Elnaz Menhaji-Klotz

I am a corporate strategy and operational leader in life sciences with deep R&D experience across both large pharma and biotech. I specialize in translating scientific vision into executable strategy by building the operational infrastructure, programs, and portfolios that enable emerging biotech organizations to move from concept to clinic.In my current role at NorthLinks Bio, I oversee strategic direction, operational infrastructure, program and portfolio management, and new product planning for a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a broad-spectrum antiviral.My work sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and execution. I bring structure and clarity to ambiguous situations and apply rigorous thinking to both scientific opportunity and program prioritization. I am known for staying calm under pressure, building trust quickly across diverse personalities, and helping teams make disciplined decisions without losing momentum.What I Bring:· Strategic direction and new product planningI focus on new product planning and portfolio strategy in early-stage biotech, defining development hypotheses, pressure-testing value-inflection assumptions, and translating complex science into clear company-building priorities. My venture-aligned perspective allows me to evaluate opportunities with both scientific rigor and commercial discipline.· Scientist + company builderAs a "scientist plus," I combine strong technical credentials with hands-on company-building experience standing up the operational, scientific, and strategic foundations of emerging organizations, from governance frameworks to program execution. I also bring experience in business development and external innovation, having established strategic partnerships and licensing agreements earlier in my career.· Deep scientific foundation in drug developmentThrough my work at Pfizer and Gates Medical Research Institute, and reflected in my publications and book chapters, I have developed broad expertise across multiple therapeutic areas. This scientific depth allows me to drive product development, identify data gaps, and proactively mitigate risk across development programs.· Cross-functional connectorI specialize in connecting the dots across functions such as Finance, HR, and Program Management, identifying process improvements, implementing scalable solutions, and leading change.