Anthony Szempruch

About Anthony Szempruch

Strategic R&D leader in oncology drug discovery with 18+ years of experience, and more than 7 years advancing novel small molecule therapies targeting transcription factors and chromatin biology. Proven expertise in building and leading high-performing teams, driving programs from target ID through lead optimization in both large pharma and startup environments. Skilled in integrating biology with chemoproteomics, functional genomics, and computational biology to guide drug discovery decisions. Trusted partner to executive leadership, with experience presenting to Boards of Directors, co-developing portfolio strategy, and mentoring scientists across multiple projects. Passionate about creating a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and innovation.Some highlights from my scientific career are • Project leader for oncology exploratory biology and small molecule drug discovery.• More than 18 years of research experience.• Expertise in Oncology, Chromatin Biology, RNA biology, and Transcription factor biology.• Skilled communicator with 31 presentations, 9 publications.• Research accomplishments with 28 awards in academia and industry.• Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Fellowship and Kaluza prize recipient.

Experience

1. Associate Director

   Light Horse Therapeutics

   Feb 2026 — Present

   Lead biology efforts for transcription factor programs in oncology.• Guide cross-functional strategy and execution in a matrixed startup environment.• Manage and mentor 3 FTEs, including biologists leading additional discovery programs.• Collaborate with chemoproteomics, functional genomics, and bioinformatics teams • Drive target validation, assay development, and SAR activities for pipeline projects.• Co-develop biology strategy with Head of Biology; shape priorities, milestones, and project investment.• Serve on leadership committees for new target triage and early discovery follow-up.• Present regularly to Board of Directors and contribute to investor-facing materials.

Education

• North Carolina State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Microbiology, General

  2003 — 2007

• The University of Georgia

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

  2010 — 2016

Skills

• Rna Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Parasitology
• Fluorescence Microscopy
• Rna Isolation
• Western Blotting
• Northern Blotting
• Cell Culture
• Microbiology
• Qrt-Pcr
• Pcr
• Molecular Cloning
• Flow Cytometry
• Sds-Page
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Transfection
• Bioinformatics
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr)
• Illumina Sequencing
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (Hplc)
• Data Analysis
• Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Qpcr)
• Genetics
• Facs
• Multi-Color Flow Cytometry
• Sequencing
• Gene Expression