# Jonathan Sakkos > Staff Engineer, Spatial Genomics R&D at TBUSA Location: San Francisco, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/jonathansakkos Process development engineer combining mechanical engineering background with expertise in biotechnology and automation. Experience scaling manufacturing processes for spatial biology platforms, with previous research focus in synthetic biology and biomaterials. Skilled in microscopy, CAD design, prototyping, and process optimization. ## Work Experience ### Staff Engineer, Spatial Genomics R&D @ Takara Bio USA, Inc. Jan 2025 – Present | Palo Alto, California, United States ### Senior Process Engineer II @ Curio Bioscience Jan 2024 – Jan 2025 ### Senior Process Development Engineer @ Curio Bioscience Jan 2022 – Jan 2023 | Palo Alto, California, United States • Optimize and scale manufacturing processes for spatial biology technology platform • Develop automated quality control systems and process automation solutions • Design and prototype custom fixtures using CAD and 3D printing to support R&D cycles • Collaborate with R&D and Operations teams to improve production efficiency and product quality • Provide technical expertise in microscopy, mechanical design, and process automation • Support successful product launches through process development and manufacturing improvements ### Postdoctoral Research Associate @ Michigan State University Jan 2018 – Jan 2022 • Designed, executed, and analyzed experiments using microbes for sustainable bioproduction of sucrose • Developed a tunable protein degradation system in cyanobacteria • Studied a light‑driven, modular platform based on cyanobacteria for fundamental insight into emergent microbial interactions within consortia using both computational and experimental methodology • Led a team developing genetic circuits based on quorum sensing for use in cyanobacteria and microbial consortia • Authored 3 peer‑reviewed journal articles on molecular tools for cyanobacteria and protein‑based nanomaterials • Mentored 7 graduate and 3 undergraduate students in synthetic biology, leading to 2 co‑authorships on peer‑reviewed journal articles • Established collaborations with scientists and engineers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Center for Nanophase Materials and Newcastle University for studying microbial communities, leading to 3 upcoming journal articles ### Research Assistant @ University of Minnesota Jan 2012 – Jan 2018 • Studied bioencapsulation (physical confinement) of bacteria for applications in biotechnology • Designed, synthesized, and characterized new porous silica nanomaterials for bioencapsulation • Authored 7 peer‑reviewed journal articles and filed 3 patent applications on bioencapsulation of microbes for water remediation and biocatalysis • Collaborated with a multi‑disciplinary team of biochemists, microbiologists, and engineers to meet overarching project goals • Communicated research output through oral and poster presentations at regional, national, and international conferences • Mentored 6 undergraduate students in materials testing, biochemical assays, and bioencapsulation, leading to co‑authorship on a peer‑reviewed journal article ### Product Engineer @ Columbia Steel Casting Co. Jan 2009 – Jan 2012 Designed replacement wear parts for heavy scrap shredders. Modeled parts and assemblies in SolidWorks, created 2D drawings in AutoCAD. Coordinated part design with pattern shop and foundry to avoid production issues. Redesigned parts to ensure better performance, longer life. Played a major role in the product development process, from Engineering Request all the way up to quoting and sales. Coordinated with salesmen in order to provide the best possible service to our customers. ### Product Engineer Intern @ Columbia Steel Casting Jan 2007 – Jan 2009 Worked with an Engineer on various projects. Designed replacement wear parts for heavy scrap shredders. Modeled parts and assemblies in SolidWorks, created 2D drawings in AutoCAD. ### Engineering Technician I @ County of Sonoma Jan 2006 – Jan 2006 Performed materials testing. Field and laboratory tests included: compaction, sand equivalent, gradation, in place density, moisture content. Certified to use a nuclear density gauge ## Education ### Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering University of Minnesota ### Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering University of Portland ### Maria Carrillo ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sakkos-b2833a4 - Website: https://jonathanksakkos.com --- Source: https://flows.cv/jonathansakkos JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/jonathansakkos/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-01