Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Publications
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Juston Weems

Prairie Village,KS

Summary

Accomplished scientific leader with 20+ years of experience in biochemistry, diagnostics, and operational strategy within biotechnology and molecular diagnostics industries. Expertise in assay strategy execution for gene therapy programs, clinical trial support, and cross-functional alignment to drive regulatory-compliant, scalable solutions. Proven ability to manage complex vendor partnerships and FSP-style relationships, lead lab operations, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. Adept at building and mentoring high-performing teams and translating scientific concepts into business outcomes. Experienced in field-based roles supporting MSLs and engaging healthcare providers (HCPs) to deliver clinical education, interpret diagnostic testing data, and drive adoption of novel diagnostics.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director, Assay Strategy Execution

Sarepta Therapeutics
02.2023 - Current
  • Lead assay strategy and execution for gene therapy programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory and commercial milestones.
  • Manage diagnostic vendor relationships, including Quest Diagnostics, overseeing testing operations, issue resolution, and performance metrics.
  • Directed operational transition of antibody assay from LDT in MA to CDx in CA, including training, documentation, and compliance tracking.
  • Designed and implemented monitoring systems to track positivity rates, turnaround time, and test utilization for executive reporting.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams (clinical, regulatory, commercial, lab operations) to streamline testing workflows and patient eligibility processes.
  • Supported international sample intake (Brazil, Middle East), coordinating with World Courier on logistics and customs compliance.
  • Served as medical liaison for MSLs and DAMs, providing scientific training and field guidance on diagnostic testing strategy and interpretation.
  • Engaged HCPs through sponsored testing initiatives, explaining assay results, retesting criteria, and supporting clinical decision-making.
  • Oversaw budget management and resource allocation, ensuring optimal utilization of funds across departments.
  • Established key performance indicators to monitor progress and drive accountability at all levels of the organization.
  • Facilitated executive meetings to discuss performance metrics, aligning departmental goals with corporate strategy.

Director of Research and Development

Transplant Genomics Inc
04.2020 - 02.2023
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to gain alignment and move initiatives from product ideas to commercialization.
  • Coordinated activities of R&D team to meet agreed department and project deliverables for active projects.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
  • Managed project operations, budget and timeline and collaborated with stakeholders to review status.

Technical Director/Lab Ops Director/Lab Director

Transplant Genomics Inc
04.2020 - 02.2023
  • Launched, staffed and oversee Lee’s Summit/Lenexa Lab including reducing TAT from 5-7 days to 1-2 days and TNPs from 10%+ down to
  • Successfully led the lab through CLIA and CAP inspections
  • Successfully launched and transferred TruGraf PCR
  • Successfully launched and transferred OmniGraf
  • Project management and providing oversight for Kidney and Liver TruGraf
  • Oversee the commercial lab execution of TruGraf; including Training staff while implementing process improvements

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATEONCOLOGY

Stowers Institute For Medical Research
08.2011 - 05.2020
  • Initiated, planned and executed research projects in collaboration with other departments, academic institutions and biotech companies
  • Leveraged highly effective communication and active listening skills to work effectively with scientists of diverse backgrounds and accomplish common research goals
  • Pursued advancements in biochemistry and molecular biology by conducting cutting-edge cancer biology research
  • Researched and studied animal and human health conditions and physiology
  • Trained and mentored new staff to achieve efficiency and maintain daily operational consistency
  • Presented research findings to scientific audience and general public
  • Collaborated with materials purchasing specialist to meet production requirements and quality standards
  • Operated with high integrity, built trust, and earned sustained credibility with internal and external collaborators

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Johnson County Community College
05.2016 - 04.2020
  • Utilized various methods, including exams, quizzes and assignments to assess student comprehension and monitored student performance using automated reporting system
  • Utilized innovative methods of instruction, including video, interactive class activities and discussions to present course material
  • Instructed students using lectures, discussions and demonstrations in inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry and nutrition
  • Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi
  • Tracked student assignments, attendance and test scores and entered into online database to provide real-time progress monitoring
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits to ensure long-term success
  • Employed variety of teaching techniques to encourage student engagement and cater to diverse learning modalities
  • Worked with colleagues and administrators to create robust education programs
  • Integrated technology into classroom instruction including video, online content and use of distributed learning capabilities
  • Evaluated student comprehension using exams, quizzes and assignments and managed student performance using automated reporting system, leveraging data to identify student learning needs and create action plans to overcome learning deficiencies
  • Collaborated with faculty members in designing chemistry and biochemical curriculum for departmental courses

