Michi Izumi Willcoxon
Palo Alto,CA
Summary
Visionary biotech leader with a proven track record in protein science, drug development, and strategic R&D leadership. Extensive expertise in protein engineering, purification, high-throughput screening, and scaling processes to pilot and commercial levels. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, driving innovation, and accelerating product development timelines in fast-paced, high-growth environments. Experienced in overseeing CRO partnerships, regulatory strategy, and IND-enabling CMC processes to advance therapeutic and biotech solutions. Passionate about fostering high-performance teams, operational excellence, and scientific breakthroughs to drive business success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
South San Francisco, CA
08.2023 - Current
- Built and led a high-performance protein production team, successfully advancing novel protein purification and production programs within one year
- Designed and executed a strategic roadmap for product development, aligning scientific innovation with business objectives
- Managed cross-functional collaborations with process development and engineering teams to scale protein production
- Oversaw CRO partnerships for protein production, analytical assessments, and regulatory studies, ensuring high-quality data for commercialization
- Optimized budget allocation and resource management to drive cost-efficient R&D operations
Director of Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
South San Francisco, CA
06.2022 - 08.2023
Director, Protein Sciences
SECOND GENOME
Brisbane, CA
05.2018 - 06.2022
- Led discovery-to-IND-enabling studies, integrating machine learning, immuno-oncology, and cellular biology to advance novel biologics
- Established and managed a high-performing team of 10 FTEs, specializing in protein sciences and mass spectrometry analytics
- Developed therapeutic lead candidates across various molecular entities, including proteins, peptides, Fc-fusions, and bispecific antibodies
- Designed structure-function libraries, leveraging alanine scanning, homology-based mutagenesis, and bioinformatics to enhance molecule properties
- Pioneered high-throughput automation screening and bioanalytical method development for early-stage drug discovery
Senior Scientist
SECOND GENOME
Brisbane, CA
11.2016 - 05.2018
Research Scientist II
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
Hayward, CA
06.2013 - 10.2016
- Spearheaded the creation of protein libraries using 3D structural modeling, saturation mutagenesis, and DNA shuffling
- Achieved a 300-fold increase in target protein activity through innovative protein engineering approaches
- Developed and implemented high-throughput screening systems, increasing screening efficiency by 400%
- Led technology transfer efforts, scaling recombinant protein production from small-scale to commercial levels
- Secured competitive research grants, leading to advancements in cell-based insecticidal protein screening
Research Scientist I
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
Hayward, CA
09.2008 - 05.2013
Education
Ph.D. - Engineering
Osaka University
M.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
B.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
Skills
- Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Drug Development & IND-enabling CMC
- Protein Engineering & Production
- High-Throughput & Automation Screening
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Process Development & Scale-up
- Budget & Resource Management
- CRO/CMO Partnerships & Vendor Management
- Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Scientific Innovation & IP Development
Patents And Publications
8+ U.S. patents in protein therapeutics, insecticidal proteins, and protein expression systems., Published 10+ peer-reviewed articles in top scientific journals on protein science, bioengineering, and biotechnology.
Timeline
Senior Director, Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
08.2023 - Current
Director of Protein Science
NOBELL FOODS
06.2022 - 08.2023
Director, Protein Sciences
SECOND GENOME
05.2018 - 06.2022
Senior Scientist
SECOND GENOME
11.2016 - 05.2018
Research Scientist II
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
06.2013 - 10.2016
Research Scientist I
DUPONT PIONEER (Now Corteva Agriscience)
09.2008 - 05.2013
M.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
B.S. - Engineering
Osaka University
Ph.D. - Engineering
Osaka University