Can I file for NIW by yself? Help needed! Thx.

I graduated from a 2-tier US university last Nov . My PhD training was related to cancer research. I have 14 publications ( 11 in US , 4 first authors, 5 second authers). Since they were published recently, the citations are not too many. My PhD advisor is internationally renowned in his field. Now I am working for a pharmaceutical company with OPT. The company will apply H-1b for me, however they won't sponsor my PERM application until my OPT expires. Due to some issues, I need to get I-140 approved ASAP. I am wondering if I can apply for NIW by myself. Because my curent job is different from my PhD work, can the credentials from my PhD training support my NIW application?

Any suggestions or advice are greatly appreciated?

If anyone had the same situation, please share with me your exprience.

Thanks a lot._(a)