Dirk Zajonc
Executive Director Protein Engineering @Mirador Therapeutics
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WORK HISTORY
Executive Director Protein Engineering @Mirador Therapeutics
San Diego, CA, US
EDUCATION
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
Dipl. Biol., Biology
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
Dr. rer. nat (Ph.D.), Biology
SKILLS
ABOUT DIRK ZAJONC
I’m a structural immunologist with ~25 years of experience across academia and industry, and ~20 years leading high-functioning teams. My work spans small-molecule design (altered glycolipid ligands to modulate NKT cells) and large-molecule drug development in immuno-oncology and inflammation.Currently, as Head of Protein Engineering at Mirador Therapeutics, I lead strategic efforts to build in-house protein engineering capabilities, while balancing multi-pronged antibody discovery approaches with key CRO partners. These efforts led to the generation of several biotherapeutics that are currently in clinical trials. Previously at Pfizer, I led several small early-stage IO protein engineering teams to overcome T-cell exhaustion, counter the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and advance modality-agnostic biologic strategies against cancer.Earlier, as faculty at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, my lab published 100+ peer-reviewed papers, and deposited 100+ crystal structures in the PDB. I continue to serve on the JBC Editorial Board.I thrive at the interface of structure, immunology, and protein engineering—turning mechanism into medicines. My strength is to build small but highly efficient teams to adapt to rapid changes in corporate priorities, while maintaining a fun and all-inclusive environment.
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