Jun Urano

Jun Urano has extensive work experience in the field of strain engineering and molecular biology.

In their current role as the Director of Strain Engineering at Cellibre since 2019, they are responsible for overseeing the development and optimization of proprietary eukaryotic microorganisms for the production of proteins and small compounds.

Prior to their current position, they worked at Synthetic Genomics from 2011 to 2019 as a Senior Scientist. In this role, they led a team of strain engineers and collaborated closely with fermentation and bioinformatics teams to assess strain performance and identify engineering targets. Jun also played a key role in genomic analysis using next-generation sequencing technologies.

Before Synthetic Genomics, Jun worked at Gevo, Inc. as the Team Leader of Biocatalyst Development from 2006 to 2010. In this role, they utilized their expertise in yeast metabolic engineering and molecular biology to design strains for the cost-effective production of advanced biofuels.

Jun's career began at UCLA in 2002, where they worked as an Assistant Researcher in the Department of MIMG until 2006. Jun then moved to UCSF, first as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences from 2002 to 2004, and then as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biochem and Biophysics from 2000 to 2002.

Overall, Jun Urano has a diverse background in strain engineering, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, with significant experience in leading teams and optimizing microorganisms for various applications.

Jun Urano completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, from 1987 to 1991. Following this, Jun pursued further education at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine between 1992 and 1994, although the degree obtained during this period is not specified. Finally, from 1994 to 1999, Jun attended UCLA, where they obtained a Ph.D. in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics.