Robert St. Claire

Dr. St. Claire has a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Analytical Chemistry.  His dissertation research, directed by Professor Jim Jorgenson, Department of Chemistry, UNC-Chapel Hill, produced the first liquid chromatography microcolumns used in the analysis of the chemical composition within a single cell.

He brings to this position over 35 years industry experience in analytical chemistry and bioanalytical chemistry. His primary technical expertise is the design and engineering of new bioanalytical technology and advanced methods development in support of both GLP and Non-GLP ADME-TOX applications.

While employed with Glaxo Inc. he provided analytical and bioanalytical methods and technology which advanced the development and commercialization of the global pharmaceutical brands, Zantac, Imitrex, and Ventolin. Over the period of his association with Triangle Pharmaceuticals and Gilead Sciences, Dr. St. Claire received two research excellence awards for his development of the novel bioanalytical methods required to support pivotal ADME-TOX clinical trials leading to FDA approval of the multibillion-dollar HIV drug, Emtriva.

For 13 years as Vice-President of Chemistry and Vice-President of Scientific Operations at Qualyst Inc. and Qualyst Transporter Solutions, LLC, Dr. St. Claire contributed significantly to the advancement of the transporter biology product, BClear® (Co-invented by Dr. Kim Brouwer, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy), from a patented experimental academic concept into a profitable marketed product by means of his bioanalytical expertise and his broader technical and leadership operational roles.

Over his career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry he has co-authored over 20 publications and has served as a reviewer and Advisory Board member for the ACS journal Analytical Chemistry. Throughout his professional career, Dr. St. Claire has developed opportunities to technically mentor scientific staff at all operational levels. He provided in-house, graduate-level, semester-long, analytical chemistry instructional programs in Capillary Electrophoresis and HPLC at both Glaxo Wellcome and Gilead Sciences. He has also helped direct the establishment and management of institutional laboratory safety programs at Glaxo/Glaxo Welcome, Triangle/Gilead, and Qualyst/Qualyst Transporter Solutions.