepts) and drove experimental execution through cross-functional troubleshooting.
  • Clinical trials: Led study operations, compliance documentation, and IRB workflows; supported publications and audit readiness.
  • Translation: Bridge science ↔ engineering ↔ clinical stakeholders to turn prototypes into stable, repeatable workflows.
  • Communication: Produce recruiter-ready summaries, protocols, SOP-style documentation, and training artifacts that reduce friction.
Tip: swap in quantified metrics as you like (sample throughput, cycle time reductions, #studies, budget sizes, instruments supported).

Experience

Executive view • Most recent first
🔬 Senior Development Scientist — Beckman Coulter Life Sciences
Jul 2022 – Nov 2025 • Chaska, MN • On-site
  • Owned experimental design and execution supporting product-facing R&D programs; turned ambiguous performance issues into actionable test plans.
  • Partnered with engineering to troubleshoot complex systems end-to-end (assay behavior, instrumentation interactions, sample handling, signal artifacts).
  • Ran multiple concurrent projects with strong documentation, clear risk calls, and “ship-ready” handoffs.
  • Built reproducible workflows: defined acceptance criteria, edge cases, and validation-style checks to prevent regressions.
Experimental design Troubleshooting Cross-functional delivery Documentation
🏥 Clinical Research Director + Visiting Scholar — VA / University of Minnesota
Sep 2020 – Jul 2022 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Directed clinical study operations (including software-enabled clinical research); supported manuscript production and publication cycles.
  • Maintained IRB submissions/continuing reviews, training records, protocol deviations tracking, and audit-ready documentation sets.
  • Coordinated cross-site stakeholders (clinical teams, investigators, data workflows); ensured consistent execution and compliance.
Clinical trials ops IRB / compliance Scientific writing Program leadership
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Scientist / Consultant
2017 – 2020 • Minnesota
  • Assay strategy + execution support; translated scientific goals into testable readouts and efficient screening plans.
  • Produced grant/documentation support to accelerate funding and internal alignment.
Consulting Assay strategy Grant support
🎓 NIH K12 / IRACDA Postdoc + Teaching — University of Minnesota
Feb 2017 – Aug 2020 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Published translational research; supported funding through reviews and grant writing contributions.
  • Mentored trainees and produced practical training materials (protocols, tutorials, lab workflows).
  • Taught/assisted instruction; emphasized clarity, reproducibility, and learner-friendly structure.
Mentorship Teaching Research ops
🧬 Ph.D. Research + Patent (Thesis) — University of Minnesota
Aug 2012 – Jan 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Developed high-throughput fluorescence assay approaches (FRET/FLT concepts) supporting discovery of small-molecule modulators (heart failure focus).
  • Designed screening logic, controls, and analysis approach to separate true signal from artifacts in live-cell environments.
  • Produced publications and IP outcomes; communicated complex methods clearly across technical and non-technical collaborators.
HTS FRET / FLT Drug discovery Signal QC
🧪 Fluorescence Innovations — Engineer / Drug Discovery Scientist (parallel)
2012 – 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Built/refined assay and measurement systems to support discovery workflows; focused on precision measurement and reliability.
  • Contributed to technical documentation and scientific communication for stakeholders.
Assay systems Engineering partnership Documentation
🧰 Technical toolkit (quick scan)
Cell culture Assay development Fluorescence readouts Flow cytometry Experimental design Root-cause analysis IRB / compliance Protocols & training Cross-functional PM
Add specifics if you want (instruments, plate readers, analysis tools, ELN/LIMS, etc.).

Education • Honors

Compact • Social links + GoFundMe
Social + GoFundMe
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Open to roles
Cell-based assay development Cell culture media optimization Translational R&D Clinical research leadership Scientific program management Teaching / training
Education
🎓 University of Minnesota — Ph.D.
Biochemistry • Molecular Biology • Biophysics • 2012–2017
🎓 University of Minnesota — Dual B.S.
Neuroscience + Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • 2007–2009 • Graduated 2009
🧪 University of Wisconsin–River Falls
Biology + Chemistry (pre-transfer) • 2004–2007
Leadership: Society for Undergraduate Research (President) • Undergrad.
Honors
  • 📜 Preparing Future Faculty Certificate (UMN) • 2017–2018
  • 🏅 NIH K12 / IRACDA (TREM) • Aug 2017
  • 🏅 Ross A. Gortner Award • May 2016
  • 🏅 NIH Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Grant • Jul 2014
  • 🏅 Charles Carr / William Peterson Award • May 2014
  • 🏅 Arnold H. Johnson Graduate Fellowship • May 2013
  • 🏅 3M Graduate Fellowship • Aug 2012
Core strengths
Assay development & optimization Cell culture / transfection Clinical trial operations IRB / regulatory compliance Scientific writing Mentorship / teaching Project management Data interpretation

