San Francisco Business Times

Former Salk Institute chief Richard Murphy, who left the oversight committee of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine after retiring last month from the Salk, was named Wednesday as interim president of CIRM.

Murphy replaces Lori Hoffman, who filled the interim role after Zach Hall left earlier than planned in April. Arlene Chiu has filled Hall’s other role, chief medical officer, on an interim basis.

Hoffman was chief finance and administrative officer and Chiu has been director of scientific activities. CIRM‘s work has picked up in recent months with the distribution of scientific grants and upcoming applications for $227 million in major facilities grants.

John Simpson, stem cell project director for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said Murphy will be paid $300,000 in six $50,000 installments. His job will run through March 4.

Murphy, who will not be a candidate for the permanent CIRM job, also will excuse himself from all CIRM decisions involving San Diego institutions.