Justin De La Cruz, Phd Email & Phone Number

San Francisco, California, Us

• Crafted best-practice sales motions for Benchling software, enabling scientific solution consultants (SSC) to successfully engage with customers on how to model operational workflows, structure data capture, and automate analytics.• Provided solution consulting, design, and implementation support to 50+ opportunities representing over $8M total ARR.• Leveraged scientific expertise to influence software’s product design, market strategy, and business value teams on product development to deliver effective digital, scientific transformation to customers.• Created technical assets including demo recordings, presentations, and webinars to drive global enablement and marketing.

Brisbane, California, Us

• Managed a core team of scientists and analysts dedicated to rapid, high throughput analytical testing needs within Sangamo’s PD and R&D departments for cell and gene therapy programs.• Established cross-training matrix to ensure technical coverage for highly requested analytical tests. • Partnered with internal automation group to standardize end-to-end automation of complex molecular and cell-based assays to support upstream & downstream process optimization.• Designed and implemented strategy to utilize digital notebooks for streamlining data governance (data trending, traceability) and sample management (real-time inventory, access permission).

Redwood City, California, Us

• Developed processes for all laboratory operations, data governance, and management of the Development Testing Center (DTC) per requirements presented by the TechDev team.• Built strategic models for operations budgeting (procurement, personnel development, recurring expenses) and forecasting (performance, risks, mitigations, and opportunities).• Streamlined implementation of a digital notebook platform for automated equipment, material, workflow, and results management. • Hired, trained scientific staff to perform technology transfer, implementation, and execution of analytical test methods for AAV-mediated gene therapy program.• Hired, onboarded managers to oversee lab operations and testing (in-house and CRO) and to maintain training & quality compliance.

San Rafael, Ca, Us

• Analyzed, trended, and reviewed quality control release and stability testing data for two AAV-mediated gene therapy programs.• Supported Pre-Licensing Approval Inspection (PLI) readiness and authorship of phase-appropriate protocols & reports in accordance with CMC and regulatory requirements as needed to support clinical trials and regulatory submissions.• Guided the transfer of 20+ analytical methods from analytical development to QC and oversaw method optimization, criteria development, validation, documentation, and/or lifecycle management. • Hired, trained M.S. scientists in driving overall team performance in technical delivery, GxP/safety compliance, and inter-departmental collaboration.

Novato, California, Us

• Managed development, technical transfer, and method qualification / validation per ICH guidelines of quantitative molecular assays for AAV-mediated gene therapy program.• Collaborated with partner CRO testing laboratories on method performance trending, deviations, investigations, root cause analysis, and change controls.• Partnered with AD, MSAT, QA, and technical operations teams to achieve focused initiatives for in-process, release, and stability testing required for clinical trials. • Hired, trained scientists to demonstrate technical proficiency in projects and programs and show initiative, creativity, decision-making skills, dedication, and drive.

South San Francisco, California, Us

• Paired with Business Development as scientific SME for customer engagements leading to development of customized products.• Enabled client contract by delivering cell-based in vitro companion diagnostic (CDx) measuring neutralizing antibody titer against AAV-mediated gene therapy• Enabled client contract by delivering qPCR methods to rapidly quantify respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) viral load• Patent of invention: De La Cruz, Justin. 2016. Compositions and Methods for Use in a Multiplex PCR Assay for Determining the Genotype and Viral Load for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. U.S. Patent Publication number WO2017035049 A1

South San Francisco, California, Us

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

• Recipient of NIH R03 Small Grant Program Award and NIH K12 Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA)• Evaluated determinants of archived reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance, retention and decay during effective, second-line suppression to develop future human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment options and reduce transmission

San Jose, Ca, Us

• Recipient of K12 NIH-sponsored Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) for postdoctoral scientists interested in teaching students underrepresented in science• As part of teaching responsibilities for IRACDA fellowship, designed and taught curriculum for upper division, advanced Biology majors

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

• Biomedical Science Enrichment Program (BISEP), a NIH-supported course for students from underrepresented communities in science• Instructor for biotechnology and laboratory component for first-year students pursuing research careers in the biomedical sciences. Supervised teaching and lab assistants, led weekly group and lab discussions, and offered career guidance.

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

• Measured fitness cost of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) escape mutations on HIV-1 replication in treatment-naïve subjects expressing HLA-I types not implicated with immune control

Postdoctoral, Medicine - Infectious Diseases

Phd, Microbiology, Immunology, And Molecular Genetics

Bs, Molecular Biology, Honors