AI Studio

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🤖 Ask Tory AI
Type an idea and I’ll return a structured plan (widgets, dashboards, learning tools, LSAT tracker, disability-friendly interfaces, compliance-safe workflows).
Recruiter summary
Dashboard hub plan
LSAT tracker plan
Disability tools
Status: ready 💰 “Best prices around” • fast turnaround
AI output will appear here.
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Publications & Patents

Executive list • replace links anytime
📌 Patent
US20180238901A1
  • High Precision FRET AssaysView patent
    Practical value: improved fluorescence assay precision and screening reliability for drug discovery workflows.
📝 Selected publications
Frontiers • Cells • Science Signaling • Sci Rep
Tip: swapping these to DOI links instantly boosts recruiter credibility.

timeline

Horizontal • compact • scrollable • animated
📈 Executive timeline
Swipe/scroll →
2004–2007
🎓 UW–River Falls — Biology + Chemistry
Pre-transfer • Leadership: Society for Undergraduate Research (President)
  • Built STEM foundation + early research leadership
2007–2009
🎓 University of Minnesota — Dual B.S.
Neuroscience + Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • Graduated 2009
  • Accelerated coursework + research momentum
2010–2011
🫀 UMN Lillehei — Junior Scientist
Gene therapy • FACS / cell sorting • translational pipelines
  • Preclinical workflows + protocol discipline
2011–2013
🧫 R&D Systems — Research Associate
Cell culture • stable clones • flow cytometry
  • Expression screening + production teamwork
2012–2017
🧬 UMN — Ph.D. (Thesis + Patent)
Biochemistry • Molecular Biology • Biophysics • HTS • FRET/FLT
  • Discovery platform development • publications • patent outcomes
2012–2017
🧪 Fluorescence Innovations — Engineering + Discovery (parallel)
Instrument/assay systems • grants • precision measurement
  • Assay systems + engineering alignment
2017–2020
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Scientist / Consultant
Assay strategy • translational support • grant writing
  • Applied science + consulting execution
2017–2020
🎓 UMN — NIH K12 / IRACDA + Teaching
Mentorship • training • publications • research ops
  • Teaching + mentorship pipeline
2020–2022
🏥 VA / UMN — Clinical Trials Leadership
IRB/compliance • study ops • manuscripts
  • Multi-site ops; training, audits, budgets
2022–2025
🔬 Beckman Coulter — Sr. Development Scientist
R&D execution • troubleshooting • delivery
  • Stabilized complex systems through disciplined testing
(If WP preview shows “no animation,” publish/refresh — timeline stays visible by default.)

Jobs radar

Two tickers • offset timing • one-click searches
© DrTory.com • Built for recruiter impact ✨

🧬 Tory M. Schaaf, Ph.D.

Translational Scientist • Clinical Research Director • Assay Development Leader • AI-Enabled Technology Architect
Minneapolis, MN • Open to: R&D, cell-based assays + media development, clinical research leadership
Diagnostic assay development (blood-based workflows)
Clinical trials leadership (VA + multi-site systems)
Patented inventor (high-precision FRET platform)
University educator (curriculum + labs)
Executive profile 💡
Translational scientist and assay development leader with 15+ years spanning diagnostic assay development, high-throughput drug discovery screening, molecular biosensor engineering, and regulated clinical research. Known for bridging molecular science, engineering systems, clinical compliance, and emerging AI-based infrastructure.

