Mark Ekdahl
Thousand Oaks
Summary
Experienced biotech leader with 20+ years managing complex programs across clinical development, operations, and research. Skilled at leading cross functional teams, working with global partners, and guiding projects from early development to late stage execution. Strong background in oncology, cell therapy, and autoimmune diseases. Known for blending strategy with hands on execution to deliver results in fast paced, regulated environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Operations Program Lead
Atara Biotherapeutics
Thousand Oaks
02.2024 - 05.2025
- Director, Operations Program Lead
Led global operations and program management across complex biotech projects, driving strategic execution and cross-functional collaboration.
Global Program Manager
Atara Biotherapeutics
Thousand Oaks
10.2021 - 02.2024
- Managed multiple global clinical and translational science programs, ensuring regulatory preparedness and successful project delivery.
Associate Director, Research Program Management
Atara Biotherapeutics
Thousand Oaks
08.2020 - 10.2021
- Oversaw research program operations and compliance, coordinating cross functional teams to meet milestones.
Senior Project Manager
Atara Biotherapeutics
Thousand Oaks
12.2018 - 06.2020
- Directed clinical development projects, collaborating closely with medical affairs and regulatory teams to meet program milestones.
Senior Project Manager
Amgen
Thousand Oaks
12.2015 - 12.2018
- research operations in molecular sciences, managing timelines, budgets, and department collaboration to support R&D goals.
Research Operations Manager, Molecular Sciences
Amgen
Thousand Oaks
12.2006 - 12.2015
- Directed R&D operational support, ensuring efficient research workflows and adherence to compliance and quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA06-2003
Skills
- Program & Project Management
- Clinical Development & GCP Compliance
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Biotech & Pharmaceutical Operations
- Regulatory & SOP Compliance
- Oncology, Cell Therapy, Autoimmune Disease
- Budgeting & Vendor Management
- Tools: MS Project, Smartsheet, JIRA, Confluence, Veeva
Timeline
Director, Operations Program Lead
Atara Biotherapeutics
02.2024 - 05.2025
Global Program Manager
Atara Biotherapeutics
10.2021 - 02.2024
Associate Director, Research Program Management
Atara Biotherapeutics
08.2020 - 10.2021
Senior Project Manager
Atara Biotherapeutics
12.2018 - 06.2020
Senior Project Manager
Amgen
12.2015 - 12.2018
Research Operations Manager, Molecular Sciences
Amgen
12.2006 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of California, San Diego