Who we are

Rob gained his degree in Chemistry from the University of Sheffield in 1993. Following this, he joined Pfizer working in the Chemical Research and Development department, where he mainly focused on the early stages of development, before he moved onto project leadership roles. He then led several of Pfizer’s Chemical Development technology areas, including establishing the high throughput chemistry group at Sandwich, before his role expanded to also encompass hydrogenation, biocatalysis, computational chemistry, and preparative separation science. For a two-year period, he led the engineering and continuous processing group, where the team scaled the first multi-step continuous sequence into the PP in 2008. From 2009 to 2021, Rob co-led the Sandwich Chemical Development group. During this time, Rob played a key role in the approval and commercialisation of several important medicines, and has significant experience in leading cross-functional teams, driving scientific excellence.

Rob has worked in the field of Chemical Sciences since 1993. The breadth of technical expertise he brings across the whole chemical sciences function, alongside the wider drug development process, coupled with his industry expertise and his vision for the future are crucial in his role as CatSci’s Director of Chemical Sciences, ensuring all our customers are supported in delivering their project goals.

Robert obtained a BSc Hons in Chemistry from Queen Mary College, University of London, in 1988. He was then awarded a PhD from Southampton University in 1992 after researching the Synthesis and Reactivity of Titanium Metallacycles with R.J. Whitby and P.J. Kocienski.  After his PhD, Robert became a Process and Synthetic Chemist at SmithKline Beecham. He then joined GSK, where he later held the position of Senior Director of Particle Sciences, making him responsible for the control of API physical properties for the whole small molecule portfolio from pre-clinical development through to File and Launch. Robert’s technical achievements include developing a solvate version for a now-commercialised Oncology asset, solving physical form and bulk property issues for key inhaled drugs, and applying Particle Engineering techniques as an alternate methodology for making particles of inhalable size. Furthermore, he has led late-phase project teams, incorporating a wide range of other technical disciplines, as well as the Particle Sciences team at GSK. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. In 2017 Robert spent a six-month sabbatical working on process improvements at a rural medical diagnostic lab in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

Robert has worked in the field of Crystallisation and Solid State since 2000. His industry experience and deep understanding of the area are crucial in his role as CatSci’s Director of Material Sciences, where he solves customer’s problems simply and effectively with a high degree of scientific rigour.

Gary graduated from Bath University in 1987 with a BPharm (hons) in Pharmacy. He spent a year working as a hospital pharmacist before completing his PhD at the University of London on the stability of nonaqueous nonpolar suspensions. He joined the pharmaceutical industry immediately after his PhD, initially in formulation development roles, gaining experience across multiple types of medicine and drug substances, including small molecules, proteins and RNA-based therapeutics. He has held a number of Senior Director positions, including the global leadership of early-phase developability and product design departments focussing on acceleration to clinical studies. He has particular expertise in inhaled product development, and has worked across all phases of development from lead optimisation to initial commercial supply in support of the creation of GSK’s Ellipta portfolio of inhaled medicines.

Gary is now CatSci’s Director of Pharmaceutical Development, where he focuses on offering our customers tailored and value-adding solutions with an end-in-mind approach.

Nigel completed his first degree in Chemistry and subsequent PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at Exeter University, UK. Interested by the analytical chemistry challenges within his research at Exeter, his first industrial appointment was with Dow AgroSciences as an Analytical Chemist. After nine years with Dow, he moved to GSK as an Analytical Team Leader within the Chemical Development Division based in Stevenage, UK. Whilst at GSK, Nigel led the analytical activities to commercialisation for Tykerb (breast cancer medicine) and led GSK’s oligonucleotide therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy into the final stages of development and regulatory submission. He has also worked as Chemistry Lead in a team focused on novel platforms for oligonucleotide delivery. More recently, he held the position of Senior Director within the CMC Analytical Division, leading a department of 55 scientists who focused on analytical modernization and new technology introduction. In 2019, Nigel established McLean Pharma Consultancy Ltd, which focuses on CMC, analytical and oligonucleotide consultancy.

As CatSci’s Director of New Modalities, Nigel provides an invaluable contribution to CatSci’s plans for further enhancing its expertise in process analytical chemistry.

After completing post-doctoral training at the University of California at Irvine, Alan started as a Process Chemist with AstraZeneca in 2006. Alan joined CatSci Ltd in early 2020 to take up a pivotal role as Senior Principal Scientist. Alan applies his interests in enhanced chemical development, drug substance route invention and process design to projects across CatSci’s project portfolio. In collaboration with the ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable, Alan regularly contributes reviews of green chemistry and engineering to the wider community. Alan is responsible for the framework of scientific standards, and assists the technical team on scientific and technological aspects related to projects and business plans.

