Dave Robbins

• Transitioned from Resilience following acquisition. • Built and lead an 11-person data science and bioinformatics team from the ground up, defining departmental vision, hiring strategy, and operational processes • Architected PhenoSight — an automated, end-to-end multiomic characterization platform for CAR-T and PBMC profiling, integrating scRNA-seq, CITE-seq, memory phenotyping, functional state scoring, KEGG pathway analysis, and metabolic fitness into automated client-ready reports • Developed BugFinder — an NGS-based microbial detection pipeline using STAR host-read depletion and Bowtie2 alignment against a proprietary rRNA reference database, enabling sequencing-driven sterility assessment that complements culture-based GMP testing • Drove ML/AI integration across both platforms: automated gating and centroid-based phenotype classification (PhenoSight); signal-to-noise discrimination algorithms (BugFinder) • Serve as client-facing technical lead — delivering platform demonstrations, supporting business development, and presenting to prospective biopharma partners • Lead cross-functional strategy and C-suite communication, translating complex genomic characterization data into manufacturing go/no-go decisions for cell therapy programs

• Transitioned to Cellanome after acquisition.

• Provided expert technical guidance on NGS, bioinformatics, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and functional genomics strategy to biotech and pharmaceutical clients across the San Diego ecosystem

• Recruited and led a joint computational and wet lab team of 13 (9 PhD scientists + 4 research associates); drove enterprise bioinformatics strategy and vision • Directed transition to AWS cloud infrastructure (Dev/UAT/Production) with integrated ML algorithms; oversaw 7-instrument Illumina and Ion Torrent sequencing facility and all NGS assay development • Led functional genomics discovery group using CRISPR perturbation screens and NGS readouts to enhance cell therapy product efficacy • Served as key genomics liaison across Discovery Biology, R&D, Process Development, Translational Science, and external KOL/corporate partners

• Managed a 7-person wet lab and computational team; delivered NGS analysis pipelines in Python across R&D, Process Development, and Translational Science • Spearheaded single-cell and spatial transcriptomics of iPSC-derived cells (10X scRNA-seq, CITE-seq, spatial transcriptomics) and structural variant calling on iPSC-derived CAR iNK/iT WGS/WES data for IND safety profiling • Containerized NGS pipelines in Docker/Snakemake; built org-wide R Shiny genomics data visualization application • Co-contributed to IND filings for ProHema and ProTmune iPSC-derived cell immunotherapy products

• Subject matter expert in genomics and NGS; led wet lab teams developing molecular and analytical assays (NGS, Affymetrix microarray, qPCR) • Developed NGS-based HTS small molecule screening assays and targeted RNA-seq gene panels directly contributing to Fate's second-generation HSC transplantation IND • Led preclinical studies, process development, and CMC for ProHema and ProTmune IND filings

• Led a 6-member CRO R&D team specializing in molecular detection assays and bioinformatics for rare cell and nucleic acid detection — work that continued through ICx Biosystems' acquisition of GHC • Developed custom digital multiplex qPCR and STR DNA detection assays for fetal cell quantification in maternal blood and ctDNA mutation detection • Conducted Affymetrix GeneChip transcriptome analysis for small molecule candidates in melanoma treatment and HSC enhancement • Managed internal research budget, client milestone reporting, and project delivery across multiple contracted engagements

• Provided scientific and technical support for protein crystallography liquid handling solutions; translated customer feedback into engineering and software requirements • Developed custom image analysis software (Visual Basic) for high-throughput protein crystal scoring • Authored product specification sheets and technical application notes; led factory and site acceptance testing

• Designed and executed molecular biology and microbiology assays for novel antibiotic drug discovery; contributed to target identification and lead compound validation • Built and maintained automated data analysis pipelines and relational databases (Perl, Visual Basic, MS Access) to support high-throughput screening operations • Transitioned from Elitra Pharmaceuticals (acquired) to Merck Research Labs, maintaining continuity of anti-infective research programs

Undergraduate Research: Subcellular peroxisomal localization of human cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme phosphomevalonate kinase (PMVK) via peroxisomal targeting sequence-1 (PTS-1) dependent manner.