MANAGEMENT TEAM

Robert Baker, PhD | Senior Vice President and Director

Robert Baker, PhD, Senior Vice President and Director of IITRI, is an experienced virologist, microbiologist and molecular biologist having more than 20 years of experience in infectious disease research. Dr. Baker earned his BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona where he also earned his PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Dr. Baker has served as the Director of IITRI since 2024.

Dr. Baker previously oversaw the infectious disease and biodefense program at IITRI that includes the operation of Animal Biosafety Level-2 and -3 (ABSL-2/3) containment laboratories for research conducted with highly pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and select agents.

Dr. Baker’s background includes high-level positions at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Before joining IITRI in 2015, Dr. Baker was Director of Preclinical Microbiology and Immunotoxicology for a major respiratory research CRO. As Director for Research and Development at ATCC, he was Principal Investigator on their Biodefense and Emerging Infections (BEI) and Influenza Reagent Resource (IRR) programs.

He has over 60 research publications, government reports and posters/presentations. Professional affiliations include the American Society for Microbiology, American Society for Virology, International Society for Antiviral Research, International Society for Infectious Diseases and the American Biological Safety Association.