RESEARCH FELLOW

Stowers Institute For Medical Research
05.2011 - 05.2015
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to advance research and gain deeper understanding of topics
  • Worked to improve collective knowledge of DNA damage and repair
  • Authored several professional scientific papers for publishing in high impact peer-reviewed journals
  • Developed unique research into transcriptional regulation and DNA damage
  • Established professional relationships with various departmental personnel through effective communication and collaboration skills to promote collaboration and enhance results
  • Reported on new, cutting-edge methodology and wrote research articles published in scientific trade journals
  • Presented as an invited speaker at a number of national and international conferences

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Oklahoma City Community College
01.2007 - 05.2011
  • Distributed course syllabus and responded to student questions and concerns regarding standards, material, grading and progression
  • Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi
  • Collaborated with the dean and the course directors to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development and instruction improvement program
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits to ensure long-term success
  • Employed variety of teaching techniques to encourage student engagement and cater to diverse learning modalities
  • Worked with colleagues and administrators to create robust education programs
  • Tracked student assignments, attendance and test scores and entered into online database to provide real-time progress monitoring
  • Maintained regular office hours to help students with questions and provide educational support
  • Collaborated with faculty members in designing life sciences curriculum for departmental courses

Education

PhD - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK
05.2011

Master of Science - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK

Bachelor of Science - Biology/Chemistry

Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK
05.2005

Skills

  • - Functional Service Provider (FSP) Oversight
    - Assay Strategy Execution
    - Operational Strategy
    - Cross-functional Team Leadership
    - Clinical Trial Operations Support
    - External Vendor Management (Quest, World Courier)
    - Diagnostic Testing (LDT to CDx Transition)
    - Regulatory Compliance (CLIA, CAP, FDA)
    - Project Management
    - Sample Logistics & Turnaround Optimization
    - MSL Engagement & Field Training
    - HCP Communication & Education
    - Training & Development
    - Data Analysis & Performance Monitoring
    - Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Certification

