Christopher Navas

About Christopher Navas

As a senior scientist and leader in biological and immunological research, there is nothing more exciting than finding answers. Throughout my career in biotechnology, I have built and scaled high-performing teams and research laboratories that brought key therapies to patients around the world, including those with difficult-to-treat cancers and tumors.Although I am incredibly proud of my work as a leader and mentor, I am best known for myexpertise in flow cytometry, including the associated technologies, engineering techniques, andassay development methodologies. My knowledge is truly comprehensive, encompassing everyphase of drug development, from early research to analytical development to manufacturing todata interpretation. This makes me an invaluable team member for any research organization,including early-stage start-ups engaged in building their research infrastructure.To date, I have served on the founding team of four start-ups, most notably Alpine ImmuneSciences (now a multibillion-dollar company) and Lyell Immunopharma’s AnalyticalDevelopment organization. Despite limited resources and funding, we made great strides becauseof the strength of our team, our willingness to learn from each other, and our persistence in anincreasingly complex research landscape.The best advice I can give to aspiring scientists and research professionals is to stay curious!Each discovery unlocks a web of possibilities that strengthen our understanding of the body,explain mechanisms of action, and lead to new treatment options. As I approach the boundariesof our knowledge of biological systems, immunology, and technology, I am more motivated thanever to learn more. Connect with me — let’s learn from each other.

Experience

1. Senior Scientist

   Bristol Myers Squibb

   Sep 2025 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Flow cytometry development lead for novel flow cytometry assays that enable rapid, automated immunophenotyping during the cell manufacturing environment.• Leading engineering and technical integration of flow cytometer instrumentation into a fully automated robotics suite with third party integration partners.• Designing and executing all flow cytometry assay qualification efforts up to and including protocol development, developing novel custom reagents, and assay performance characterization assessments.• Defining and implementing solutions for unsupervised compensation and gating of flow cytometry data in addition to collaborating with partners on developing novel automated analysis algorithms.

Education

• Western Washington University

  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

  1994 — 1999