Experience

Executive view • most recent first
🔬 Senior Development Scientist — Beckman Coulter Diagnostics
Jul 2022 – Nov 2025 • Chaska, MN
  • Led development and optimization of blood-based diagnostic assays.
  • Designed DOE experiments and validation workflows; partnered with engineering/firmware/software/QA/regulatory.
  • Executed FDA QSR-aligned documentation; mentored scientists and improved lab process flow.
  • Position concluded due to corporate reduction in force (not performance-related).
Assay development DOE / validation QSR documentation
🏥 Clinical Research Director — Minneapolis VA • UMN • CentraCare
2020 – 2023 • Minnesota
  • Directed five programs under Dr. Uzma Samadani, MD, Ph.D. (Oculogica), including TBI biomarkers, AI-assisted imaging, neuromodulation and spinal cord stimulation trials.
  • Primary IRB and VA oversight; coordinated compliance, audits, budgets, and grant writing.
  • Cross-collaboration with UMN informatics faculty; authored/co-authored peer-reviewed publications.
  • Contributed to Minnesota state TBI funding (~$1M total across awards).
Clinical trials IRB / VA oversight Grant writing
🎓 NIH K12 Postdoctoral Fellow — University of Minnesota
2017 – 2020 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Engineered fluorescent biosensors; developed HTS screening pipelines.
  • Built quantitative imaging analytics workflows (Python/MATLAB).
  • Co-authored NIH proposals (R01, SBIR, STTR); earned Preparing Future Faculty Certificate.
FRET biosensors HTS pipelines Teaching prep
🧪 Screening Ops & Translational Scientist — Photonic Pharma
2017 – May 2020 • Minnesota
  • Managed pharmaceutical screening subcontracts (incl. Bristol-Myers Squibb).
  • Integrated biosensor platforms into HTS pipelines; authored grant documentation and technical reports.
Screening ops Partner delivery Technical reports
🧪 Scientist / Engineering Consultant — Fluorescence Innovations
2014 – 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Contributed to ultrafast fluorescence lifetime instrumentation.
  • Assisted assay translation and precision measurement optimization; supported STTR documentation.
FLIM / lifetime Instrumentation STTR support
🧫 Research Associate — R&D Systems (Bio-Techne)
2011 – Jan 2013 • Minnesota
  • Large-scale mammalian cell culture; stable clone development; flow cytometry and protein validation.
  • Developed SOP/manufacturing protocols for VersaClone; cross-functional support across departments.
  • Retained part-time (20 hr/week salary) upon entering grad school.
Cell culture Flow cytometry SOPs
🫀 Junior Scientist — Lillehei Heart Institute (UMN)
2009 – 2011 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Gene therapy research; lentiviral engineering; FACS-based cell sorting.
  • Managed SPF animal colony (~1,500 animals).
Gene therapy FACS Translational ops

Education • Teaching • Awards

Compact • complete
Education
🎓 Ph.D. — University of Minnesota
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics • Sep 2012 – Jan 2017
  • Developed high-throughput FRET-based biosensor platforms for drug discovery.
  • Inventor on U.S. Patent Application 62450188 (2017); collaborated with UMN OTC.
🎓 B.S. (Dual Major) — University of Minnesota
Neuroscience + Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • 2009
University teaching
North Hennepin CC • Normandale CC • Saint Paul College • Augsburg University • University of St. Thomas (Biochemistry; resigned Feb 2026 due to conflict-of-interest considerations)
  • Courses: General Biology (lab), Human Biology (lab), General Chemistry (lab), Biochemistry (lab), Molecular Biology, Evolution (virtual), Sex & Human Diversity, Ethics.
  • Designed full curricula, exams, lab manuals, grading rubrics; implemented inclusive pedagogy.
  • COVID-era curriculum: Kaltura, Moodle/D2L, LaTeX, MATLAB demos, PyMOL, virtual lab simulations.
Grants & awards
  • Minnesota State TBI Grants (~$1M across awards)
  • NIH K12 Preparing Future Faculty Fellowship
  • NIH T32 Minnesota Muscle Fellowship
  • NIH Chemistry–Biology Interface Training Grant
  • 3M Graduate Fellowship
  • Arnold H. Johnson Graduate Fellowship
  • Ross A. Gortner Award
  • Charles Carr / William Peterson Award
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Social + GoFundMe
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AI Studio

