Gunaretnam Rajagopal

Gunaretnam (Guna) Rajagopal is a distinguished scientist and executive with extensive experience in computational sciences, bioinformatics, and drug discovery. He currently serves as a Venture Partner at Samsara BioCapital, focusing on identifying and advancing innovation in AI, Data Science, Genetics, and Genomics to support Biotech & Pharmaceutical R&D.12

Career Highlights

Pharmaceutical Industry: Rajagopal had a notable career at Johnson & Johnson, where he held several key positions:

• VP - Global Head, Computational Sciences, Discovery Sciences at Janssen (2013-2022)
• Scientific Vice President & Fellow, Computational Sciences (2021-2022)
• VP & CIO - Research, Bioinformatics & External Innovation (2012-2013)2

In these roles, he led teams of quantitative scientists and experimentalists, focusing on using computational analytics and high-performance computing to advance drug discovery and development efforts.2

Academic and Research Positions: Prior to his work in the pharmaceutical industry, Rajagopal held several academic and research positions:

• Adjunct Professor at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (2009-2016)
• Executive Director of Bioinformatics at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (2007-2012)
• Member of the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (2008-2010)
• Executive Director of the Bioinformatics Institute in Singapore (2001-2007)
• Assistant Director of Research at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge (1996-2001)2

Education

Rajagopal holds a PhD in Theoretical & Computational Condensed Matter Physics from Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as BScEd/MSc degrees in Physics, Education, Mathematics, and Theoretical Physics from the University of Malaya.2

Expertise

His areas of expertise include:

• Data Sciences
• AI/Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics
• Computational, Systems Biology & Pharmacology
• Genetics & Genomics
• High Performance Computing
• Theoretical & Computational Physics1

Throughout his career, Rajagopal has contributed to advancing cross-disciplinary basic research, translational & clinical programs across various therapeutic areas, collaborating with academia and national/international pre-competitive consortiums.1