Translational R&D consultant helping biotech teams build lasting innovation from first principles — in preclinical development, assay validation, and scientific due diligence.
Years spanning microbiome therapeutics, anti-infectives, and molecular diagnostics
Peer-reviewed publications
Patents & applications (US & EU)
Principal Investigator — C. difficile precision antimicrobial program
I’m a Ph.D. microbiologist who has spent two decades at the intersection of science and product — from engineering phage-derived precision antimicrobials at Avidbiotics, to leading C. difficile LBP preclinical programs at SciBac, to directing CE-IVDD molecular diagnostic development at Thermo Fisher.
I work with early-stage biotechs, life science investors, and CROs through short, scoped engagements. No long-term overhead. Just sharp, focused deliverables that move programs forward.
Thermo Fisher Scientific — CE-IVDD molecular Dx, OpenArray, PGx assay validation
SciBac — C. difficile live biotherapeutic (Diffikil) preclinical lead
Achaogen — Anti-infective discovery, AMR, MIC/MBC profiling
Avidbiotics / PYLUM Biosciences — Phage-derived precision antimicrobials, NIH R21 PI
Life Technologies / Applied Biosystems — Molecular assay development
Stanford University — Host-pathogen interactions, in vivo infection models
I specialize in the work that’s hardest to staff — where deep domain expertise and scientific rigor directly affect program outcomes. Engagements are short and focused by design.
Embedded senior R&D leadership on a part-time basis — strategy, team guidance, board-level scientific communication, and program oversight without the full-time overhead.
Model selection, endpoints, randomization and blinding, powering, and PK/PD-linked dosing strategy for microbiome therapeutics and anti-infectives.
Bridging discovery to IND-enabling studies. MoA framing, key experiment prioritization, go/no-go criteria, and risk registers for Series A–C programs.
Controls, acceptance criteria, LOD/LOQ, cross-reactivity, and workflow failure mode analysis. Aligned to CE-IVDD, CLIA, and design-control frameworks.
Rapid, credible scientific risk assessment for life science investors evaluating microbiome, anti-infective, or molecular diagnostics assets.
Rare domain expertise in phage-derived precision antimicrobials, R-type bacteriocin engineering, and targeted microbiome disruption strategies.
A track record built across therapeutics, diagnostics, and translational R&D — with the publications, patents, and grant funding to back it up.
Peer-reviewed publications
incl. Science Translational Medicine
Patents & applications
(US & European)
R21 Principal Investigator
C. difficile precision antimicrobial program
New Class of Precision Antimicrobials Redefines Role of Clostridium difficile S-layer in Virulence and Viability — Kirk, Gebhart, …, Govoni#, Fagan# DOI →
A Modified R-Type Bacteriocin Specifically Targeting C. difficile Prevents Colonization of Mice without Affecting Gut Microbiota Diversity — Gebhart, …, Govoni# DOI →
Novel High-Molecular-Weight, R-Type Bacteriocins of Clostridium difficile — Gebhart, Williams, Bishop-Lilly, Govoni et al. DOI →
The Salmonella SPI2 Effector SseI Mediates Long-Term Systemic Infection by Modulating Host Cell Migration — Govoni et al. DOI →
20 minutes to understand your program, the decision you need to make, and whether there’s a fit.
A clear statement of work with defined deliverables, timeline, and fixed or hourly fee. No ambiguity.
I work independently and efficiently. You get expert output without managing a consultant full-time.
Deliverables are documented and ready to act on. Engagements end when the work is done — no dependency created.
Most early-stage biotechs don’t need a full-time hire for every scientific challenge. They need the right expertise at the right moment — applied with precision.
I’ve spent 20 years on both sides of that equation: executing complex preclinical programs and validating regulatory-ready diagnostics. That experience translates directly into faster, more confident decisions for your team.
Current availability Accepting 10–20 hours/week in additional engagements. Typical project scope: 2–8 weeks.
Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to explore if there’s a fit, I’m happy to connect.
Describe your project briefly and I’ll respond within 1–2 business days.