Omkar Kulkarni
About Omkar Kulkarni
Omkar Kulkarni is a Senior Manager at Nektar Therapeutics, overseeing external manufacturing operations since 2021. He has extensive experience in process engineering and development, with previous roles at Pfanstiehl, Inc. and Orochem Technologies, and holds multiple degrees in Chemical Engineering and Project Management.
Current Role at Nektar Therapeutics
Omkar Kulkarni serves as Senior Manager, External Manufacturing (External Site Operations Lead) at Nektar Therapeutics since 2021. In this role, he provides operational oversight as a Person-in-Plant (PIP) at Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). He coordinates drug substance and drug product manufacturing activities, including contract approval and scheduling of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) campaigns. His responsibilities include ensuring that deliverables meet or exceed established requirements.
Previous Experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Prior to his current position, Kulkarni held various roles at Nektar Therapeutics. He worked as a Senior Process Development Engineer focusing on Engineering and Scale-up from 2019 to 2020, and as a Process Development Engineer from 2014 to 2018. He also served as a Senior Process Development Engineer in Biologics, MSAT from 2020 to 2021. Before joining Nektar, he worked at Pfanstiehl, Inc. as a Process Engineer for one year and at Orochem Technologies Inc. as a Research Engineer and Chemical Process Engineer.
Educational Background
Omkar Kulkarni has a strong educational foundation in engineering. He earned a Master of Science (MS) in Engineering & Project Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, studying from 2015 to 2018. He also holds a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he studied from 2006 to 2008. His undergraduate degree is a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pune, which he completed from 2001 to 2005.
Leadership in Oncology Drug Development
Kulkarni leads the NKTR-255 investigational drug program in Oncology at Nektar Therapeutics. This program focuses on the IL-15 receptor agonist, contributing to advancements in cancer treatment. His leadership role involves strategic planning and execution of the program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Skills and Strategic Relationships
In his professional capacity, Omkar Kulkarni builds and maintains strategic relationships with both CDMO organizations and internal stakeholders. His expertise in coordinating manufacturing activities and overseeing operational processes enables effective collaboration and communication across various teams, enhancing project outcomes.