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🤖 Ask Tory AI
Ask for a recruiter summary, a dashboard plan, or a build roadmap. (No browser API keys.)
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Status: ready 🔒 server-side

Publications & Patent

Executive list
📌 Patent
U.S. Patent Application 62450188 (2017)
  • High-Precision FRET Assays — licensed to Bristol-Myers Squibb
📝 Selected publications
Science Signaling • Frontiers • Neurosurgery • Cells • Sci Rep
  • 15+ peer-reviewed publications (full list available upon request)
  • Topics: FRET-based HTS, receptor conformational dynamics, cardiac calcium transport, neurotrauma clinical outcomes

Career timeline

Horizontal • scrollable • animated reveal
📈 Executive timeline
Swipe/scroll →
2009–2011
🫀 Lillehei Heart Institute — Junior Scientist
Gene therapy • lentiviral engineering • FACS • SPF colony ops
  • Translational foundation
2011–2013
🧫 R&D Systems — Research Associate
Mammalian cell culture • stable clones • flow cytometry
  • SOPs + cross-functional delivery
2012–2017
🧬 UMN — Ph.D. (FRET platform + patent)
HTS • biosensors • drug discovery
  • Inventor • OTC collaboration
2014–2017
🧪 Fluorescence Innovations — Consultant (parallel)
Ultrafast lifetime instrumentation • precision optimization
  • Assay translation + STTR support
2017–2020
🎓 NIH K12 Postdoc — UMN
Biosensors • HTS pipelines • teaching prep
  • Preparing Future Faculty
2017–2020
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Screening Ops
Subcontracts • HTS integration • reports
  • Industry delivery + documentation
2020–2023
🏥 Clinical Research Director — VA / UMN
IRB/VA oversight • multi-site trials • grants
  • ~$1M TBI funding impact
2022–2025
🔬 Beckman Coulter Diagnostics — Sr. Dev Scientist
Diagnostic assays • DOE • QSR documentation
  • Role ended via corporate RIF
2025–Present
🧠 DrTory.com — AI & Platform Architecture
Dashboards • timelines • accessibility-first UI
  • Science ↔ systems ↔ AI tooling
If scripts are blocked, timeline stays visible; if scripts run, cards reveal smoothly.

Jobs radar

Safe search shortcuts
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© DrTory.com • Built for recruiter impact ✨

🧬 Tory Schaaf, Ph.D.

Clinical Research • Assay Development • Translational Science • Teaching
Chaska / Minneapolis, MN • Open to: R&D, cell-based assay + media development, clinical research leadership
Senior Development Scientist (Beckman Coulter Life Sciences)
Clinical Trials Leader (VA / UMN)
Patented Inventor (PhD thesis research)
Educator (Adjunct Instructor, Future Faculty Certificate)
Executive summary 💡
With 10+ years across academia, industry, and federal healthcare, I build rigorous assays and research programs that translate into real-world impact. I’ve led multi-site clinical trials, developed high-throughput FRET screening platforms for drug discovery, and partnered cross-functionally to troubleshoot and optimize complex systems. I’m especially strong at bridging disciplines—science ↔ engineering ↔ clinical—and making teams faster, clearer, and more compliant.

Experience

Executive view • Most recent first
🔬 Senior Development Scientist — Beckman Coulter Life Sciences
Jul 2022 – Nov 2025 • Chaska, MN • On-site
  • Designed and executed experiments to advance product-focused scientific research.
  • Partnered with engineering to troubleshoot and optimize complex systems.
  • Led multiple projects simultaneously with strong organization and problem-solving.
Experimental design Cross-functional Delivery
🏥 Clinical Research Director + Visiting Scholar — VA / University of Minnesota
Sep 2020 – Jul 2022 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Directed clinical trials (including AI software studies in neurosurgery); authored/co-authored publications.
  • Maintained IRB and compliance workflows; supported audits, training records, and budgets.
  • Contributed to IRBs, manuscripts, and grant proposals in neurotrauma and spinal cord injury research.
Clinical trials IRB / compliance Scientific writing
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Scientist / Consultant
2017 – 2020 • Minnesota
  • Scientist + consulting support for translational workflows; assay strategy and execution.
  • Grant writing + scientific documentation support.
Consulting Assay strategy Grants
🎓 NIH K12 / IRACDA Postdoc + Teaching — University of Minnesota
Feb 2017 – Aug 2020 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Published research; supported funding through grant writing and reviews.
  • Mentored students; prepared protocols/tutorials; presented at conferences.
Mentorship Grant support Research ops
🧬 Ph.D. Research + Patent (Thesis) — University of Minnesota
Aug 2012 – Jan 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Developed high-throughput FRET screening approaches for discovery of small-molecule modulators (heart failure focus).
  • Produced peer-reviewed publications and patent outcomes (thesis research).
  • Parallel work with Fluorescence Innovations (engineering + discovery execution).
HTS FRET / FLT Drug discovery
🧪 Fluorescence Innovations — Engineer / Drug Discovery Scientist (parallel)
2012 – 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Built and refined advanced assay systems supporting discovery workflows; precision measurement + translation focus.
  • Contributed to grant writing and technical documentation.
Engineering Assay systems Scientific writing

Education • Honors

Compact • Social links + GoFundMe
Social + GoFundMe
Tip: remove any icons you don’t want—layout auto-adjusts.
Open to roles
Cell-based assay development Cell culture media optimization Clinical research leadership Scientific program management Teaching / training
Education
🎓 University of Minnesota — Ph.D.
Biochemistry • Molecular Biology • Biophysics • 2012–2017
🎓 University of Minnesota — Dual B.S.
Neuroscience + Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • 2007–2009 • Graduated 2009
🧪 University of Wisconsin–River Falls
Biology + Chemistry (pre-transfer) • 2004–2007
Leadership: Society for Undergraduate Research (President) • Undergrad.
Honors
  • 📜 Preparing Future Faculty Certificate (UMN) • 2017–2018
  • 🏅 NIH K12 / IRACDA (TREM) • Aug 2017
  • 🏅 Ross A. Gortner Award • May 2016
  • 🏅 NIH Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Grant • Jul 2014
  • 🏅 Charles Carr / William Peterson Award • May 2014
  • 🏅 Arnold H. Johnson Graduate Fellowship • May 2013
  • 🏅 3M Graduate Fellowship • Aug 2012
Top skills
Assay development & optimization Cell culture / transfection Clinical trial operations IRB / regulatory compliance Scientific writing Mentorship / teaching Project management Data interpretation

AI Studio

Ask about this CV • Generate dashboards • Build plans
🤖 Ask Tory AI
Type an idea and I’ll return a structured plan (widgets, dashboards, learning tools, LSAT tracker, disability-friendly interfaces, compliance-safe workflows).
Recruiter summary
Dashboard hub plan
LSAT tracker plan
Disability tools
Status: ready 💰 “Best prices around” • fast turnaround
AI output will appear here.
Note: This uses DrTory’s server-side AI endpoint (no browser API keys). If your theme strips scripts, move this to a plugin/enqueued JS.
📩 Request consulting (email goes to Tory)
Send a project request (dashboard, widget, education tools, AI add-ons). You’ll get full access + control of the final product, and I can teach you how to edit/extend it yourself.
Status: ready 🔒 Email is sent server-side
Security: this form calls a server endpoint that sends the email. Your gmail never appears in the page source.

Publications & Patents

Executive list • add links anytime
📌 Patent
US20180238901A1
📝 Selected publications
Frontiers • Cells • Science Signaling • Sci Rep

