Jack Cronk, PhD

Experience

• 

  University of Virginia

  May 2011 - Aug 2017

  • Developed expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing and tumor cell culture by engineering CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid constructs to ablate genes in Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells.• Showed ability to see a project through to completion by transfecting LLC cells with CRISPR constructs and confirming gene-editing via high resolution melting (HRM) qPCR and flow cytometry.• Designed an ex vivo assay for analysis of cytokine-activated of human lymphocytes using intracellular staining and flow cytometry. Show less • Initiated and facilitated strong and productive relationships with internal CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing experts that enabled technology transfer and ultimately resulted in generation of a novel knockout mouse model and multiple peer-reviewed publications.• Designed and constructed CRISPR/Cas9 gene-targeting constructs, established a precise gene-specific PCR screening strategy for detecting mutations, and discovered successful gene-editing following transfection of mouse embryonic stem cells with the CRISPR constructs.• Proved extraordinary scientific acumen, productivity, and presentation ability by delivering oral presentation undergraduate thesis, resulting in multiple awards. Show less

  • Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant

    May 2016 - Aug 2017

  • Undergraduate Thesis Researcher

    Jan 2015 - May 2016

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Aug 2014 - May 2015

  • Laboratory Technician

    May 2011 - Dec 2014
• 

  University of Virginia

  Jan 2018 - Sept 2022

  Graduate Student

  My graduate research investigated how natural killer cells sense murine cytomegalovirus-infected targets and elucidated a novel and vital role for natural killer cell inhibitory receptors in protection from viral disease.• Successfully managed four scientific projects demonstrating collaboration and team leadership skills culminating in publication of three first-author articles.• Demonstrated unique presentation skills at regional and international scientific conferences, symposia, and meetings evidenced by multiple oral presentation selections and trainee awards.• Effectively communicated area-specific scientific expertise to academic thought leaders by designing and delivering departmental seminars and lectures (3-4/year).• Developed deep understanding of antiviral immunity and viral pathologies, which informed evaluation of biomarkers on responding natural killer cells, diagnosis of viral infection severity, and treatment efficacy. • Established a peer network and facilitated teamwork environment by mentoring and tutoring 10 undergraduate, 7 graduate, and 2 post-doctoral students to facilitate accomplishing their goals.• Developed strong and productive relationships with lentiviral transduction and CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing experts internally and at external institutions that facilitated technology transfer and resulted in 2 collaborative, peer-reviewed publications in top scientific journals.• Attended and presented at bi-weekly journal clubs to find, analyze, and interpret the newest and most cutting-edge publications and to summarize their findings effectively and succinctly.• Planned, designed, and authored 2 highly competitive pre-doctoral scientific grants for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Wagner Fellowship from the University of Virginia.• Proved exceptional initiative and leadership by facilitating seminars from visiting faculty members as leader of the Immunology Center’s Student-invited Speaker Committee. Show less

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  Thermo Fisher Scientific

  Oct 2022 - Jan 2024

  PPD, a Part of Thermo Fischer Scientific, is a leading global contract research organization (CRO) focused on delivering life-changing therapies. As part of Thermo Fisher’s Clinical Research Group, PPD offers comprehensive lab services, including a Bioanalytical Lab that has helped bring thousands of compounds to market by employing 1500+ validated methods.• Oversaw 42 projects (22 total client contracts) for ELISA-based pharmacokinetic and anti-drug antibody analysis of pharmaceutical compounds in patient serum, plasma, or blood (Phase I-III clinical trials for indications spanning various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases).• Drafted and designed sample analysis study protocols and bioanalytical plans.• Communicated with clients regarding deadlines for project deliverables including status updates, final study reports, and assay performance.• Facilitated method validation, optimization, and technical troubleshooting.• Organized, scheduled, and supervised laboratory scientists (4 direct reports) and laboratory resources for group's project activities.• Reviewed, interpreted and analyzed data for technical quality and compliance to protocols, methods and SOPs; reviewed laboratory investigations and deviations.• Responded to client questions and needs, coordinated client communication and recorded meeting minutes.• Assisted group leaders and associate group leaders in their responsibilities. Show less

  • Principal Investigator, PPD Bioanalytical Lab

    Apr 2023 - Jan 2024

  • Senior Scientist, PPD Bioanalytical Lab

    Oct 2022 - Apr 2023
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  SFL Regulatory Affairs & Scientific Communication GmbH

  Feb 2024 - Feb 2025

  Medical Affairs Manager

  SFL is a leading consultancy providing integrated solutions to pharma, biotech and medtech companies for all product life cycle stages: Regulatory Affairs & Regulatory Intelligence, Quality & Supply Chain, Medical Writing, Public Affairs & Market Access, Pharmacovigilance, and Healthcare Compliance. In addition, SFL can act as marketing authorization applicant and MAH in Switzerland and the EU and conduct submissions to FDA, PMDA and Health Canada and other authorities.• Cross-functional expertise: worked closely with the Regulatory Affairs and Market Access teams to provide tailored support for product development and lifecycle processes across various therapeutic areas and product classes, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, and medtech products.• Regulatory writing: prepared detailed regulatory documents such as briefing books, Orphan Drug Designation (ODD), Risk Management Plans (RMP), Pediatric Investigation Plans (PIP), and Common Technical Document (CTD) dossiers.• Management of Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and Subject Matter Expert (SME) engagement projects: transformed complex scientific information into compelling content for medical communication projects and scientific events.• Medical communication: developed a wide range of materials including publications, abstracts, posters, slide decks, brochures, and educational content.• Tailored communications: created engaging and effective communications for various stakeholders, including regulators, payors, healthcare professionals, and patients.• Transformation of complex scientific information: synthesized intricate scientific data into clear, compelling content for medical communication projects and scientific events.• Evidence-based review: performed thorough scientific reviews and analyses to ensure data and documents were accurate, up-to-date, and met project requirements. Show less

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  Medtech & Pharma Platform Association

  Mar 2025 - now

  Science Policy Manager

  As Science Policy Manager at the Medtech & Pharma Platform (MPP), I analyze regulatory and policy developments at the intersection of medtech, pharma, and digital health. I engage with industry leaders and policymakers to support science-driven policy recommendations and develop position papers, reports, and advocacy materials. Additionally, I contribute to MPP’s events and publications to foster dialogue on regulatory science and policy trends.

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  Luminance Health

  Mar 2025 - now

  Senior Manager Medical Affairs

  I lead the Medical Communications department, providing scientific and strategic insights for life sciences clients. I develops medical affairs strategies, oversee regulatory and market access initiatives, and support scientific publications. I collaborate with cross-functional teams to align medical and commercial objectives.