Julian Down Email & Phone Number

Boston, MA, US

Delivering expert guidance and effective intelligence for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, universities, contract research organizations, and government agencies to support the development of cell and gene therapy, medical countermeasures and related technologies.

Cambridge, MA, US

• Leading and collaborating in research studies involved in radiation biology, stem cell biology and hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell disease and thalassemia).
• Initiating and managing NIH and industry sponsor-funded projects with MIT faculty.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

Leading research in novel gene therapies for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary disease.

San Diego, California, US

Key research strategist and builder of gene therapy, CAR-T, genetic engineering and nanotechnology teams as the most experienced scientist in the company. Directed the development of effective and safe treatment of genetic diseases using viral and non-viral delivery platforms with advanced gene editing approaches.

Monrovia, CA, US

• Directing various biotechnological and bioengineering projects in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Principal investigator on governmental grants and contracts to explore and develop innovative approaches and technologies.

Somerville, Massachusetts, US

• Established a flourishing and successful research team that led to the first cure by gene therapy of a patient with a blood disorder and to attracting series B funding with transformation of BlueBird Bio to a public.
• Directed the pre-clinical investigations in support of clinical studies for lentiviral gene therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to correct hemoglobinopathies (thalassemia major and sickle cell anemia).
• Coordinated various multicenter research projects on human, monkey and rodent hematopoietic cells involving collaborating groups in the U.S.A., Canada and France.
• Developed a pipeline for further therapies that improve on engraftment of gene-corrected stem cells and address other genetic diseases, including hemophilia.
• Provided effective scientific support of small- and large-scale production of clinical grade lentiviral vectors and interaction with personnel responsible for quality control and assurance and regulatory affairs.
• Execution and primary participation in clinical trial applications in the US and Europe.

• Managed development of products and procedures for the non-toxic treatment of hematological malignancies and for the prevention of organ, tissue and cellular transplant rejection through induction of immunologic.
• Formulated proof-of-concept strategies and led the pre-clinical research group in experimental hematology, gene therapy and transplantation biology.
• Ensured compliance to regulatory guidelines, designed experimental procedures, and resolved technical problems.
• Established several collaborations with senior staff in academia and industry.
• Principal investigator on NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants.