North East-based chemical research and development company, High Force Research, has strengthened its Business Development team with the appointment of Newcastle University postgraduate Jennifer Wallis.
Jennifer, who recently completed her EngD having previously studied a chemistry degree and MPhil at Newcastle University, has spent the last four years studying the synthesis of fluorescent dyes for use as imaging agents, potentially to help identify cancer cells. Her research, undertaken with EngD supervisor Dr Lee J. Higham of the School of Chemistry, has been co-funded through the EPSRC EngD programme and Durham-based High Force Research.
The appointment follows a period of ongoing success and expansion for High Force Research. Located in the heart of the North East chemical industry, the company opened a new 1018 sq. ft. laboratory at Redcar’s Wilton Centre in February 2016 after its existing Bowburn laboratory and office space became full to capacity. It recently announced it was doubling the size of its laboratory at the Redcar business and science hub.
Jenny commented: “I was very lucky to receive funding from High Force Research to support my EngD, which they co-funded alongside the EPSRC EngD programme. Without their support I would never have been able to continue with my research.
“As part of that EngD course, I undertook a number of business development modules, an area I find fascinating and as a result I became interested in pursuing a career in it – so when I heard High Force Research was looking to expand its Business Development team, I jumped at the opportunity! I’m delighted to have joined such a highly-regarded business at this exciting time, and look forward to working with Stella and the rest of the team to continue to grow the business further.”
Founded nearly three decades ago, High Force Research is one of the UK’s longest established chemical research companies. The company is expert in developing and scaling up complex syntheses of molecules used by researchers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics and chemical sectors.
Head of Business Development, Stella James commented: “We’re delighted that Jenny will be joining the High Force Research team. Over the last eighteen months we’ve seen significant growth in our business and we’re proud to work with a range of organisations both in the UK and further afield – from universities to multinational corporations and specialist discovery, virtual and biotech companies.
“As pharmaceutical, biotech and fine chemical industries increasingly look to out-source a number of their activities, we want to make sure we’re well placed respond to their new business needs. Jenny will play a key role in this and her skills and experience will be a great addition to the team.”