Dr. Jeffrey H.M. Charuk - Larial Chief Scientist and Owner

Jeff Charuk obtained his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Chemistry from Brock University where he studied NMR and mass spectrometry of organo-metallic complexes with Steve Hartman and Jack Miller. Jeff completed both a Masters of Science degree in Biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. in Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University under the direction of Paul C. Holland. Jeff's post-graduate research work at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto resulted in the identification of genes responsible for 3 unique human diseases (Brody's disease, CDGS and HEMPAS). While he was a faculty member in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto (1991-1998), Jeffrey became internationally recognized for his research work on multidrug-resistance and kidney function. Jeff's collaborations with academic colleagues at the University of Toronto and the Tropical Medicine Unit of the University Health Network also resulted in the awarding of a therapeutic patent for the treatment for chloroquine-resistant malaria infections. In 1998, Jeff set up the protein identification service within the Molecular Medicine Research Centre in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and in 2001 he left his faculty position in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto to found Larial Proteomics. Larial has been providing bioanalytical support services to the fermentation, biotech, pharmaceutical and academic sectors for 8 years now. The company has also developed several proteomics-based technologies including a peptide replica cassette to enable rapid, cost-effective analyses of complex protein digests by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. RepliCassTM technology permits the direct transformation of proteins resolved by gel electrophoresis into peptides arrayed on a MALDI compatible surface with retention of juxtaposition information. Jeffrey's extensive background in cell biological, immunological and biochemical sciences coupled with his chemical, analytical and instrumentation capabilities has provided Larial clients with sound strategies to move their R&D projects forward. Jeff's management skills have also allowed the company to recruit and retain excellent staff scientists, who have learned the value of industry standards and align their performance with the expectations of Larial's clients.