Sam obtained an MChem from the University of Southampton in 2003 with an industrial placement at Merck GmbH. He was awarded his PhD from the University of Bristol following his work with Prof Anthony Davis on the synthesis of novel steroid macrocycles and measurement of their complexes by high resolution mass spectrometry. In 2007, Sam joined Process R&D in AstraZeneca as an Analytical Scientist, leading analytical components of drug development across pre-clinical to Phase III drug candidate projects. In this role he also worked on analytical method QBD, trace genotoxic impurities and novel approaches to high throughput chromatographic analysis. In 2010, Sam moved to BP and carried out a range of technical and people leadership roles over the next 10 years. He led the formation of the high-resolution mass spectrometry petroleomics facility in the UK, managed a team of 35 staff and left BP as Global Analytical Expert, leading the BP Analytical Science Network.

Sam joined CatSci Ltd in 2020 as the Head of Process Research and Development. He is clear that great people do great science, and is passionate about building a culture and environment that enables the ‘Cats’ to deliver on their own potential, go home safe every day and produce world class science that exceeds the expectations of our customers.

Dan received a First-Class Masters, as well as a PhD from Durham University, which focused on organometallic and catalytic chemistries including redox-active non-innocent ligands. His subsequent post-doctoral study at Texas A&M on rhodium mediated catalysis investigated a range of applications from CH activation through to oxygen-oxygen bond formation. Upon his return to the UK, Dan furthered his research explorations to synthesise novel motifs for gold(III) in Norwich, and to determine the energetics of halogen and hydrogen bonding to metal hydrides and fluorides in York.

After joining CatSci Ltd in 2014, Dan has led projects focused on route optimisation for Phase I-II and has greatly enjoyed contributing to CatSci’s significant growth. As Head of Portfolio from 2018-2021, Dan oversaw our portfolio of customer projects, including their delivery on time, in full and to the desired quality (OTIFTDQ) and resource management, alongside supporting the technical qualification of new opportunities. Currently as Director of Operations, Dan leads CatSci’s focus on operational excellence across our scientific and account management teams to meet the exacting challenges of our customers.

Mark graduated from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne with a PhD in 1988, going on to do post-doctoral research with Professor Andy Williams at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Mark then joined Amersham PLC as a radiochemist, specialising in Carbon-14 chemistry. In this role, he gained fundamental insight into the drug development process and how the external supply chain can enable the wider pharmaceutical industry. Mark’s career in Amersham encompassed a wide variety of roles in management, where he acquired a passion for ensuring his staff were developed to the full. He has carried that passion forward in roles at Quotient Bioresearch and Pharmaron, where he was a key member of the team that constructed a new radiochemical centre in Cardiff. Before joining CatSci Ltd, Mark was the Site Director at Pharmaron, and was responsible for building the world’s first Carbon-14 recycling facility.

Mark is an ardent advocate of the need for innovation partners to be a true extension of the customers’ capabilities to enable seamless collaboration. Mark is the Director of UK Operations and Cardiff Site at CatSci. He is responsible for all aspects of the business and is delighted to be part of a diverse and dynamic team. He challenges staff to be the best they can be, and provides the tools for them to achieve those goals.

Jenn Clark graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in Biomedical sciences and has over 20 years’ experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry within direct sales, business development and first and second line management. She has had a number of key strategic roles in businesses recognised for customer excellence and has specific experience in driving partnerships with companies in both development programmes and commercialisation, particularly within the inhalation field. She has been a key board member in an e-retail business, and more recently for a global pharmaceutical CDMO specialist.

Leanne has an MSc in Human Resources Management and is a Chartered Member of the CIPD. Leanne completed her BSc in Business Administration at Cardiff University’s Business School, before pursuing her career in HR.

Leanne joined the CatSci team in 2018 as HR Manager, she has 15 years’ of experience in HR and resourcing roles in different sized organisations, from small start-up businesses to large corporations including Amazon. She is ideally placed to support the growth of the team and the business at CatSci, thanks to her breadth of experience and expertise. Leanne progressed to Senior HR Manager in 2020, before being appointed to Head of People and Culture in 2022.

Leanne is passionate about people strategy, diversity and inclusion, and empowering others to be the very best they can be.

Andy completed a BSc in Chemistry at Cardiff University, and after being awarded the Lion Labs prize for best undergraduate research project, was offered the opportunity to study for a PhD in the group of Prof. Gerald Richter, examining the synthesis and behaviour of vitamin B analogues in biological processes. After completing his doctoral studies, Andy joined the group of Prof. Rudolf K. Allemann (Cardiff University) as a post-doc, working to develop chimeric light-activated proteins to examine optogenetic processes in vitro. Following this, Andy joined the group of Dr E. Joel Loveridge, where he studied new NMR analytical techniques for analysing protein-molecule interactions, and examining mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. Andy then joined the group of Dr. Ian A. Fallis at Cardiff University, working to formulate, develop and commercialise a series of detector chemistries for toxic organic chemicals and chemical warfare agents, for use by first-line civilian or military responders.

Andy joined CatSci in 2019 as Facilities Manager, where he was able to use both his scientific knowledge and broad understanding of laboratory operations to support the development of the business. In his first year he supported the design and construction of 2 new laboratories, and continues to work with stakeholders across the business to improve business processes and operational efficiency. Andy has led several significant projects, including the selection and integration of an Electronic Resource Planning (ERP) system, which will unify and streamline numerous processes and give better access to real-time business performance data. Now promoted to the Head of Workplace, Infrastructure and Business Support, Andy leads the group responsible for enabling and supporting daily operations. He works with all stakeholders within the business to plan, develop and enact improvements to the workplace, ensuring the physical spaces continue to meet the future growth aspirations of the business.

Duncan obtained an MA in Chemistry from Oriel College, Oxford in 1993 where he synthesised derivatised amino acids and characterised them by mass spectrometry and chiral capillary electrophoresis. He then spent the next 7 years in analytical development for API at Wellcome/GlaxoWellcome, performing chromatography method development, method validation and batch release, alongside a secondment into Drug Stability Analysis. In 2000, post-formation of GSK, he joined the newly formed Strategic Technologies department, developing new technology and process analytical methods for API development and manufacture. By 2010, he led a team that had validated and filed novel PAT applications for several NCEs as process controls in batch and flow chemistry. He gained experience in secondary, through leading cross-discipline project teams in particle generation, control, and engineering. His PAT team expanded to cover both API and drug product for small molecule in the UK. With a keen interest in regulatory guidelines, Duncan became the GSK rep on EFPIA for NIR guidance as well as other regulatory advocacy activities with the FDA. He led the cross GSK PAT community bringing together R&D, manufacturing, small molecule, Biopharm and Consumer Health.

Duncan joined CatSci Ltd in 2020, where he is now the Analytical Team Leader. He is excited to be expanding analytical skills, capabilities and capacity to deliver PR&D based on quality analytical data, accelerated using digitalisation and automation. He believes that at CatSci, we differentiate our performance, and he is focused on the growth and development of the analytical team.

Jonathan received his MChem degree and PhD from Durham University, where he worked on the development and application of catalytic C-H borylation reactions. Subsequent post-doctoral studies as the University of Liverpool and Baylor University, Texas, focused on catalytic hydrogen transfer reactions and novel Boron-containing heterocycles.

Upon returning to the UK in 2016, Jonathan worked at Concept Life Sciences as a Senior Chemist, and later Lead Chemist, working on a range of programmes focused mostly on route scouting and optimisation, custom synthesis, and support for pilot plant campaigns.

Jonathan joined CatSci Ltd in 2022. In his role as a Team Manager, he works to enhance the capabilities of the Technical Team so that they can best serve CatSci’s customers.

Patricia received her PhD in Chemistry from Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Catalonia with Prof. Sergio Castillon, investigating the applications of C-N coupling reactions in the synthesis of nucleosides. After this period, she was awarded with a Marie-Curie Fellowship, and she joined the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the University of Bath as a postdoctoral fellow, where she studied the synthesis of new inhibitors of influenza neuraminidases. Then, she decided to join the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath. During this time, she worked as a Knowledge Exchange Officer in collaboration with GSK, as a Research Associate in the UK Catalysis Hub, and supported impact acceleration activities within the Centre for Sustainable & Circular Technologies (CSCT). Her research was mainly focused on the development of new catalytic processes for chemical transformations. In the latter stages at Bath, she joined the CMAC Future Manufacturing Research Hub as a chemist. As part of her role, she supported the transfer of chemical transformations from batch to continuous, and facilitated their integration downstream into continuous end-to-end processes for API manufacturing. As a result of her engagement with the CMAC, she became fascinated with the optimisation of manufacturing processes.

She joined CatSci in 2021 as a Senior Scientist and has been involved in various process development projects. Now as a Team Leader, she drives her efforts into further improving the technical expertise of her team, as well as giving support and guidance for their personal development to drive excellence in the team.

Beth graduated with a BSc in Forensic Science from the University of South Wales, with a strong emphasis on analytical chemistry. She has 6 years’ experience as an Analytical Scientist in a pharmaceutical GMP environment, working on drug product testing for products in early development, in clinical trials and those on the market. Beth specialised in analytical method development and validation, progressing to Analytical Development Team Leader.

Beth joined Catsci in 2018 as Analytical Lead for customer projects, where she has also used her experience in potent compound analysis to lead the roll-out of a potent material handling strategy. Beth advanced to the position of Analytical Team Manager in 2021, where she continues to utilise her analytical expertise whilst using her passion for people development to drive growth and continuous improvement within the team.

Jo received her MChem degree in Chemistry from the University of Southampton, then earned her PhD from the University of Bristol with Prof. Tim Gallagher, investigating the synthesis of novel heterocyclic scaffolds. After completing her doctoral studies, Jo briefly joined CatSci Ltd as an Industrial Postdoctoral Scientist before being awarded a Leverhulme Scholarship and moving to Melbourne, Australia to carry out a postdoctoral fellowship at Monash University with Prof. Philip Thompson.

At the end of 2017, Jo returned to CatSci as a Senior Scientist and worked on various process development projects, liaising with manufacturing organisations when processes were transferred to plant. Now an Associate Principal Scientist, Jo continues to work on customer-facing projects, contributing to the design and delivery of economically and environmentally sustainable chemical processes. In 2020, Jo took on the position of Team Manager. Through this role, Jo leads CatSci’s efforts to drive continuous improvement within the Chemical Development team to deliver technical excellence.

After completing her first degree in Sri Lanka, Vargini took up a PhD at the University of York with Prof. Robin Perutz. Her PhD focused on the development and mechanistic understanding of nickel catalysed hydrofluoroarylation reactions and investigated halogen bonding interactions including that of metal fluorides.

Since joining CatSci Ltd as an Associate Principal Scientist, Vargini specialises in scaling up catalytic transformations, focusing on cross-coupling and asymmetric hydrogenation. Now as a Team Leader, Vargini centres her efforts on furthering the catalytic expertise of the group to drive the growth and excellence of our team in this field.

Guy obtained a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Bath in 1992 and earned a PhD in 1995 after researching a novel class of phosphine ligand for asymmetric synthesis with Dr Martin Wills. He then went straight into industry, joining the rush to explore the burgeoning area of solid-phase high-throughput synthesis. After just over 3 years, he moved into the pharmaceutical industry, taking a position as one of the first waves of chemists establishing the Vertex UK site. During the next 14 years he accumulated 25 patents, whilst working on many different discovery programmes in the areas of oncology and immunology. Guy then moved into process chemistry with a stint at Almac and broadened his interest in the electronic encoding of chemical information at a start-up, before joining CatSci Ltd in mid-2017.

His current role includes leading projects, overseeing the drive to increase electronic data capture, and mentoring early career colleagues.

Siân obtained her MChem from the University of Wales, Swansea, and earned her PhD after researching new stereoselective approaches to highly substituted pyrrolidines with Prof. D. W Knight at Cardiff University. She has 8 years’ experience as an analytical scientist in a pharmaceutical GMP environment, working on drug product testing for products in early development, in clinical trials and those currently on the market. Siân’s specialities include stability testing and method validation to ICH guidelines.

Since joining Catsci Ltd in 2015 as Lead Analyst, Siân has grown the function to a full suite of analytical instrumentation. She designed the current analytical laboratory, procures new analytical equipment and manages the analytical facility, introducing and growing new capabilities. Part of her role is to develop and maintain relationships with vendors and external contractors to best suit Catsci’s growing needs, whilst also serving on CatSci’s scientific ladder leadership team.

