Neal Van Hoeven
About Neal Van Hoeven
Neal Van Hoeven serves as the Senior Director of Viral Vector Discovery at Sana Biotechnology, Inc., where he manages preclinical research for T-Cell therapeutics. He has a strong background in high-containment biology and viral vector design, with extensive experience in various research institutions and a solid academic foundation in molecular biology and biotechnology.
Work at Sana Biotechnology
Neal Van Hoeven serves as the Senior Director of Viral Vector Discovery at Sana Biotechnology, Inc., a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he manages preclinical research across Sana's T-Cell therapeutics platform, focusing on both viral and cell-based therapeutic product candidates. Prior to this, he was the Director of Viral Vector Discovery at the same company from 2019 to 2021. His work contributes to the development of innovative gene therapies and vaccines.
Education and Expertise
Neal Van Hoeven holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Virology from the University of Washington, where he studied from 1998 to 2005. He also earned a Professional Certificate in Biotechnology Project Management from the same institution in 2012. His educational background is complemented by a B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Middlebury College. He possesses extensive expertise in viral vector design, production, and purification, which are essential for developing gene therapies and vaccines.
Background
Neal Van Hoeven has a diverse professional background in the field of biology and biotechnology. He has worked at various prestigious organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a Post-Doctoral Fellow from 2005 to 2010, and the Infectious Disease Research Institute as a Senior Scientist from 2015 to 2019. His experience includes high-containment biology, where he worked with dangerous pathogens in secure laboratory environments.
Academic Involvement
In addition to his role at Sana Biotechnology, Neal Van Hoeven has been an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington's Department of Global Health since 2018. This position allows him to contribute to academic research and education while maintaining his focus on viral vector discovery and therapeutic development in a professional setting.
Leadership and Team Management
Neal Van Hoeven leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technicians at Sana Biotechnology. He coordinates both in-vivo and in-vitro research functions, showcasing his ability to manage complex scientific projects effectively. His training in biotechnology project management enhances his leadership capabilities within the research environment.