Paola Grandi PhD, MBA

Paola Grandi PhD, MBA has extensive experience in the field of biotechnology, with a focus on oncology and viral vectors.

Paola is currently working at CG Oncology as the Chief Scientific Officer, a position they have held since August 2018. Previously, they worked as a Consultant at Revitope from March 2018 to October 2018.

From 2016 to 2018, Grandi held multiple roles at Oncorus, including Director of Immunology/Virology and Scientific Founder. In these positions, they provided scientific guidance and leadership for drug discovery programs, conducted experiments targeting oncolytic viral candidates, and led the identification and validation of new payloads. Paola also played a key role in securing $64M in Series A financing for the company.

Prior to their work at Oncorus, Grandi worked at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine from 2005 to 2016. Paola held the positions of Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery/Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry and Research Associate in the Department of Neurological Surgery. During this time, they developed a new class of viral vector and pioneered the use of proteases for enhanced virus spread in tumors. Paola also studied the impact of the tumor microenvironment on oncolytic virus activity and developed vectors armed with payloads capable of modifying the tumor microenvironment.

Earlier in their career, Grandi worked as a Research Fellow and Postdoctoral Researcher at Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital from 2001 to 2004. Paola also served as a Doctoral Researcher in Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine (Microbiology) at the University of Ferrara from 1997 to 2001, where they investigated the use of viral vectors for vaccine development targeting specific infectious diseases, including HIV-1.

Overall, Grandi's work experience demonstrates their expertise in biotechnology, specifically in the areas of oncology, viral vectors, and vaccine development. Paola'sroles have encompassed scientific leadership, experimental design and execution, and strategic guidance for drug discovery programs.

Paola Grandi holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ferrara. Paola also completed a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Genetics from the same university. Paola pursued a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Neurogenetics at Harvard Medical School. In addition, Paola Grandi attained an MBA from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business.