Chirag Khatiwala

Chirag Khatiwala has extensive work experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Chirag currently serves as the Vice President of Process Development and Manufacturing at Obsidian Therapeutics. In this role, they are responsible for leading the vision and strategy for process development and manufacturing, as well as driving the development of manufacturing processes for various materials. Chirag also represents the Process Development department as a subject matter expert at cross-functional decision-making boards.

Prior to their current role, Chirag held key leadership positions at TCR² Therapeutics Inc. as Vice President of Process and Analytical Development and Senior Director of Process Development. In these roles, they worked closely with multiple teams throughout the stages of clinical development and was responsible for advancing the TRuC T-cell platform.

Chirag has also worked at Atara Biotherapeutics as a Senior Director of Manufacturing Technical Services and Director of Technical Services. Earlier in their career, they gained extensive experience at Organovo Holdings, Inc. where they held various roles including Director of Tissue Production and Process Development, Associate Director of Bioprocess Technical Operations, and Manager of Bioprocess R&D.

Before entering the industry, Chirag worked at UC Irvine as an Assistant Specialist Researcher, GSR (Graduate Student Researcher), and Undergraduate Student Research Mentor and Teaching Assistant. In these positions, they conducted research, mentored students, and taught undergraduate-level classes.

Overall, Chirag Khatiwala's work experience demonstrates their expertise in process development, manufacturing, and leadership in the biopharmaceutical field.

Chirag Khatiwala completed a BE in Chemical Engineering at the University of Mumbai from 1998 to 2002. Following this, they pursued a Master's degree in Biochemical Engineering at UC Irvine from 2003 to 2005. Finally, they obtained a PhD in Biochemical Engineering from UC Irvine from 2004 to 2008.