Ruan Cox, Ph.D.
Summary
Accomplished Business Development Executive with robust experience in major healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Renowned for building strategic alliances and leading high-value project negotiations, significantly boosting revenue and organizational growth. Expert in market analysis and business intelligence with a strong focus on sustainable project success. Adept at guiding teams, mentoring talents, and fostering stakeholder relationships. Known for a goal-oriented approach and effective communication skills, consistently delivering exceptional outcomes in complex research environments. Demonstrates a unique blend of strategic vision and leadership, driving innovation and advancement in cutting-edge research fields.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
01.2021 - Current
- Led over 30 strategic research collaborations, resulting in a >50% increase in cancer immune collaborations and a >75% retention boost in active partnerships.
- Spearheaded the 'Together for C.H.A.N.G.E.' initiative, a landmark project in oncology and immunology R&D for populations of African Ancestry.
- Utilized Salesforce and Smartsheets for tracking research progress, enhancing decision-making through detailed KPI reports for leadership.
- Developed process maps and SOPs in the Business Operations department, significantly improving operational efficiency and best practices adherence.
- Mentored junior team members, interns, and fellows, fostering professional growth and contributing to their career advancement.
- Negotiated complex contracts with diverse entities, ensuring GDPR compliance and expanding the scope of collaborative research initiatives.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration, effectively managing alliance and project management functions, leading to successful project outcomes.
Assistant Director, Technology Transfer Office
University Of South Florida
02.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed the Technology Transfer Office as part of the leadership team, focusing on intellectual property development and commercialization from USF System research.
- Led sales and marketing strategies to substantially increase the number and quality of USF licenses and startups, significantly enhancing commercial partnerships.
- Initiated and maintained strategic collaborations with third parties, resulting in considerable licensing income and solidified client relationships.
- Supervised the marketing and business development teams, orchestrating strategic campaigns and fostering a culture of collaboration in IP commercialization.
- Championed continuous improvement and conducted industry trend analyses to identify new business opportunities and potential licensees.
- Oversaw specialized programs and workshops from concept to completion, aligning with the organization's modernization and operational needs.
- Played a pivotal role in team guidance, operational supervision, and policy formulation, leveraging extensive experience in technology transfer and commercialization.
Senior Manager, Industry Alliance Development
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
11.2015 - 10.2020
- Generated $20M in research funding through self-led industry deals; instrumental in closing over $150M in total deals for the cancer center.
- Cultivated and negotiated key industry alliances, enhancing research funding and providing faculty with access to advanced technology and expertise.
- Collaborated with faculty to identify important research areas, potential intellectual property, and key business terms for each agreement.
- Represented the cancer center at conferences, fostering current and new industry partnerships to advance research initiatives.
- Served as Programming Chair for the Business of Biotech Conference for two years, orchestrating panel discussions with leaders in oncology and related fields.
- Chaired the Partnering Forum at the Business of Biotech Conference, averaging 22 companies and 55 meetings with Moffitt investigators and senior leadership annually.
- Educated Moffitt researchers and clinicians on patenting and licensing processes, enhancing their engagement in research commercialization.
Innovation Fellow
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
01.2015 - 11.2015
- Performed due diligence on technologies being considered for licensing which include market/technology
- Performed benchmarking research for competition, market size, patent searches, Pub-med literature, valuation, and other appropriate
research - Wrote brief -page marketing summaries reviewing the usefulness, intellectual property and commercial
opportunities associated with institute-held technologies for licensing opportunities - Served as a coach for Moffitt startups for internal pitch competitions and investor presentations
- Observed presentation and negotiations between inventors, investors, and startup executives
Research Laboratory Manager
University Of South Florida
08.2010 - 08.2015
- Improved laboratory efficiency by streamlining workflows and implementing process improvements.
- Managed a team of technicians, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of lab equipment.
- Increased accuracy in test results by maintaining calibration schedules for all instruments.
- Reduced turnaround time for sample analysis through effective scheduling and prioritization of tasks.
- Manage all laboratory research projects in an NIH Grant funded laboratory
- Performed new laboratory set up, chemical inventory, and equipment maintenance
- Managed a $1,000,000 dollar laboratory reagent and equipment budget each year
- Wrote and modified standard laboratory procedures concerning molecular biology techniques, chemical
handling and hazardous waste disposal
Education
Ph.D. - Molecular Medicine
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL08.2015
Master of Science - Molecular Medicine
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL05.2012
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Biotechnology
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL12.2008
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Relationship Building and Management
- Proposal Writing
- Project Management
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Key Relationship Development
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Market Research
- Business Development
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
- Contract Review and Negotiation
Accomplishments
Pitch Competition Judge, Frontier Communications (2019 & 2020)
Selected by Frontier Communications to judge a pitch competition featuring emerging health tech startups.
Invited Speaker, Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (2015-2022)
Selected to educate undergraduate students interested in STEM careers on the importance of effective scientific communication. Also served as a conference mentor for undergraduates.
Spirit of Moffitt Award (2016)
Competitive award given to Moffitt teams who embody the spirit of Moffitt Cancer Center's mission.
American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (2013-2015)
Competitive two year fellowship award given by the American Heart Association towards the training and support of Ph.D. students in the cardiovascular field
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Sloan Scholarship (2012-2015)
Competitive fellowship awarded to underrepresented minorities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to help enhance the diversity of doctoral level professionals in the STEM field.
Florida Educational Fund's McKnight Doctoral Fellow (2010-2016)
Awarded to the top 50 matriculating minority doctoral students across disciplines at Florida's Ph.D granting institutions
Timeline
Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
01.2021 - Current
Assistant Director, Technology Transfer Office
University Of South Florida
02.2020 - 01.2021
Senior Manager, Industry Alliance Development
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
11.2015 - 10.2020
Innovation Fellow
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
01.2015 - 11.2015
Research Laboratory Manager
University Of South Florida
08.2010 - 08.2015
Ph.D. - Molecular Medicine
University of South Florida
Master of Science - Molecular Medicine
University of South Florida
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Biotechnology
University of Florida
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