David Vumbaco

About David Vumbaco

I’m a Scientific Leader with over a decade of experience driving innovation and delivering transformative results in biotechnology and life sciences. My career has been dedicated to advancing scientific discovery through strategic leadership, collaboration, and a passion for solving complex problems. I’ve had the privilege of leading multimillion-dollar research portfolios, securing over $15M in funding with a 75% grant success rate from organizations such as NIH, NSF, and DoD. My work has included spearheading global collaborations with leading institutions like NASA, Samsung, and Google, mentoring interdisciplinary teams, and developing groundbreaking technologies such as wireless EEG systems for real-time behavioral analysis. I thrive at the intersection of strategy, science, and innovation. Whether it’s managing large-scale research projects, designing cutting-edge technologies, or building programs to democratize access to scientific tools, I am driven to make an impact that extends beyond the lab and into the world. Let’s connect if you’re looking for a leader to elevate research and development, drive scientific breakthroughs, and inspire teams to reach new heights.

Experience

1. Scientific Project and Alliance Manager

   Allen Institute For Brain Science

   Oct 2020 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   At the forefront of neuroscience innovation, led multi-million-dollar NIH and endowment-funded projects valued at ~$30M. Skillfully secured funding and managed grant and consortia projects, ensuring NIH compliance and achieving key scientific milestones. Provided strategic leadership in connectomics and sensory neuroscience, publishing lasting resources like datasets and technology products in prestigious journals such as Cell, Nature, and Science, enhancing the Institute’s scientific reputation. Key Skills: Grant Acquisition, Portfolio Management, Team Leadership, Neuroscience Innovation, NIH Compliance * Directed $30M research portfolios for NIH and endowment-funded projects, achieving all milestones to drive groundbreaking neuroscience innovation.* Secured $15M+ in funding with a 75% success rate, including but not limited to the NIH, NSF, and DoD grant applications, advancing cutting-edge research initiatives and organizational goals.* Spearheaded global collaboration with institutions like Amazon, Google, Samsung, and Harvard, mentoring interdisciplinary teams to deliver impactful scientific deliverables.* Streamlined operations using Smartsheet, SharePoint, and MS Teams, driving resource optimization and enhancing communication.* Managed budgets totaling $8M annually while ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and institutional goals.

Education

• Loyola University New Orleans

  Bachelor of Science

  2008 — 2012

• Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

  2013 — 2017