astronomy (I build telescopes)
ornithology
hiking and the outdoors
John T Powers, PhD
Austin
Summary
Accomplished biotechnology leader with 20+ years of expertise in cancer, genetic modification, and immunology platforms. Director of research programs yielding high-impact publications and $4M+ in competitive funding with a focus on developing novel (non-toxic) therapeutic approaches. Skilled in cross-functional leadership, vision delivery, and talent development. Seeking leadership role in Biotechnology to leverage genetic engineering expertise and team leadership capabilities in advancing innovative therapeutic programs from discovery through clinical development.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Dell Medical School
08.2022 - Current
- Highly rated Director of Immunology and Molecular Biology / Genetics for Dell Medical School.
- Showcases deep expertise in hematologic and immune biology-based mechanisms underlying genetic disorders, focusing on actionable therapeutic pathways.
- Achieved measurable improvements in educational outcomes through curriculum transformation, resulting in zero remediation rates and quantifiable performance improvements.
- Developed hands-on CAR-T and iPSC technology workshops, bridging cutting-edge cellular therapy concepts with practical clinical applications.
Associate Professor
Dell Medical School
08.2018 - Current
- Pioneer in genetic locus editing and disease modeling, with expertise in CRISPR-edited human cell lines and iPSC-derived systems.
- Internationally recognized cancer, non-coding RNA, and stem cell biology expert with over twenty publications, including Nature, Nature Genetics, PNAS, and Cancer Cell.
- Inaugural recipient of the competitive Shine Research Mentorship Award, selected from all DMS faculty.
- Secured over $4M in competitive funding as Principal Investigator from NIH, CPRIT, and national foundations like Alex's Lemonade Stand.
- Pioneered immunologically-relevant therapeutic approach using omega-3 fatty acids that block inflammatory and angiogenic cascades, preventing oncogene-driven tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis.
Principal Scientist
Moderna
06.2016 - 07.2018
- Led Moderna's in vitro cell engineering group, directing cross-functional collaboration with lipid biochemists to optimize RNA therapeutic delivery systems for clinical applications.
- Optimized company-wide gene editing standards that accelerated development timelines and enhanced reproducibility across Moderna's research pipeline.
- Implemented novel human cell platform (HEPATOPAC®) that provided critical translational insights, directly influencing clinical candidate selection and formulation.
Education
M.S. - Artificial Intelligence
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX01-2026
Postdoctoral - Cancer, RNA & Stem Cell Biology, Hematopoiesis
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA06-2015
Ph.D. - Molecular Genetics
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX05-2007
B.S. - Microbiology
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX05-2000
Skills
- Genetically Modified Platform Development - Deep expertise in genetic engineering and RNA biology
- Immunology (Hematology) - Strategic leadership in advancing immune-based therapeutic programs from discovery through preclinical development
- Cross-Functional Leadership - Ability to align diverse scientific teams, research priorities, and business objectives toward common pre-clinical and therapeutic goals
- Strategic Vision & Communication - Record of developing, articulating, and executing compelling scientific strategies with measurable outcomes
- Talent Development & Team Building - Success in recruiting and mentoring high-performing scientific teams, creating cohesive groups that consistently deliver results
- Collaborative Partnership Management - Experience building productive collaborations across academic and clinical boundaries to enhance research capabilities and expand therapeutic opportunities
Interests
Timeline
Director
Dell Medical School
08.2022 - Current
Associate Professor
Dell Medical School
08.2018 - Current
Principal Scientist
Moderna
06.2016 - 07.2018
M.S. - Artificial Intelligence
University of Texas At Austin
Postdoctoral - Cancer, RNA & Stem Cell Biology, Hematopoiesis
Harvard Medical School
Ph.D. - Molecular Genetics
University of Texas At Austin
B.S. - Microbiology
University of Texas At Austin
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