Marc obtained his BSc at Loughborough University, during which he also completed his Diploma of Industrial Studies with one year at GSK. After graduating from Loughborough he moved to Bristol, where he earned his PhD working with Kevin Booker-Milburn and Guy Lloyd-Jones, specialising in palladium II catalysis and mechanistic understanding of new organic reactions. The project was sponsored by AstraZeneca and involved a three-month placement in their Process R&D department. After a brief stint in publishing with the RSC, Marc joined the Centre of Sustainable Chemical Technologies (CSCT) at the University of Bath as a post-doc, with Professors Steve Bull and Matthew Davidson. He was responsible for leading the chemistry component of a large multidisciplinary project focused upon the development of terpenes as renewable chemical building blocks. As part of this project, Marc gained a strong foundation in the development of sustainable and green chemical processes, aligning and working closely with chemical engineering and biochemistry. In 2015 Marc became the manager for the CSCT (Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies, University of Bath), where he was responsible for the day-to-day running of the Centre, as well as helping to deliver its long-term vision.

In 2018, Marc joined CatSci Ltd as Principal Scientist, and is now the lead on all project management activities. He is accountable for the delivery of customer projects from technical qualification through to project completion. Leading the team of Technical Project Managers, Marc ensures that all project and business needs are delivered in accordance with the CatSci Way.

Katya obtained her MSc degree in Chemistry from the Lomonosov Moscow State University in 2012, receiving the ‘Red Diploma’ Prize for achieving the highest degree classification. In 2016, Katya earned her PhD from the University of Oxford with Prof. Timothy J. Donohoe, working on the total synthesis and stereochemical reassignment of dehydromicrosclerodermin B and microsclerodermin J. Since joining CatSci Ltd in 2016, she has contributed to the research and development of several chemical processes. Katya is currently a Technical Project Manager, ensuring the delivery of our customers complex projects on time and to the requisite quality. She is also involved in the technical qualification of new opportunities.

Sam obtained his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Liverpool in 2008. He then joined Prof. P. Andrew Evans’ research group to work on the development of novel rhodium-catalysed allylic substitution reactions, earning his PhD in 2012. On moving into industry with Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI) in 2013, Sam spent two years in process R&D supporting large scale API manufacturing before embarking on a four-year stint working at the interface of discovery and process chemistry as part of a collaboration with Eli Lilly & Co. During this time, Sam was involved in a range of programmes comprising route scouting, custom synthesis and the development & optimisation of scalable routes to pre-clinical drug candidates. Nearly two years after assuming a team leadership role within AMRI, Sam joined CatSci Ltd in October 2019. In his current position as a Technical Project Manager, Sam is committed to ensuring the timely delivery of perfect-for-purpose chemistry solutions to CatSci’s customers across the globe.

Dean has 23 years’ experience of Chemical Process Research and Development in various Technical and Project Management roles within the Pharmaceutical and Contact Research and Manufacture industries. His experience spans from route design and custom synthesis of mg quantities, through to process development to support pre-clinical and clinical phases, validation, and multi-tonne manufacture of commercial API’s.

After obtaining a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, Dean began his career in Chemical Process Research and Development at Knoll Pharmaceuticals (ex. Boots), before spending a period with AMRI in the US. Upon returning to the UK, he continued to work in team leadership and project management within the CRO industry at SAFC Pharma and then Aptuit. Dean then moved onto the role of Technical Manager at Croda, where he led a department responsible for analytical development, quality control, and manufacturing support. He also oversaw the development and introduction of new products and processes for commercial API manufacture during his time there.

Dean has a passion for developing safe, sustainable, and cost-effective chemical processes that meet the increasingly rigorous demands of pharmaceutical regulators. He enjoys working with clients and cross-functional teams with the aim of exceeding their expectations.

Charlotte achieved her MChem in Chemistry with Industrial Experience from the University of Manchester in 2012, with a placement in process chemistry at AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield site. She then undertook PhD research in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology on the chemical synthesis of heparin-like oligosaccharides for single molecule fluorescence applications. After completing her PhD in 2016, Charlotte moved into industry as a scientist at Carbogen Amcis Manchester. In this position, she was involved in a range of projects, from route scouting to material supply, as well as supporting large scale manufacture on-site. It was during this role that Charlotte developed her keen interest in the technical leadership of projects, and effective customer communication. Subsequently, in 2018 she moved to Aptuit at Milton Park, UK, where she further developed her project leadership skills by supporting the development of other chemists in the team. She also gained hands-on experience working in a GMP laboratory and leading the technology transfer of GMP processes for plant scale manufacture. In 2019, Charlotte joined CatSci as a Senior Scientist, before being promoted to her role as a Technical Project Manager. She is passionate about providing a consultative approach to understand customers’ needs and to deliver on these on time, in full, and to the desired quality.