Jim Riley, Ph.D.

Co-Founder | Scientific Advisor | Professor

Professional Overview

Jim Riley is a highly accomplished biotechnology and academic leader with extensive expertise in drug discovery, translational medicine, and scientific advisory roles. As the co-founder of BlueWhale Bio and a scientific advisor to Kite Pharma, he leverages his deep understanding of immunology and cutting-edge therapeutic development to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes. Concurrently, Dr. Riley serves as a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he has built a distinguished career spanning over two decades.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Co-Founder, BlueWhale Bio (2023-Present)

• Providing strategic vision and leadership in the development of novel biotherapeutics targeting complex diseases

• Driving the company's research and development initiatives, with a focus on leveraging the latest advancements in immunology and biotechnology

• Overseeing cross-functional teams to accelerate the translation of innovative scientific discoveries into viable clinical-stage programs

Scientific Advisor, Kite Pharma (2023-Present)

• Advising the company's research and development team on the optimization of next-generation cell therapy platforms

• Offering expert guidance on the design and implementation of pre-clinical and clinical studies to enhance the safety and efficacy of Kite Pharma's product pipeline

• Collaborating with the leadership team to identify strategic partnerships and potential licensing opportunities

Professor, University of Pennsylvania (2020-Present)

• Conducting cutting-edge research in the field of immunology, with a particular focus on the development of innovative cancer immunotherapies

• Mentoring and training the next generation of biomedical researchers and clinicians

• Serving on prestigious national and international committees, contributing to the advancement of the field

Career Progression

Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania (2005-2020)

• Established a highly successful research program, securing significant grant funding and publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals

• Collaborated with industry partners to translate laboratory discoveries into clinical-stage candidates

• Played a pivotal role in the training and development of numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows

Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania (1999-2005)

• Joined the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, where he quickly developed a strong research portfolio and built a reputation as a rising star in the field of immunology

• Secured competitive federal and private research grants to support his investigations

Captain, US Army (1995-1999)

• Served as a commissioned officer in the US Army, gaining valuable leadership experience and a deep appreciation for the importance of translational research

Academic Background

Jim Riley holds a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of California, Los Angeles. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health, where he gained extensive training in cutting-edge immunological techniques and approaches.

Areas of Expertise

• Immunology and immunotherapy

• Drug discovery and development

• Translational medicine

• Biotech entrepreneurship

• Academic leadership and mentorship

Professional Impact

• Pioneered the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases

• Served as a trusted scientific advisor to several biotechnology companies, contributing to the advancement of their product pipelines

• Secured millions of dollars in research funding from prestigious agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense

• Trained and mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry

Conclusion

With his exceptional track record of scientific achievement, proven leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of immunotherapy, Jim Riley is poised to continue making significant contributions to the biotechnology industry and the academic community. As he continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of drug discovery and translational medicine, his expertise, innovation, and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly be instrumental in driving breakthroughs and improving patient outcomes.