CMCristina Martinez Fernandez de la Camara
Translational Science | Drug Development | Therapeutic Innovation | Gene Therapy
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
I am a translational scientist with more than ten years' experience working at the interface between discovery research, non-clinical development and clinical translation. My career has focused on evaluating the strength of scientific evidence, understanding development risks and generating the data needed to support progression of innovative therapeutics from preclinical development into the clinic. My experience spans therapeutic discovery, translational development, clinical development support, scientific advisory and independent programme evaluation. Throughout my career I have worked closely with biotechnology companies, clinicians and multidisciplinary research teams on programmes ranging from early discovery to Phase 3 clinical trials. This has required critical evaluation of complex datasets, balancing scientific uncertainty with development objectives, and communicating evidence to support strategic and regulatory decision-making. Alongside my academic role, I advise external organisations on the scientific assessment of emerging gene therapy programmes. I am now seeking to apply this scientific and analytical expertise to the evaluation of innovative technologies and investment opportunities within the life sciences sector.
Experience
Independent Expert | GTC (Gene Therapy Consultancy)
GTC (Gene Therapy Consultancy) · Freelance
May 2026 – Present · 2 mths
Providing independent scientific expertise in gene therapy, supporting programme evaluation, scientific advisory activities and technology assessments for external clients.
Independent Expert Advisor | BioExpert Network
BioExpert Network · Freelance
Mar 2026 – Present · 4 mths
Review programme slide decks and supporting documentation from early-stage biotechnology companies, evaluating the scientific rationale, supporting evidence, development risks and translational potential as part of independent expert assessments.
Consultant – Gene Therapy | SpliceBio
SpliceBio · Full-time
Jun 2020 – Sep 2026 · 6 yrs 3 mths
Provided independent scientific advice on the non-clinical development of the SB-007 (ABCA4) gene therapy programme, evaluating vector design, mechanism of action, preclinical models, potency strategies and translational considerations.
Biological Safety Officer - Advanced Therapies
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Part-time
Jan 2020 – Jun 2025 · 5 yrs 5 mths
Provided scientific risk assessment and biosafety oversight for more than ten Phase 1-3 gene and cell therapy clinical trials, supporting regulatory compliance and implementation within a hospital setting. Worked across clinical, pharmacy, governance and research teams to facilitate regulatory compliance, GCP-aligned trial conduct, inspection readiness and operational delivery of advanced therapy clinical trials.
Research Associate - Gene Therapy and Translational Development
University of Oxford · Full-time
Feb 2016 – Jul 2026 · 10 yrs 5 mths
Oxford, UK
Contributed to the translational development of an AAV8-based RPGR gene therapy programme from late preclinical development through Phase 3 clinical trials, generating and interpreting non-clinical evidence to support programme progression and regulatory submissions. Evaluated therapeutic constructs and disease mechanisms by investigating genotype-phenotype relationships and treatment response, strengthening the biological rationale for programme development. Designed and evaluated novel therapeutic strategies for BEST1-associated retinal disease, contributing to construct design, functional assay development and generation of preclinical evidence. Contributed to additional retinal gene therapy programmes including CHM, RHO and ABCA4 through construct evaluation, assay development and interpretation of non-clinical data. Collaborated with academic, clinical and industry partners across translational, clinical and CMC activities to address scientific challenges and support programme development.
Predoctoral Research Scientist
Health Research Institute La Fe
May 2010 – Jan 2016 · 5 yrs 8 mths
Valencia, Spain
Investigated disease mechanisms underlying inherited retinal degeneration using patient samples and preclinical models. Identified therapeutic targets and evaluated novel treatment approaches to support translation of therapeutic concepts in retinal disease.
Education
University of Glasgow
MBA Essentials Programme, MBA Essentials Programme
Jan 2026 – Jan 2026
Polytechnic University of Valencia
BSc/MSc, Biotechnology
Jan 2012 – Jan 2012
Polytechnic University of Valencia
PhD, Biomedical Biotechnology
Skills
Languages
English
Full professional proficiency
Spanish
Native or bilingual proficiency
Portuguese
Professional working proficiency