Joseph Kelleher

Joseph Kelleher has an extensive work experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Joseph is currently working as the Senior Vice President of Biology at Empress Therapeutics since October 2022. Prior to this role, they served as the Vice President of Biology at Civetta Therapeutics from July 2019 to July 2022, where they led efforts in target portfolio definition and building, specifically focusing on beta-propeller proteins. Joseph also worked on cell biology, pharmacology, genetics, structural biology, and bioinformatics.

Before Civetta Therapeutics, Joseph held the position of Senior Director, Discovery Biology at Kymera Therapeutics from October 2016 to June 2019. Joseph led the Discovery Biology team and the IRAK4 Degrader program, which focused on targeted protein degradation to treat previously untreatable diseases.

Joseph's experience also includes time at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, where they served as a Senior Investigator II in the New Indications Discovery Unit from December 2013 to September 2016. Here, they led IND-enabling studies and supported Proof of Concept clinical trials in major unmet need indications. Joseph used various approaches like small molecule perturbation, chemical genetics, and therapeutic genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9.

Prior to this role, they were the Epigenetics Hub Leader from January 2012 to December 2013, leading a histone demethylase platform and coordinating activities with other NIBR groups. Joseph was also a Project Team Leader from January 2005 to December 2011, where they co-led the Hedgehog (Hh) Pathway Team, focused on discovering pathway modulators and delivering Odomzo (Sonidegib/LDE225), an approved antagonist of Smoothened for multiple cancer treatments.

Joseph's early work experience includes a role as a Lab Head in Developmental and Molecular Pathways at Novartis from May 2003 to December 2004. Joseph also worked as a Research Scientist and Tactical Biochemist in the Chemical Genetics Department at Exelixis from March 2000 to March 2003, where they focused on target identification and technology development.

Overall, Joseph Kelleher's work experience demonstrates a strong background in leading and contributing to various research and development programs in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

Joseph Kelleher pursued their education in the field of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. Joseph obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from the University of Connecticut between 1987 and 1991. Following this, they went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from The Johns Hopkins University, specializing in the same field of study, from 1991 to 1997.