Jelena Perovanovich
Salt Lake City,USA
Summary
Strategic Computational Biology leader with a decade of experience leveraging multi-modal human data and AI to drive R&D decisions. At Recursion, led the computational strategy for the Microglia 1A Phenomap, resulting in a $30M milestone payment from Roche-Genentech. Expert in translating complex biological datasets into high-value translational insights. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver on high-stakes biopharma partnerships.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Computational Biologist 3
Recursion Pharmaceuticals
2021.10 - Current
- Led the computational biology strategy for the Microglia 1A Phenomap, the first whole-genome phenotypic map of human iPSC-derived microglia. This work was critical to Recursion’s neuroscience portfolio and directly secured a $30M milestone payment through the Roche-Genentech partnership.
- Spearheaded validation frameworks for novel therapeutic targets, developing rigorous statistical and biological criteria for advancing high-confidence candidates. Integrated phenomic, transcriptomic, and functional assay data (phagocytosis, secretomics) to evaluate target biology and prioritize target candidates.
- Developed QC strategies to evaluate high-dimensional phenotypic AI model outputs, enabling reliable interpretation of model-generated biological hypotheses. Partnered with machine learning teams to translate model predictions into biologically testable hypotheses and experimental workplans. Trained and applied deep generative models of transcriptomic data using scVI tools to model cellular transcriptional states and improve interpretation of single-cell datasets.
- Served as the key translator between biology domain experts, AI researchers, and data science teams to align machine learning objectives with therapeutic goals.
- Advanced technical expertise in scalable data workflows and led the transition to new data schemas, ensuring the integration of multi-modal datasets for scalable analysis.
- Routinely presented complex biological insights and technical workplans to external pharma partners to drive R&D decision-making and project scoping.
Research Associate
University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute
2019.01 - 2021.01
- Integrated scRNAseq, ChIPseq, and metabolomics data to define the role of Oct1 in cell fate canalization.
- Led transcriptomic profiling of human T-cell populations in Type 1 Diabetes, identifying novel molecular signatures for disease progression.
- Secured and managed two independent seed grants (PI status), overseeing budget, experimental design, and data interpretation.
Postdoctoral Fellow
National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIAMS
2016.01 - 2018.01
- Developed computational workflows for ATACseq and bulk-RNAseq to elucidate myogenic lineage commitment.
- Established standardized bioinformatics pipelines (BAM, SAM, HOMER, R/DeSeq2) for the department to ensure reproducibility across high-dimensional genomic datasets.
Graduate Researcher
Children’s National Medical Center
2010.01 - 2015.01
- Utilized MS/MS proteomic profiling and DamID-seq to map nuclear envelope-chromatin interactions.
- Published first-author research in Science Translational Medicine regarding the epigenomic disruption of developmental programs.
Education
PhD - Molecular Medicine
The George Washington University
Washington, DCBS/MS - Molecular Biology
University of Belgrade
Belgrade, SerbiaSelected Publications
- Perovanovic J, et al. (2016). Laminopathies disrupt epigenomic developmental programs and cell fate. Science Translational Medicine.
- Perovanovic J, et al. (2020). Oct1 cooperates with the Smad family of transcription factors to promote mesodermal lineage specification. Science signaling.
- Kim H et al. (2020). Targeting transcriptional coregulator OCA-B/Pou2af1 blocks activated autoreactive T cells. Journal of Experimental Medicine.
- Pei-Fang Tsai et al (2018). A muscle-specific enhancer RNA mediates cohesin recruitment and regulates transcription in trans. Molecular Cell.
- W Sun et al (2024) OCA-B/Pou2af1 is sufficient to promote CD4+ T cell memory and prospectively identifies memory precursors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- S Dell’Orso, et al (2019). Single cell analysis of adult mouse skeletal muscle stem cells in homeostatic and regenerative conditions. Development.
Core Competencies And Technical Skills
- Strategic Leadership: Translating business objectives into scientific workplans, Partnership management (Roche-Genentech), Mentorship, and Cross-functional team leadership.
- Computational Biology: Multi-modal data integration (scRNAseq, transcriptomics, Genomics, Proteomics, Phenomics), Systems biology (GSEA, Pathway enrichment, WGCNA)
- AI/ML Tools: Interpretation of high-dimensional AI model outputs, Model benchmarking, and Statistical Confirmation of model outputs.
- Programming: Python (Advanced), R , Bash/Linux, and Scalable Pipeline and User Apps.
- Domain Expertise: Neuroscience (Microglia/Neuroinflammation), Immunology, Epigenetics, and Human iPSC models.
Timeline
Senior Computational Biologist 3
Recursion Pharmaceuticals
2021.10 - Current
Research Associate
University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute
2019.01 - 2021.01
Postdoctoral Fellow
National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIAMS
2016.01 - 2018.01
Graduate Researcher
Children’s National Medical Center
2010.01 - 2015.01
PhD - Molecular Medicine
The George Washington University
BS/MS - Molecular Biology
University of Belgrade