Austin Wang, PhD

Experience

• 

  University of California, Los Angeles

  Jun 2013 - Jun 2015

  Undergraduate Student Researcher in Mark Frye's lab
• 

  Stanford University

  Jun 2015 - Jun 2017

  Research Technician in Axel Brunger's lab
• 

  UCSF

  Aug 2017 - Aug 2023

  Graduate Student in Kao Lab

  I studied the cellular molecular mechanisms of aging and neurodegeneration through the lens of lysosomal biology. Specifically, I investigated molecular, cellular, and whole animal effect of progranulin, causal for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions, and granulins, bioactive cleavage products from progranulin.

• 

  Biotech Connection - Bay Area, Inc.

  Sept 2021 - Dec 2021

  Business Strategy Consultant

  I consulted for a local biotech company and conducted a immunology biological landscape analysis for Alzheimer's Disease. I personally identified 30 potential targets with available drugs and narrowed the list down to 4 priority targets based on disease evidence.

• 

  Biotech Connection - Bay Area, Inc.

  Sept 2022 - Mar 2023

  I worked with a venture capital firm to explore areas of robotics, machine leaning, and drug discovery technology. For each area, I assessed historical and projected growth, market needs, and contextualized these analyses with KOL insights to deliver an investment memo. Consulted for an AI/ML biotech company interested in breaking into the early drug discovery space.Conducted a competitor landscape analysis and analyzed 50 competitors' corporate strategy based on their products, partnerships, and leadership. Recommended 3 specific short term steps and 2 long term goals for the client.

  • Due Diligence Consultant

    Jan 2023 - Mar 2023

  • Business Strategy Consultant

    Sept 2022 - Dec 2022
• 

  Mubadala Capital

  Mar 2023 - Oct 2023

  Neuroscience Fellow

  Supported investment and company creation efforts within the neurodegeneration space by analyzing clinical trials (ongoing and historically approved/failed), identifying patient subpopulations, conducting biological due diligence for 100 targets, and characterizing available drug assets.Synthesized weekly findings into decks that were used by management for internal and external meetings.Helped identify potential investment opportunities and participate in outreach conversations.

• 

  Juvena Therapeutics

  Oct 2023 - now

  Report directly to the CEO to support fundraising and partnering efforts.Active contributor to term sheet and contract negotiations for collaboration deals.Lead deal sourcing of VCs and pharma.Spearhead competitive intelligence to steer R&D objectives.Co-lead indication expansion selection efforts for all programs through assessment of preclinical, clinical, and commercial metrics.Built and maintain financial models to guide fundraising strategy by integrating program budgets, key program inflection points, and fundraising valuation comparables.Built and maintain financial model for pharma partnerships and guide internal strategy discussions. Show less

  • Corporate Development Manager

    Dec 2023 - now

  • Corporate Development Consultant

    Oct 2023 - Nov 2023