Benjamin Larson Email & Phone Number

San Francisco, Ca, Us

San Francisco, California, United States

In my role, I spearheaded research, development, and innovation initiatives, driving successful products in the cell-ag seafood sector. I led a talented team of professionals, cultivating a performance-driven culture to surpass ambitious objectives. Regularly, I presented progress and potential to the board of directors and investors during fundraising endeavors. As an executive leader, I provided guidance across RDI, operations, and business development, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering collaboration. Utilizing Smartsheets, I monitored and tracked programs, enhancing communication and coordination within our matrix organizational structure. Key Contributions:  Enhanced efficiency by implementing strategic plans, optimizing resource allocation, and streamlining R&D processes to reduce cycle times.  Developed visionary product roadmaps and spearheaded strategic initiatives to maintain Wildtype's leadership in the dynamic cell-ag sector.  Led the transition of R&D projects into scalable operations, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.  Represented Wildtype at industry conferences and events, expanding networks with stakeholders and bolstering the company's reputation and visibility.  Played a critical role in securing funding, increasing investment from $2M to $136M in the last five years, fueling Wildtype's growth and success.

San Francisco

During this job term, I guided a diverse team of experts in tissue engineering and food science,pioneering novel techniques for cell-ag meat production. I oversaw and cultivated partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders across a range of fields, including mechanical engineering, polymer science, genetics, and food manufacturing. My role involved executing the isolation and clonal expansion of primary cells, followed by RNA sequencing to pinpoint promising cell lines. Furthermore, I applied advanced gene editing techniques such as CRISPR to refine desired traits within selected cell populations. Key Achievements:  Improved cell line establishment efficiency by integrating highthroughput techniques.  Refined scaffold designs and bioreactor systems for optimal support of new cell lines' growth and differentiation.  Developed innovative scaffold structures and bioreactor setups for producing cell-cultured meat analogs with muscle and fat components.  Combined mesenchymal stem cell approaches with modern fiber spinning technologies to create authentic whole meat cuts.

My key responsibilities during this role in Bob Langer's Labs included the following:I actively partnered with corporate R&D collaborators including Cellink, StemBioSys, Intrexon, and Fujifilm to optimize mutual benefits from research projects. I was responsible for budgeting, hiring, training, and planning research activities, guaranteeing efficient experimentation and day-to-day administration. Through the utilization of RNA-Seq and LC-MS/MS techniques, I identified crucial proteins essential for stem cell function. Moreover, I successfully validated results through gene knockdown experiments. Notable Achievements:  Oversaw and managed $3MM in research grants, handling negotiations, drafting agreements, and ensuring milestone achievements.  Created rodent models for evaluating stem cell therapies' effectiveness through subcutaneous implantation, calvarial critical size defect, and LAD-ligation.  Utilized high throughput Tecan automation and ArrayIt custom glass microarrays with Design of Experiments (DOE) in JMP for efficient data processing and analysis.  Innovated bioink formulations and printing designs to manufacture stem cell-loaded constructs for cardiac tissue engineering purposes.

Postdoctorate

Multi-omics in Tissue Engineering with ESCs, iPSCs, MSCs and Biodegradable Polymer Microfibers, High-Throughput Polymer Arrays, 3D.

Phd, Molecular And Cellular Biology

Maintaining the Self-Renewal and Multipotential Capacity of Human MSCs In Vitro to Ensure Efficacy In Vivo.

Bse, Biomedical Engineering

Honors Thesis: Investigations into the Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs).