Senior Fermentation Scientist

• Oct 2020 - Present

Technical Specialist II

• Oct 2016 - Oct 2020

Scientific support for internal and external customers with respect to filtration of water for healthcare applications, particularly at point of use, including testing to validate applications and claims, visiting customers to provide specific scientific support of healthcare water systems, and preparation of technical reports. Design and validation of in-house test methods in accordance with national and international standards. Input into early stage research projects and execution of proof… Scientific support for internal and external customers with respect to filtration of water for healthcare applications, particularly at point of use, including testing to validate applications and claims, visiting customers to provide specific scientific support of healthcare water systems, and preparation of technical reports. Design and validation of in-house test methods in accordance with national and international standards. Input into early stage research projects and execution of proof of concept analyses. Show more Show less

Senior Research Scientist

• Mar 2014 - May 2016

Worked mainly in the strain development group to build species and metabolic diversity in the Company's portfolio of primarily bacterial strains for the production of valuable biochemicals derived from lignocellulosic feedstocks.This work comprised: - Isolation, screening, identification, characterisation and development of new microbial strains. - Development of screens for microbial products. - Small scale fermentation of strains for early stage optimisation and… Worked mainly in the strain development group to build species and metabolic diversity in the Company's portfolio of primarily bacterial strains for the production of valuable biochemicals derived from lignocellulosic feedstocks.This work comprised: - Isolation, screening, identification, characterisation and development of new microbial strains. - Development of screens for microbial products. - Small scale fermentation of strains for early stage optimisation and evaluation.Also worked with the Process Development group to progress strains to fermentation at scales of 1-5L for further evaluation and optimisation of fermentation conditions.I was a trainer in microbiological techniques and best practices, experimental design and data analysis as well as being the company Health and Safety Officer. Show more Show less

Senior Research Scientist

• Nov 2009 - Mar 2014

Working within the Process Biotechnology group I had responsibilities in - optimisation of pre-treatment, enzyme hydrolysis and small-scale fermentation of various lignocellulosic feedstocks for the production of biochemicals by thermophilic microorganisms. - application and modification of microscopy and staining techniques to examine feedstocks and organisms at various stages of fermentation process. - organism discovery, isolation, characterisation and screening.

Senior Microbiologist

• Sep 2004 - Nov 2009

As part of the New Products Development (NPD) microbiology team I worked on the development of oral healthcare products and methodologies to test efficacy and claims.I also had responsibility for the development of in-house biofilm models and microscopy capability to assisting in the evaluation of new and existing products, to examine modes of action and elucidate potential new product claims to assist the marketing team in both supporting established products and launching new… As part of the New Products Development (NPD) microbiology team I worked on the development of oral healthcare products and methodologies to test efficacy and claims.I also had responsibility for the development of in-house biofilm models and microscopy capability to assisting in the evaluation of new and existing products, to examine modes of action and elucidate potential new product claims to assist the marketing team in both supporting established products and launching new ones.Within R&D (NPR) I was the project team lead for an exploratory project, involving use of a novel biological agent for oral healthcare, liaison with external collaborators, early product formulation development and preliminary clinical efficacy trials. Show more Show less

Scientist II

• Jun 2000 - Jul 2004

Microbiologist - medium development, bacterial immobilisation and screening, isolation, small scale fermentation (shake-flasks, microtitre plate), anti-infective screening and profiling using automated liquid handlers.

Senior Microbiologist

• Jun 1999 - Jun 2000

Natural products drug discovery for anti-infectives - culture and screening of micro-organisms (bacteria and fungi).Medium development for diversification of small-scale fermentation conditions.Extraction of metabolites from fermentations and screening post-fractionation.

Microbiologist

• Jun 1993 - Jun 1999

Natural products drug discovery for anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic compounds. Medium development and assessment.Small-scale fermentation and cultivation in both shake-flask and solid phase for wide range of bacteria and fungi and solvent extraction of biomass.

Research Scientist

• Oct 1988 - Jun 1993

Development of blood glucose and cholesterol biosensors. Research on rapid bacterial detection system in liquids. Electrochemistry and enzyme technologies.

MLSO 1

• Sep 1987 - Oct 1988

MLSO in microbiology lab (bacteriology, mycology and parasites) and public health.

Junior MLSO

• Oct 1986 - Sep 1987

Trainee MLSO in medical microbiology dept. of pathology laboratories

Biology Technician

• Feb 1986 - Oct 1986

Prepare materials and equipment for practical sessions in biology classes.Clean and maintain all laboratory equipment.Help in development of new practical demonstrations.Assist in classes, examinations and open days as required.