Jay Zhao

Jay Zhao has extensive work experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Jay started their career in 2002 as a Research Assistant/Postdoc Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, where they developed innovative methods for gene discovery and investigated potential drug targets for treating diseases. In 2008, they joined Zimmer as a Scientist, where they developed manufacturing processes for cartilage and bone implants and discovered the anti-inflammatory effects of certain compounds.

In 2012, Jay Zhao joined Novavax as a Sr Scientist, leading protein purification activities and developing purification methods for recombinant vaccines. Jay then moved to Caliber Biotherapeutics as a Scientist II in 2013.

In 2014, Jay Zhao joined Pfizer as a Sr. Scientist in Bioprocess Development, where they played a key role in downstream process development, scale-up, and tech transfer for various biopharmaceutical products. Jay also served as a subject matter expert for clinical manufacturing. In 2018, they were promoted to Principal Scientist and continued their contributions to Prevnar 20, RSV vaccine, Group B Streptococcus vaccine, and other projects.

In 2019, Jay Zhao joined Molecular Templates as the Director of Protein Sciences, where they built and led a team for process development and production of immunotoxins, drug conjugates, and RNA conjugates. Jay also contributed to candidate selection for immune-oncology programs and the successful submission of two INDs. In 2020, they were promoted to Senior Director, further demonstrating their expertise and leadership in the field.

Jay Zhao has a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from The Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology from Tsinghua University.