Joe Albe Appointed as Grant and Venture Research Manager at Washington Research Foundation

Exciting Leadership Change at Washington Research Foundation

On December 10, 2025, Washington Research Foundation (WRF) announced the appointment of Dr. Joe Albe as the new full-time manager of grants and venture research. This role is pivotal as WRF aims to reinforce its impact in supporting research and entrepreneurship focused on life sciences and enabling technologies in Washington state.

Dr. Albe brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience in immunology and translational research. After completing his Ph.D. in immunology at the University of Washington (UW), where he had previously collaborated with WRF during his studies, he has shown a deep commitment to advancing scientific understanding of complex health challenges through innovative solutions.

Background and Experience

Before his recent promotion, Dr. Albe served as a WRF Venture Analyst in 2024, transitioning into a part-time research associate role earlier this year. His solid academic foundation began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his undergraduate degree in microbiology. This academic journey led him to focus on groundbreaking research in viral encephalitis and infection control while pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Public Health. During his time at Pitt, he also held a significant position as a senior laboratory technician in the Center for Vaccine Research.

At UW, Dr. Albe pioneered research that involved developing a novel interleukin-2 (IL-2) mutein. This innovative approach aimed to maintain the therapeutic benefits of IL-2, a crucial component in immunotherapies, while minimizing its adverse side effects. His hands-on experience with translational research will be invaluable as he leads WRF’s Venture Analyst program, catering to the needs of the life sciences community in Washington.

Vision for WRF

Dr. Albe expressed his excitement about joining WRF, stating, “Washington's life sciences community is full of bold ideas and world-class researchers. I’m excited to contribute to advancing WRF’s support through scientific and strategic evaluation.” His sentiments resonate with the foundation’s mission to enhance the commercialization and licensing of groundbreaking technologies that emerge from local research institutions.

Orin Levine, Ph.D., the president and CEO of WRF, emphasized the importance of Dr. Albe’s role in the foundation's endeavors. “We are thrilled to welcome Joe into this role. His rich background and dedication to our mission align perfectly with our goal of accelerating the development of products and services that significantly improve lives,