Career timeline

Horizontal • compact • scrollable • animated
📈 Executive timeline
Swipe/scroll →
2004–2007
🎓 UW–River Falls — Biology + Chemistry
Pre-transfer • Leadership: Society for Undergraduate Research (President)
  • STEM foundation • research leadership
2007–2009
🎓 University of Minnesota — Dual B.S.
Neuroscience + Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • Graduated 2009
  • Advanced coursework + research momentum
2010–2011
🫀 UMN Lillehei — Junior Scientist
Gene therapy • FACS / cell sorting • translational pipelines
  • Preclinical workflows + protocol development
2011–2013
🧫 R&D Systems — Research Associate
Cell culture • stable clones • flow cytometry
  • Expression screening + production teamwork
2012–2017
🧬 UMN — Ph.D. (Thesis + Patent)
Biochemistry • Molecular Biology • Biophysics • HTS • FRET/FLT
  • Drug discovery platform • publications • patent outcomes
2012–2017
🧪 Fluorescence Innovations — Engineering + Discovery (parallel)
Instrument/assay systems • grants • precision measurement
  • Engineer + drug discovery execution in parallel with PhD
2017–2020
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Scientist / Consultant
Assay strategy • translational support • grant writing
  • Research execution + consulting support
2017–2020
🎓 UMN — NIH K12 / IRACDA + Teaching
Mentorship • training • publications • research ops
  • Built teams + teaching pipelines
2020–2022
🏥 VA / UMN — Clinical Trials Leadership
IRB/compliance • study ops • manuscripts
  • Multi-site trials; budgets, audits, training
2022–2025
🔬 Beckman Coulter — Sr. Development Scientist
R&D execution • troubleshooting • delivery
  • Optimized complex systems with engineering
(If WordPress preview ever shows “no animation,” publish/refresh — the timeline stays visible by default.)

Jobs radar

Two tickers • offset timing • one-click searches
© DrTory.com • Built for recruiter impact ✨

🧬 Tory Schaaf, Ph.D.

Clinical Research • Assay Development • Translational Science • Teaching
Chaska / Minneapolis, MN • Open to: R&D, cell-based assay + media development, clinical research leadership
Senior Development Scientist (Beckman Coulter Life Sciences)
Clinical Trials Leader (VA / UMN)
Patented Inventor (PhD thesis research)
Educator (Adjunct Instructor, Future Faculty Certificate)
Executive summary 💡
With 10+ years across academia, industry, and federal healthcare, I build rigorous assays and research programs that translate into real-world impact. I’ve led multi-site clinical trials, developed high-throughput FRET screening platforms for drug discovery, and partnered cross-functionally to troubleshoot and optimize complex systems. I’m especially strong at bridging disciplines—science ↔ engineering ↔ clinical—and making teams faster, clearer, and more compliant.

Experience

Executive view • Most recent first
🔬 Senior Development Scientist — Beckman Coulter Life Sciences
Jul 2022 – Nov 2025 • Chaska, MN • On-site
  • Designed and executed experiments to advance product-focused scientific research.
  • Partnered with engineering to troubleshoot and optimize complex systems.
  • Led multiple projects simultaneously with strong organization and problem-solving.
Experimental design Cross-functional Delivery
🏥 Clinical Research Director + Visiting Scholar — VA / University of Minnesota
Sep 2020 – Jul 2022 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Directed clinical trials (including AI software studies in neurosurgery); authored/co-authored publications.
  • Maintained IRB and compliance workflows; supported audits, training records, and budgets.
  • Contributed to IRBs, manuscripts, and grant proposals in neurotrauma and spinal cord injury research.
Clinical trials IRB / compliance Scientific writing
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Scientist / Consultant
2017 – 2020 • Minnesota
  • Scientist + consulting support for translational workflows; assay strategy and execution.
  • Grant writing + scientific documentation support.
Consulting Assay strategy Grants
🎓 NIH K12 / IRACDA Postdoc + Teaching — University of Minnesota
Feb 2017 – Aug 2020 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Published research; supported funding through grant writing and reviews.
  • Mentored students; prepared protocols/tutorials; presented at conferences.
Mentorship Grant support Research ops
🧬 Ph.D. Research + Patent (Thesis) — University of Minnesota
Aug 2012 – Jan 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Developed high-throughput FRET screening approaches for discovery of small-molecule modulators (heart failure focus).
  • Produced peer-reviewed publications and patent outcomes (thesis research).
  • Parallel work with Fluorescence Innovations (engineering + discovery execution).
HTS FRET / FLT Drug discovery
🧪 Fluorescence Innovations — Engineer / Drug Discovery Scientist (parallel)
2012 – 2017 • Minneapolis, MN
  • Built and refined advanced assay systems supporting discovery workflows; precision measurement + translation focus.
  • Contributed to grant writing and technical documentation.
Engineering Assay systems Scientific writing

