“Passionate about breaching the medical research and technology world and coming up with
products that will improve people’s lives.”
Klodjan Stafa is a trailblazing Biomedical Research Director whose career reflects a relentless pursuit of scientific innovation and a deep commitment to improving lives through cutting-edge research in dermatology, neuroscience, and cell signaling. With more than 15 years of global experience spanning academia, biotech, and industry, Klodjan has become a recognized leader at the intersection of translational science, advanced technology, and cross-functional team leadership.
At The Estée Lauder Companies, Klodjan has held positions of increasing responsibility since 2015, currently serving as Associate Director. In this role, he leads a dynamic team of over 10 scientists, overseeing critical R&D initiatives that support high-impact skincare launches across global markets. His leadership has directly contributed to increased market share and multimillion-dollar product successes. As a scientific advisor with medical science liaison–like responsibilities, Klodjan has forged strategic collaborations with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and stakeholders across regulatory, clinical, and marketing teams to accelerate innovation pipelines and ensure scientific excellence.
Klodjan’s ability to drive research with real-world impact is rooted in his robust foundation in molecular biology, stem cell science, and translational neuroscience. During his tenure at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), his groundbreaking work on Parkinson’s disease—including the identification of ArfGAP1 as a critical substrate of LRRK2—garnered over 1,500 citations and helped shape the current understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. His early contributions continue to influence global research and therapeutic approaches.
In his industry career, Klodjan has been instrumental in developing proprietary assays, advancing synthetic biology platforms, and securing patents for novel cosmetic formulations that target key aging pathways. As Principal Scientist and later Associate Director at Estée Lauder, he successfully led technology transfer initiatives in Shanghai, China, contributing to more than $2 billion in revenue through strategic partnerships and assay optimization. His interdisciplinary expertise has enabled him to identify, evaluate, and implement innovative technologies from external biotech and pharma collaborations, cutting screening timelines and accelerating R&D execution.
Beyond his technical and strategic acumen, Klodjan is a passionate mentor and advocate for talent development. He fosters a high-performance culture through structured coaching, creative problem-solving, and clear communication—skills honed through his experience leading professional development programs for PhD scientists at the Cheeky Scientist Association. His ability to translate complex scientific ideas into compelling narratives has made him a sought-after speaker, with more than 20 conference presentations and 12 peer-reviewed publications to his name. He regularly presents at premier global conferences such as SID, CDA, ISID, and Keystone Symposia.
Klodjan holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from EPFL, an M.Sc. in Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology from the University of Bologna (summa cum laude), and an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. His multidisciplinary background is complemented by a suite of certifications in project management, AI, and creativity, as well as technical fluency in tools such as GraphPad Prism, Tableau, and confocal imaging systems.
A multilingual communicator and U.S. citizen, Klodjan speaks Italian, Albanian, English, and French, with working knowledge of German, Spanish, and Portuguese. His work has been recognized not only through citations and patents but also through measurable business growth and industry leadership. Klodjan’s rare ability to bridge foundational science with commercial innovation positions him as a vital force in the future of biomedical R&D—advancing solutions that are as impactful as they are inspired.
Character
Klodjan Stafa demonstrates unwavering integrity, resilience, and a passion for scientific discovery, consistently leading by example and inspiring excellence within high-performing research teams across global settings.
Knowledge
With deep expertise in dermatology, neuroscience, and molecular biology, Klodjan brings a rich academic foundation and industry experience that fuels innovation in translational research and advanced skincare technologies.
Strategic
He excels in aligning scientific innovation with business goals by leading cross-functional initiatives, securing high-impact partnerships, and guiding global product development from concept through commercialization.
Communication
Klodjan is a compelling communicator who translates complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences, fostering collaboration and driving engagement across R&D, regulatory, clinical, and marketing teams.