NYS CQ Lab Director License - 2021

Publications

  • Herlihy AE, Boeing S, Weems JC, Walker J, Dirac-Svejstrup AB, Lehner MH, Conaway RC, Conaway JW, Svejstrup JQ. UBAP2/UBAP2L regulate UV-induced ubiquitylation of RNA polymerase II and are the human orthologues of yeast Def1. DNA Repair (Amst). 2022 Jul;115:103343. doi: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2022.103343. Epub 2022 May 18. PubMed PMID: 35633597.
  • West-Thielke PM, Miller CC, Ally W, Sutton A, Sinha R, Miller M, Kleiboeker S, Weems JC. Technology-driven Performance Improvement of a Biomarker Panel in Kidney Transplant: OmniGraf. Transplantation Technologies and Research. 2022 May; 12:207.
  • Weems Juston, Holman John, Rose Stanley, Abecassis Michael M, Levitsky Josh. “Evidence of Clinical Utility: An Investigator Assessment of a Novel Blood-based Biomarker of Liver Transplant Rejection to Guide Immunosuppression Decisions.” J Transplant Technol Res 11 (2021): 181.
  • Weems JC, Pierry D, Holman J, Kandpal M, Kurian SM, Meintjes P, Beswick N, and Levitsky J. “Analytical and Clinical Validation of a Novel Blood-Based Biomarker of Liver Transplant Rejection.” J Transplant Technol Res 11 (2021): 180
  • Park S, Guo K, Heilman RL, Poggio ED, Taber DJ, Marsh CL, Kurian SM, Kleiboeker S, Weems J, Holman J, Zhao L, Sinha R, Bratiegam S, Rebello C, Abecassis M, Friedewald JJ. Combining Blood Gene Expression and Cellfree DNA to Diagnose Subclinical Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2021 Oct;16(10):1539-1551. doi: 10.2215/CJN.05530421. PubMed PMID: 34620649; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8499014.
  • Weems JC, Slaughter BD, Unruh JR, Weaver KJ, Miller BD, Delventhal KM, Conaway JW, Conaway RC. A role for the Cockayne Syndrome B (CSB)-Elongin ubiquitin ligase complex in signal-dependent RNA polymerase II transcription. J Biol Chem. 2021 Jul;297(1):100862. doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100862. Epub 2021 Jun 9. PubMed PMID: 34116057; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8294581.
  • Tufegdzic Vidakovic A, Mitter K, Kelly GP, Neumann M, Harrerma N, Rodriguez-Martinez M, Herlihy A, Weems JC, Boeing S, Encheva V, Gaul L, Milligan L, Tollervey D, Conaway RC, Conaway JW, Snijders AP, Stewart A, Svejstrup JQ. Integration of the RNAPII Pool Is Integral to the DNA Damage Response. Cell. 2020 Mar 19;180(6):1245-1261.e21. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.009. Epub 2020 Mar 5. PubMed PMID: 32142654; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7103762.
  • Weems JC, Unruh JR, Slaughter BD, Conaway RC, Conaway JW. Imaging-based assays for investigating functions of the RNA polymerase II elongation factor Elongin and the Elongin ubiquitin ligase. Methods. 2019 Apr 15;159-160:157-164. doi: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2019.02.015. Epub 2019 Feb 19. Review. PubMed PMID: 30794906.
  • Weems JC, Slaughter BD, Unruh JR, Boeing S, Hall SM, McLaird MB, Yasukawa T, Aso T, Svejstrup JQ, Conaway JW, Conaway RC. Cockayne syndrome B protein regulates recruitment of the Elongin A ubiquitin ligase to sites of DNA damage. J Biol Chem. 2017 Apr 21;292(16):6431-6437. doi: 10.1074/jbc.C117.777946. Epub 2017 Mar 14. PubMed PMID: 28292928; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5399097.
  • Boeing S, Williamson L, Encheva V, Gori I, Saunders RE, Instrell R, Aygün O, Rodriguez-Martinez M, Weems JC, Kelly GP, Conaway JW, Conaway RC, Stewart A, Howell M, Snijders AP, Svejstrup JQ. Multiomic Analysis of the UV-Induced DNA Damage Response. Cell Rep. 2016 May 17;15(7):1597-1610. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.047. Epub 2016 May 12. PubMed PMID: 27184836; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4893159.
  • Weems JC, Slaughter BD, Unruh JR, Hall SM, McLaird MB, Gilmore JM, Washburn MP, Florens L, Yasukawa T, Aso T, Conaway JW, Conaway RC. Assembly of the Elongin A Ubiquitin Ligase Is Regulated by Genotoxic and Other Stresses. J Biol Chem. 2015 Jun 12;290(24):15030-41. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M114.632794. Epub 2015 Apr 15. PubMed PMID: 25878247; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4463447.
  • Weems JC, Griesel BA, Olson AL. Class II histone deacetylases downregulate GLUT4 transcription in response to increased cAMP signaling in cultured adipocytes and fasting mice. Diabetes. 2012 Jun;61(6):1404-14. doi: 10.2337/db11-0737. Epub 2012 Mar 8. PubMed PMID: 22403301; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3357296.
  • Weems J, Olson AL. Class II histone deacetylases limit GLUT4 gene expression during adipocyte differentiation. J Biol Chem. 2011 Jan 7;286(1):460-8. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M110.151707. Epub 2010 Nov 3. PubMed PMID: 21047791; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3013005.
  • Griesel BA, Weems J, Russell RA, Abel ED, Humphries K, Olson AL. Acute inhibition of fatty acid import inhibits GLUT4 transcription in adipose tissue, but not skeletal or cardiac muscle tissue, partly through liver X receptor (LXR) signaling. Diabetes. 2010 Apr;59(4):800-7. doi: 10.2337/db09-1542. Epub 2010 Jan 26. PubMed PMID: 20103707; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2844827.
  • Sparling DP, Griesel BA, Weems J, Olson AL. GLUT4 enhancer factor (GEF) interacts with MEF2A and HDAC5 to regulate the GLUT4 promoter in adipocytes. J Biol Chem. 2008 Mar 21;283(12):7429-37. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M800481200. Epub 2008 Jan 23. PubMed PMID: 18216015; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2276327.

Additional Information

Ambitious and goal-oriented educator and researcher, creating strategic alliances with organizational leaders to effectively align with and support educational and innovative research initiatives. Progress-driven planner adept at building and retaining high-performing teams. Vision and passion to initiate bold, innovative research programs focused on successful collaborations. Motivational leader with top-notch communication, organizational and strategic planning abilities.

Timeline

Director, Assay Strategy Execution

Sarepta Therapeutics
02.2023 - Current

Director of Research and Development

Transplant Genomics Inc
04.2020 - 02.2023

Technical Director/Lab Ops Director/Lab Director

Transplant Genomics Inc
04.2020 - 02.2023

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Johnson County Community College
05.2016 - 04.2020

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATEONCOLOGY

Stowers Institute For Medical Research
08.2011 - 05.2020

RESEARCH FELLOW

Stowers Institute For Medical Research
05.2011 - 05.2015

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

Oklahoma City Community College
01.2007 - 05.2011

PhD - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Master of Science - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Bachelor of Science - Biology/Chemistry

Oklahoma City University

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