Our Founders

Professors Xavier Darzacq and Robert Tjian at the University of California, Berkeley have a long track record of discovering fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation in their academic labs and in biotech. In 2019 they teamed up with Kerry Kelly, attorney and accomplished biotech organizational expert, to launch Eikon Therapeutics. This team has now pivoted to embark on a new venture, CxT Discovery, adding former coworker Jack Ferrie, founder and CEO of Sentauri Inc, with expertise in applying AI/ML to the life sciences. CxT was born out of this team’s enthusiasm for fundamental science as well as their frustration at the limitations imposed by current models of biopharma in developing more effective drug discovery programs.

Xavier Darzacq, PhD

Founder, Chief Executive Officer

UC Berkeley professor and Eikon Therapeutics co-founder. Dr. Darzacq has experience in leading fundamental research on protein interactions regulating cellular processes as well as pharma technology development, guiding Eikon’s single molecule screening strategy as its founding CTO.

Robert Tjian, PhD

Founder, SAB Chair

UC Berkeley Professor, former President of HHMI, and co-founder of Tularik, Nurix, Eikon and Lyterian. 40+ years of molecular biology and biochemistry research experience in gene regulation and stem cell differentiation. Dr. Tjian is also a Science Partner at The Column Group (2007-2009 & 2016-present).

Kerry Ann Kelly, Esq.

Founder, Chief Operations Officer

20+ years of leadership experience in biotech and academia. Ms. Kelly has led legal and operational teams in a variety of life science organizations, including, Eikon Therapeutics, Cleave Therapeutics, Ambit Biosciences, the Scripps Research Institute,and Sugen Inc.

Jack Ferrie, PhD

Founder, Computation Consultant

Biotech entrepreneur with a broad scientific background encompassing cell biology, chemistry, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML). Dr. Ferrie is a founder and the CEO of Sentauri, Inc., a boutique AI company that provides computational solutions to accelerate research and operations across biotech and pharma.

Our Team

CxT Discovery is built on a model called FRO (Focused Research Organization) in which industry-like focus and resources combine with academia-like creativity and flexibility. CxT is structured around semi-independent research teams led by Investigators, each pursuing their own research and compound-discovery projects while cooperating closely to advance the organization’s mission. These teams have deep strategic and operational support to maximize the efficiency and impact of their research.

Tim Hoey, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer

Previously CSO at Tenaya Therapeutics, where he was responsible for directing research to develop novel agents for treating heart disease. Dr. Hoey has also held executive positions at OncoMed Pharmaceuticals and Amgen (formerly Tularik) in San Francisco. He conducted postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley under Dr. Robert Tjian and completed his graduate work at Columbia University with Dr. Michael Levine. Dr. Hoey is an inventor on numerous patents and co-author of over 70 peer-reviewed publications.

Jonathan Karr, PhD

Associate Director of Portfolio Strategy

Previously Swanson Fellow at The Column Group, where he sourced new therapeutic approaches and developed investment theses, leading to the formation of a seed-stage company. Completed his PhD at UC Berkeley with Drs. Darzacq and Tjian, focusing on single-molecule microscopy and reconceptualizing mechanisms of transcription regulation.

Dane Kelly, BS

Optical Engineer

Physics graduate with experience in interdisciplinary research, electrical engineering, and semiconductor equipment. Most recently served as a Field Application/Service Engineer at PVA Tepla, providing technical support for Scanning Acoustic Microscopy systems and supporting customers including Micron and Intel.

Janeen Lim

VP of Operations

30+ years of operational experience in academia managing HR, Finance and Facilities for multiple research laboratories on the UC Berkeley campus and through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Shuo Liu, PhD

Scientist

Previously Basic Life Research Scientist at Stanford University, where she studied the intersection of PTM signaling and translational control in cancer. Dr. Liu brings deep expertise in biochemistry, proteomics, and translational oncology, with 10+ years of experience driving multidisciplinary research programs. She conducted postdoctoral training at Stanford under Dr. Or Gozani and completed her graduate work at University of California, Riverside with Dr. Yinsheng Wang. Dr. Liu has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Cell and Nature.

Jackie Robaina, BS

Senior Research Associate

Biotechnology professional with 5 years of industry research experience with a focus on molecular biology and protein engineering for oncology and viral targets. Experience with leading small teams

and working in a range of environments from start-ups to global pharma companies.

Laurence Seabrook, PhD