Venture Fellows work with Portal’s Venture Operations team to conduct due diligence on early-stage biotech companies entering Portal’s orbit. Fellows learn Portal’s methodology for conducting early due diligence by completing Commercial Assessments of several emerging biotechnologies and exploring the scientific, clinical, regulatory, and market context of each.

As a Fellow, you can expect to be exposed to some of the most exciting technologies in the world, at their earliest stages. Portal utilizes an apprenticeship model where Analysts learn-by-doing and quickly develop expertise by working closely with more senior team members. Similar to a medical residency, we follow a “see one, do one, teach one” approach to teaching the foundational skills required to successfully evaluate, launch, and invest in companies.

Aslan Mansurov is a scientist and inventor with deep interest and experience in spinning startups out of academic discoveries. Aslan graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2017, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with distinction. At the University of Minnesota, Aslan studied early stages of biofilm formation on ultrafiltration membranes using atomic force microscopy. He then moved on to pursue a PhD degree at the University of Chicago in molecular engineering with emphasis in immunoengineering. During his PhD, Aslan worked on cytokine engineering for cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune diseases. He is currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Chicago.

Charlie Magiera is a scientist turned MBA with a passion for commercialization of science and technology as a force for positive change. He has experience as an R&D applications engineer for 3M Company, as well as at Boston Consulting Group, as a senior associate in the Tech Ventures practice area. Charlie has a degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Notre Dame, and currently is studying entrepreneurship and finance at Chicago Booth.