Education • Honors

Compact • Social links + GoFundMe
Social + GoFundMe
Tip: remove any icons you don’t want—layout auto-adjusts.
Open to roles
Cell-based assay development Cell culture media optimization Clinical research leadership Scientific program management Teaching / training
Education
🎓 University of Minnesota — Ph.D.
Biochemistry • Molecular Biology • Biophysics • 2012–2017
🎓 University of Minnesota — Dual B.S.
Neuroscience + Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • 2007–2009 • Graduated 2009
🧪 University of Wisconsin–River Falls
Biology + Chemistry (pre-transfer) • 2004–2007
Leadership: Society for Undergraduate Research (President) • Undergrad.
Honors
  • 📜 Preparing Future Faculty Certificate (UMN) • 2017–2018
  • 🏅 NIH K12 / IRACDA (TREM) • Aug 2017
  • 🏅 Ross A. Gortner Award • May 2016
  • 🏅 NIH Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Grant • Jul 2014
  • 🏅 Charles Carr / William Peterson Award • May 2014
  • 🏅 Arnold H. Johnson Graduate Fellowship • May 2013
  • 🏅 3M Graduate Fellowship • Aug 2012
Top skills
Assay development & optimization Cell culture / transfection Clinical trial operations IRB / regulatory compliance Scientific writing Mentorship / teaching Project management Data interpretation

AI Studio

Ask about this CV • Generate dashboards • Build plans
🤖 Ask Tory AI
Type an idea and I’ll return a structured plan (widgets, dashboards, learning tools, LSAT tracker, disability-friendly interfaces, compliance-safe workflows).
Recruiter summary
Dashboard hub plan
LSAT tracker plan
Disability tools
Status: ready 💰 “Best prices around” • fast turnaround
AI output will appear here.
Note: This uses DrTory’s server-side AI endpoint (no browser API keys). If your theme strips scripts, move this to a plugin/enqueued JS.
📩 Request consulting (email goes to Tory)
Send a project request (dashboard, widget, education tools, AI add-ons). You’ll get full access + control of the final product, and I can teach you how to edit/extend it yourself.
Status: ready 🔒 Email is sent server-side
Security: this form calls a server endpoint that sends the email. Your gmail never appears in the page source.

Publications & Patents

Executive list • add links anytime
📌 Patent
US20180238901A1
📝 Selected publications
Frontiers • Cells • Science Signaling • Sci Rep

Career timeline

Horizontal • compact • scrollable • animated
📈 Executive timeline
Swipe/scroll →
2004–2007
🎓 UW–River Falls — Biology + Chemistry
Pre-transfer • Leadership: Society for Undergraduate Research (President)
  • STEM foundation • research leadership
2007–2009
🎓 University of Minnesota — Dual B.S.
Neuroscience + Biochemistry • Minor: Psychology • Graduated 2009
  • Advanced coursework + research momentum
2010–2011
🫀 UMN Lillehei — Junior Scientist
Gene therapy • FACS / cell sorting • translational pipelines
  • Preclinical workflows + protocol development
2011–2013
🧫 R&D Systems — Research Associate
Cell culture • stable clones • flow cytometry
  • Expression screening + production teamwork
2012–2017
🧬 UMN — Ph.D. (Thesis + Patent)
Biochemistry • Molecular Biology • Biophysics • HTS • FRET/FLT
  • Drug discovery platform • publications • patent outcomes
2012–2017
🧪 Fluorescence Innovations — Engineering + Discovery (parallel)
Instrument/assay systems • grants • precision measurement
  • Engineer + drug discovery execution in parallel with PhD
2017–2020
🧪 Photonic Pharma — Scientist / Consultant
Assay strategy • translational support • grant writing
  • Research execution + consulting support
2017–2020
🎓 UMN — NIH K12 / IRACDA + Teaching
Mentorship • training • publications • research ops
  • Built teams + teaching pipelines
2020–2022
🏥 VA / UMN — Clinical Trials Leadership
IRB/compliance • study ops • manuscripts
  • Multi-site trials; budgets, audits, training
2022–2025
🔬 Beckman Coulter — Sr. Development Scientist
R&D execution • troubleshooting • delivery
  • Optimized complex systems with engineering
(If WordPress preview ever shows “no animation,” publish/refresh — the timeline stays visible by default.)

Jobs radar

Two tickers • offset timing • one-click searches
© DrTory.com • Built for recruiter impact ✨
Hey there! Ask me anything!
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