Seasoned drug discovery expert with 20+ years of pre-clinical research experience, consistently driving innovation and delivering breakthrough therapies across multiple therapeutic areas. Experience spans both academic and industry settings, with deep expertise in pharmacology, cell biology, signal transduction, and immunology. Proven track record in leading discovery biology research, particularly in inflammation, pain, fibrosis, dermatology, and oncology. Demonstrated scientific and technical acumen in drug discovery, with proficiency in target identification, assay development, optimization, and screening. Successfully led multiple cross-functional project teams from inception through to development candidate selection, ensuring the seamless translation of research into clinical potential. Led strategic planning and business development, contributing to the creation of a robust product pipeline from discovery to early-stage clinical development. Driven by a passion for advancing human health, always eager to push the boundaries of drug discovery and development.Key accomplishments/Milestones:# Lead preclinical characterization of 3 clinical candidates (GRC 17536; Phase 2a, GRC15300 & INS018_055; Phase 1)# Successfully accomplished clinical candidate identification of 6 NCEs within 1-3 years of project inception# Established Hsp70 as an early biomarker of cellular damage# Established single cell gel electrophoresis in Drosophila tissuesCore competencies:# Drug discovery # Strategy planning & execution # Startup operations # Project management# Preclinical research # Pharmacology # Cell biology # Assay development and validation # Lead optimization # Mechanism of action # Hit-to-lead # Translational research# Biomarker research # Target identification and validation # Cellular and biochemical assays# Ex-vivo assays # In vivo models # CRO management