Igor D. Vilfan

Igor D. Vilfan has a diverse work experience in the field of research and development. Igor D. started their career as a Graduate Student at Georgia Institute of Technology and focused on investigating factors affecting DNA condensates and developing a model of mammalian sperm cell chromatin structure. After that, they worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Delft University of Technology, where they developed RNA applications for single molecule magnetic tweezers and nanopores. Igor D. also led the effort in developing methods for obtaining long double-stranded RNAs for single-molecule applications.

Following their time at Delft University, Igor joined Pacific Biosciences, where they held roles of Scientist and later Senior Scientist. During their tenure there, they developed real-time RT PCR assays for genomic viral RNA detection and proposed targeted enrichment techniques for genome samples. Igor D. also expanded direct SMRT RNA sequencing and designed sample preparation protocols for direct RNA sequencing.

Currently, Igor is working at Karius as the Senior Director of Research. Igor D. leads the R&D lab team, oversees the manufacturing of in-house reagents, and ensures Karius remains a technology leader in the field of microbiome detection and infectious disease diagnostics. Igor D. has also contributed to the research and development of Karius' basic technology for unbiased human pathogen detection and led efforts to upgrade and automate the Karius Digital Culture assay.

Igor D. Vilfan has a PhD in Biochemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology, which they earned between the years 2000 and 2005. Prior to that, they obtained a BaS in Physical Chemistry from the University of Ljubljana from 1995 to 2000. Igor D. completed their high school education at Gimnazija Vic and earned a High School Diploma between 1991 and 1995.