Marcela Guzmán Ayala

Marcela Guzmán Ayala, PhD has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of biotechnology and research. Starting in 2001, they served as a PhD Candidate at the Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), where they made significant contributions to our understanding of developmental processes and published influential research papers. Marcela then worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Imperial College London from 2006 to 2008, conducting studies on gene expression profiling and the role of TGF-β signaling in mouse embryonic stem cells.

In 2009, Marcela joined the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF as a Research Specialist and later as a Postdoctoral Fellow. Marcela'sresponsibilities at this institution included investigating the epigenetic regulation of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells and implementing various experimental techniques.

From 2014 to 2015, Marcela worked as a Scientist in Discovery Biology at Flexus Biosciences, where they contributed to target identification and validation for immunotherapy drugs. Marcela then transitioned to FLX Bio, Inc. as a Scientist I in Discovery Biology from 2014 to 2017, focusing on developing and executing assays to characterize novel small molecules and identify pharmacodynamic markers in immunosuppressive cells.

Marcela's career then led their to Senti Biosciences, where they held multiple roles from 2018 to 2023. Marcela began as a Scientist II, Senior Scientist, Cell Therapy, contributing their expertise in the field of cell therapy. Marcela then advanced to become a Principal Staff Scientist and Group Leader, leading a team and launching Senti's solid tumor program. Marcela established collaborations to develop Senti Bio's allogeneic CAR-NK cells platform. Marcela eventually held the position of Director of Research Development before their departure in 2023.

Marcela'smost recent position is as the Senior Director and Head of In Vitro Pharmacology at Molecular Partners since March 2023.

Marcela Guzmán Ayala, PhD, received their Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Geneva in 1999. Marcela then pursued further studies at the same institution and obtained a Master's Degree in Cell Biology in 2001. Marcela continued their education at the University of Geneva and earned a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD in Biology/Biological Sciences, General in 2005. Additionally, they completed another Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Developmental Biology during the same period. Prior to their university education, Marcela attended Collège Rousseau and obtained a Maturité degree with a major in biology and modern languages from 1992 to 1995.