Harshal Zope

Harshal Zope, PhD has a diverse work experience in the field of biotechnology and drug development. Harshal is currently serving as the Director of Manufacturing Science and Technology at Orna Therapeutics since June 2022. Prior to that, they worked at Genocea as an Associate Director of Process and Analytical Development from September 2019 to May 2022. At Genocea, they also held roles as a Principal Scientist in Cell Therapy Development and Manufacturing, as well as in Drug Product and Analytical.

Before joining Genocea, Harshal worked at Myeloid Therapeutics as an Associate Director of Process Development from April 2021 to September 2021. Harshal also gained valuable experience at WaveGuide Corporation, where they served as a Senior Principal Scientist from January 2018 to December 2018, and as a Principal Scientist from October 2016 to December 2017.

Harshal's earlier career includes roles at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard University as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Research Fellow, respectively. During this time, they focused on the development of peptide-based nano-immunoformulations for cancer vaccines, therapeutic biomarker discovery, and mRNA-based nanoparticulate vaccines against prostate cancer.

Harshal started their career as a PhD Student at Leiden University, where they worked on liposome-cell fusion systems, biomaterials for cell surface modifications, and polypeptide-based nanoparticle adjuvants for influenza vaccines. Additionally, Harshal gained research and technical experience at the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and Pune University during their M.Tech and MSc studies, respectively.

Overall, Harshal Zope's work experience showcases their expertise in various aspects of biotechnology and drug development, with a focus on novel therapeutic formulations and vaccine development.

Harshal Zope, PhD, completed their education with a focus on pharmaceutical sciences. Harshal obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University from 2003 to 2009. Harshal then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Leiden University, which they completed from 2010 to 2014. Following their PhD, they joined Harvard Medical School for a Post Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences from 2014 to 2016. Additionally, Dr. Zope obtained certifications in Intellectual Property from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), including a General Course on Intellectual Property in August 2008 and an Advanced Course on Biotechnology and Intellectual Property in July 2008.