Dr Schaeffer had a 25-year career at Merck Research Labs (MRL) where his research focused primarily on neuroendocrine-related projects. Jim subsequently moved to San Diego to assume the role of Merck's "Science Scout"on the West Coast, with the responsibility to identify new licensing opportunities across all therapeutic areas at all stages of development including enabling technologies. Jim was directly involved in the formation of a partnership between Merck and Dr. Peter Schultz which lead to the establishment of The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr). When Calibr merged with Scripps Research Institute (TSIR), Jim joined TSIR as VP of External Relations. Jim has co-founded several successful biotech companies (Genesis Therapeutics, PhenoTarget Biosciences and Erythryx Therapeutics), and continues to consult for nascent start-ups. Dr. Schaeffer received his Ph.D. at Baylor College of Medicine and was a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Julius Axelrod at the National Institute of Mental Health. Prior to joining Merck, Jim was a professor in the Department of Reproductive Medicine in the School of Medicine at UCSD.