Juan Carlos Valverde-Hernández Email & Phone Number

Promoted to Clinical Data & Systems Principal to Drive Data Strategy, Lead System Integration, and Support Financial Planning Across a Growing Pipeline of Global Studies.---In this expanded role, I focus on building clinical data science capabilities to support study execution and ensure compliance with evolving industry standards. I oversee data management processes and guide system integration for a pipeline of 6+ studies, leveraging a risk-based approach to strengthen oversight and data quality. My role also includes supporting resource planning and budget forecasting by translating data insights into strategic recommendations. I am currently optimizing data flows, validating clinical systems, and implementing scalable solutions that align study operations with business goals.

Alajuela, Costa Rica

Led Clinical Data Operations, Implementing Advanced Data Solutions and Strategic Frameworks to Align Teams, Enhance Data Quality, and Drive Operational Excellence for a Fast-Growing, Global Medical Device Company.---I established a structured Clinical Data Management (CDM) function within Establishment Labs, a rapidly expanding multinational focused on innovative aesthetic and reconstructive surgery technologies. I designed scalable processes to streamline data operations for global studies, leveraging my proficiency in Python, Power BI, and clinical programming to build automated data review systems and real-time dashboards that delivered actionable insights to senior management. My focus on cross-functional collaboration and clear communication bridged gaps between internal teams, CROs, and biostatisticians, ensuring seamless alignment and timely delivery of study milestones. I also played a key role in FDA audit preparation, implementing quality assurance measures that ensured regulatory compliance and secured product approval. My ability to blend technical expertise with strategic leadership not only supported successful study outcomes but also reinforced the company’s reputation for operational excellence and innovation.

Advanced to Lead External Clinical Data Specialist, overseeing external data management for oncology, immunotherapy, and gene therapy studies. Took on a client-facing role, leading critical projects and driving data quality.---I managed data operations for 3 clinical studies across start-up and maintenance phases, including complex rescue studies transferred from other CROs and studies initiated at Labcorp. I acted as a liaison between sponsors, vendors, and internal teams, defining data review requirements, extracting KPIs, and building comprehensive reports that communicated trial progress. My role required regular sponsor updates and adapting to evolving requirements, where I provided tailored solutions that improved project outcomes. I introduced project management practices that streamlined workflows and improved communication with stakeholders, enabling us to achieve a smoother operational flow. Additionally, I coordinated data reconciliation activities, guided my team through evolving data standards, and served as a subject matter expert for optimizing workflows and driving efficiency across the department.

Transitioned to Labcorp, a top multinational CRO, to expand my expertise in clinical data management for high-impact biopharma studies. Focused on ensuring data quality and exceeding client expectations through clear communication and process enhancements.---I supported data management for 5+ clinical trials, identifying discrepancies and proactively resolving them between eCRFs and external databases in collaboration with trial sites, sponsors, and vendors. I developed automation tools that enhanced data consistency and reduced manual workloads by over 80%, streamlining routine processes and enabling faster, more reliable data handling. My contributions often centered on crafting precise communications to align diverse stakeholders and facilitate the successful adoption of new workflows. This role reinforced my ability to maintain high standards while adapting to varying client needs, ensuring our projects consistently met and exceeded quality benchmarks.

San Jose, Costa Rica

Led the Molecular Biology R&D Department, managing a three-person team and driving the company’s strategic expansion from microRNA to RNAi-based therapeutics. Co-invented three international patents, establishing new therapeutic approaches and developing frameworks that streamlined research operations.---I managed four preclinical studies, overseeing research strategy, budgeting, CRO partnerships, and data analysis. I spearheaded the shift to RNAi therapeutics by designing therapeutic oligonucleotides and developing RNAi molecules for cancer and viral diseases. My work included optimizing over 10 SOPs and complex protocols (e.g., Northern Blot, protein extraction, and Western Blot), and creating company-wide project management frameworks and documentation standards to enhance efficiency. Additionally, I developed custom bioinformatics tools in Python that were critical in securing a core patent, solidifying my expertise in scientific programming. As a mentor, I guided my team in building technical and research skills, supporting their growth and career development.This role strengthened my ability to lead high-impact research projects, bridge technical and strategic expertise, and cultivate a collaborative, results-driven environment.

San José, Costa Rica

Joined Speratum Biopharma as a Molecular Biology Intern during its early stage as a biotech startup, where I helped establish core research processes that would lay the foundation of the Molecular Biology Department.---Transitioning into a translational research environment, I moved beyond academic exploration to focus on practical, results-driven experimentation to support the development of microRNA-based cancer therapeutics. My role quickly expanded from basic lab support to independently designing experimental workflows and optimizing techniques like cell culture, RNA extraction and RT-qPCR. This hands-on experience taught me to balance scientific precision with efficiency, equipping me to contribute meaningfully under real-world constraints.

San José, Costa Rica

As an undergraduate assistant, I began with basic lab support—preparing culture media and performing routine tissue culture. My role evolved as I took on key responsibilities in at least three different research projects, including optimizing protocols for Annona muricata. This hands-on experience enabled me to gain proficiency in essential molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extractions, PCR, and genetic transformations with Agrobacterium. Working alongside a neighboring research group, I ensured smooth day-to-day coordination and helped streamline shared resources and lab space. Guided by strong mentorship, I later took on a mentoring role myself, training new members and fostering a strategic, resourceful mindset across the team.

San José, Costa Rica

I worked on a project aimed at producing farnesene from yeast strains using synthetic biology methods. My responsibilities included managing yeast cultivation and metabolite extraction, as well as conducting chemical analysis with gas-mass chromatography. This experience involved interdisciplinary collaboration with experts from chemistry, biotech and food science, which helped refine our techniques and solve key technical issues.

Licentiate Degree, Biology With Emphasis In Molecular Biology And Biotechnology, 9.31

Graduated cum laude, gaining practical experience through research projects in molecular biology and bioinformatics, where I developed.

Nanodegree, Ai Programming With Python

Programming tools (Python, NumPy, PyTorch), the math (calculus and linear algebra), and techniques of neural networks (gradient descent.

Bachelor'S Degree, Biology, General

Activities and Societies: Students' representative at Genetics and Biotechnology academic section at the School of Biology.