Asya Petkova
Wembley,UK
Summary
Pharmaceutical scientist with extensive experience in formulation development, analytical method validation, and clinical-stage product development. Strong background in regulatory documentation, GMP compliance, and cross-functional collaboration across Regulatory, QA, and Clinical teams. Skilled in managing multiple priorities, adapting to evolving requirements, and producing precise, detail-oriented scientific outputs.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Director, Clinical Trial Projects
Nanomerics
London
2025.05 - 2026.03
- Led strategy and planning for the company’s first in-human clinical trial, ensuring regulatory and quality alignment.
- Coordinated multi-disciplinary teams across continents with strong communication and leadership skills.
- Supported regulatory documentation for clinical trial activities.
- Developed manufacturing scale-up and analytical transfer documents.
- Managed competing timelines and shifting organisational priorities.
Senior Formulation Scientist
Nanomerics
London
2021.01 - 2025.05
- Assisted in developing formulations for poorly soluble small molecules using polymer nanoparticle systems.
- Supported design and validation of analytical and bioanalytical methods.
- Helped contribute to quality management system development, documentation control, and process improvements.
- Produced clear technical reports aligned with regulatory expectations.
- Collaborated with quality assurance and regulatory teams to enhance workflows.
Formulation Scientist
Nanomerics
London
2019.10 - 2021.01
- Designed nucleic acid-based polymeric formulations, solving complex stability challenges.
- Developed a novel gene-delivery nanoparticle platform.
- Demonstrated excellent time management across parallel development projects.
- Maintained meticulous documentation and high laboratory precision.
Visiting Scientist
Pfizer
Sandwich, UK
2016.01 - 2016.04
- Validated analytical methods for hydrate screening within Drug Product Design.
- Generated accurate data supporting solid-state and material science studies.
- Enhanced technical documentation and communication skills.
Research Assistant
St George’s University of London
London
2013.10 - 2015.05
- Developed cell-based assays for high-throughput antimicrobial peptide screening.
- Optimised SPOT synthesis workflows producing reliable datasets.
- Wrote SOPs displaying strong attention to detail and clarity.
Junior Team Leader
NCPID
Sofia
2013.02 - 2013.09
- Verified master formula records for GMP compliance.
- Supervised a 7-person team in tetanus vaccine production.
Education
PhD - Nanotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sciences
UCL School of Pharmacy
London 2015.01 - 2019.01
MSc - Biomolecular Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Belgium 2010.01 - 2012.01
BSc - Molecular Biology
University of Sofia
Bulgaria 2006.01 - 2010.01
Skills
- Formulation development Drug delivery Nanomedicine
- Analytical method development (HPLC, LC-MS, UV-Vis, DLS, etc)
- Regulatory documentation (CTD-style, IMPD-ready data)
- GMP, QMS, QA systems & documentation
- Cross-functional collaboration (Regulatory, QA, Manufacturing, Clinical Ops)
- Project coordination, organisation & time management
- Excellent written & verbal communication
- Strong attention to detail & methodical working style
- MS Office proficiency; EDMS & TrackWise-type systems
- Adaptability to rapid regulatory and project changes
Accomplishments
· Best poster abstract award AAPS PharmSci 2019 San Antonio, Texas, July 2019
· Best final year oral presentation award at Ph.D. Research Day, UCL School of Pharmacy, April 2019
· Ph.D. studentship in the Targeted Therapeutics and Nanomedicines Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), UCL School of Pharmacy, October 2015
Publications
· Fatani, A. S., Petkova, A., Schatzlein, A. G., & Uchegbu, I. F. (2023). Dose-dependent delivery of genes to the cerebral cortex via the nasal route.
· Petkova, A., Kubajewska, I., Vaideanu, A., Schatzlein, A., Uchegbu, I. (2022) Gene targeting to the cerebral cortex following Intranasal administration of polyplexes.
· Soundararajan, R., Wang, G., Petkova, A., Uchegbu, I. F. & Schätzlein, A. G. (2020) Hyaluronidase coated MET nanoparticles enhance drug absorption via the subcutaneous route.
· Ashby, M., Petkova, A., Gani, J., Mikut, R., & Hilpert, K. (2017). Use of Peptide Libraries for Identification and Optimization of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides.
· Ashby, M., Petkova, A., & Hilpert, K. (2014). Cationic antimicrobial peptides as potential new therapeutic agents in neonates and children: a review.
Timeline
Director, Clinical Trial Projects
Nanomerics
2025.05 - 2026.03
Senior Formulation Scientist
Nanomerics
2021.01 - 2025.05
Formulation Scientist
Nanomerics
2019.10 - 2021.01
Visiting Scientist
Pfizer
2016.01 - 2016.04
PhD - Nanotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sciences
UCL School of Pharmacy
2015.01 - 2019.01
Research Assistant
St George’s University of London
2013.10 - 2015.05
Junior Team Leader
NCPID
2013.02 - 2013.09
MSc - Biomolecular Sciences
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
2010.01 - 2012.01
BSc - Molecular Biology
University of Sofia
2006.01 - 2010.01