Maria Jurekunkel serves as the Head of Late Stage Oncology Translational Research at Genmab, where she leverages over 20 years of industry experience, including 16 years dedicated to the field of Immuno-Oncology. In her current role, Maria leads a dynamic team of cross-functional scientists, managing...
Maria Jurekunkel serves as the Head of Late Stage Oncology Translational Research at Genmab, where she leverages over 20 years of industry experience, including 16 years dedicated to the field of Immuno-Oncology. In her current role, Maria leads a dynamic team of cross-functional scientists, managing both associate- and Ph.D.-level professionals to drive innovative research initiatives that aim to enhance therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients. Her expertise in biomarker discovery, pharmacokinetics, and drug metabolism is pivotal in advancing Genmab's late-stage oncology programs, particularly in the development of monoclonal antibodies that target specific cancer pathways.
Maria’s leadership is characterized by her ability to foster collaboration across highly matrixed teams, ensuring that diverse scientific perspectives are integrated into the research process. She has established robust partnerships with renowned external scientists in the Oncology and Immuno-Oncology fields, facilitating knowledge exchange and accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications. Her commitment to innovation is reflected in her numerous patents and co-authorship of impactful publications, which contribute to the broader understanding of cancer biology and treatment modalities.
Currently, Maria is spearheading key projects that focus on the integration of in vitro and in vivo models to better understand tumor microenvironments and their implications for therapeutic efficacy. Her strategic vision and scientific acumen not only drive Genmab's research agenda but also position the company at the forefront of biopharmaceutical advancements in oncology, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in a challenging therapeutic landscape.