27 years of post-PhD research experience in the academia and industry in areas of autoimmunity, inflammation, pain and cancer. Proven ability to lead and develop novel, innovative technologies and management of research teams for achieving corporate goals. Successfully championed and led GPCR target program teams that identified and moved a NCE Olorinab targeting CB2 receptor for pain, in to pre-clinical development. Led the immunology team on the S1P1 receptor program for autoimmune diseases and moved a NCE Etrasimod (Velsipity) in to pre-clinical development and both were part of $6.7B acquisition by Pfizer. Another S1P1 receptor modulator LP659 was in-licensed by Longboard Pharmaceuticals for treatment of rare neuroinflammatory conditions. Performed competitive assessment of immunology projects; prioritization and resource allocation and interfacing with CROs to ensure timely completion of discovery programs and scientific presentations to other pharmaceutical companies for potential collaborations and/or licensing opportunities. Worked at an AAALAC International-accredited and OLAW-assured preclinical contract research organization, where responsibilities included directing research, facility management and business development interactions including MSA, MTA and CDA negotiations with academic labs and biopharmaceutical companies ranging from start-ups to multinational companies in US, Europe and Asia.