Founder · Researcher · Academic

David Baker

University of WashingtonProfessor of Biochemistry and Director, Institute for Protein DesignXaira TherapeuticsCo-founder and Scientific Advisor

🇺🇸 AmericanBorn 1962

Baker pioneered computational protein design, first with Rosetta and later with neural tools including RoseTTAFold and RFdiffusion. His lab can design entirely new proteins for medicine and materials—work recognized with half of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Career & education

Current roles

University of Washington1993-present

Professor of Biochemistry and Director, Institute for Protein Design

Xaira Therapeutics2024-present

Co-founder and Scientific Advisor

Previously

UC San Francisco1989-1993

Postdoctoral researcher

Education

Harvard University

Work and education history is primarily focused on AI-relevant roles and may not be comprehensive.

Updates 1

New personMarc Tessier-Lavigne and David Baker added

Xaira brings together major scientific leadership from neuroscience, protein design, and AI-enabled drug discovery.

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Reviewed August 9, 2026 · Checked for accuracy and new information.