Angela Blum
Director, Head of Chemistry @Encodia
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WORK HISTORY
Director, Head of Chemistry @Encodia
Recruited to help shape R&D strategy and lead chemistry teams, encompassing surface chemistry, bioconjugation, sample prep, synthesis (small molecule, peptide, and oligo), and mass spectrometry• Strategic R&D Leadership: Co-led company-wide R&D strategy, shaping priorities across assay chemistry, platform development, and product direction. Partnered with executive leadership to define technology roadmaps and resource allocation for maximum scientific and business impact.• Core Assay Innovation: Directed a strategic pivot in assay chemistry, implementing a novel readout system and revamping architectures of all materials. Co-led assay molecular biology innovation. Delivered new detection systems and materials (including surface chemistry) within one quarter, enabling rapid redirection of core platform.• Reagent Development: Led chemistry functions spanning peptide synthesis, oligonucleotide chemistry, small molecules, surface chemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical characterization. Implemented new QC frameworks and analytical chemistry efforts (especially HPLC and LC/MS). Brought on new platforms to profile activity and gain mechanistic insights into materials and assay workflow.• Operational Impact: Increased efficiency of peptide synthesis workflows by 10× in turnaround time and 10× reduction in reagent cost. Drove vendor strategy and external partnerships to expand capacity and mitigate risk.• Team Leadership: Mentored and developed direct reports (RA through Senior Principal), fostering scientific depth, project ownership, and cross-functional collaboration.
EDUCATION
Lewis & Clark College
BA, Chemistry
Caltech
Ph.D., Chemistry
SKILLS
ABOUT ANGELA BLUM
I am a strategic scientific leader with 13+ years of experience driving assay development, proteomics, reagent development and reagent lifecycle management across innovative biotech startups and academia. My expertise spans protein detection and peptide chemistry, combined with deep experience in assay development, reagent development, and operational scaling.At Encodia, I co-lead company-wide R&D strategy, defining priorities and technology roadmaps across assay chemistry, platform development, and product direction. I co-directed a pivotal shift in core assay chemistry and delivered new readout systems and materials within one quarter. I also implemented analytical tools for understanding the mechanism, activity and reproducibility of new materials.At Pleno, I led two major functions: the proteomics program, which I designed and owned from inception through collaborations and an Early Access Program with BioLegend; and the entire reagent development organization, overseeing reagent lifecycle from early development through QC, scale-up, transfer, and manufacturing. I built supply chain partnerships, owned COGS models, and directed cost-reduction strategies that shaped commercial pricing.I am known for a T-shaped leadership style — combining deep technical expertise in chemistry and biomolecule detection with broad interdisciplinary perspective. This allows me to mentor specialists, align cross-functional teams, and bridge science with business strategy. I thrive on navigating ambiguity, delivering innovative assay solutions under tight timelines, and building high-performing teams that bring platforms from concept to commercialization.
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