Amber Grantham Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Project Manager for Mr Andrew Hindmarsh's NIHR research study: 'Clinical Evaluation and Regulatory Approval of the E-Vac, an endoluminal vacuum therapy device' My role included:- Proactively managing and co-ordinating all aspects of the Endovac project, liaising between all internal and external stakeholders to monitor work packages per agreed milestones and deliverables- Organising, chairing and minuting meetings between various stakeholders, communicating project requirements and identifying any risks to the project plan and timeline.- Responsibility for the preparation and submission of all NIHR reports, including quarterly progress and financial reports.- Assisting in the completion of documentation required for regulatory approval for the clinical investigation and Endovac CE/UKCA marking- Communicating project requirements with project stakeholders, research governance team, financial and legal team.

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Drawing from my technical experience gained during my previous posts I am now a dedicated and target-focused lab manager for a national collaboration of 20 centres responsible for the collection and analysis of samples from several thousand patients for the Oesophageal Cancer Clinical and Molecular Stratification (OCCAMS) consortium. My key duties and achievements to date have been:• The design, implementation and delivery of results for the pilot study for multi-million pound CRUK grant proposal • Management of the central sample databases for several thousand frozen tissue, blood and ctDNA samples• Supervision of all laboratory-based activities for OCCAMS samples for various sequencing pipelines to defined targets and deadlines• Identification and instigation of significant improvements to the existing sequencing pipelines to increase efficiencies• Revision of SOPs and sample documentation to ensure projects are fully HTA compliant• Liaise regularly with collaborating sites to expedite sample collection, facilitate sub-projects and trouble shoot as necessary

Cambridge

An expansion of my previous role, I worked across additional projects simultaneously, quickly becoming adept in further new techniques including:• Microdissection and preparation of formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) clinical samples for whole exome sequencing, including library prep and targeted enrichment• Further tissue culture work to derive primary cell lines from human tissue biopsies• Working with a research nurse I was instrumental in re-starting sample collection for the OSCAR (Oesophageal Squamous cell CARcinoma) project. I also overhauled the project’s sample management processes to enable full utilisation of samples collected to date.

Cambrdge

This role focussed primarily in tissue culture and sample management where I:• Successfully expanded multiple organoid lines for characterisation and biobanking• Cultivated a strong working relationship with the Sanger Institute whilst liaising on the Human Cancer Model Initiative project, enabling me to set up a bespoke sample management system and oversee the efficient sample collection and shipment of over 100 human tissue (and germline blood samples) for organoid derivation to date• Methodically updated sample and clinical databases using OpenClinica, LabKey and Excel

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Working with two technicians within a newly set up team, using tissue culture techniques to maintain novel hybridoma cells, and running ELISAs (manual and using Rx automation machine) to establish antibody specificity.

I provided core support to the Rheumatology group using the following techniques: tissue culture, ELISAs, Western Blotting and qPCR.

Huntingdon

As an expert witness I specialised in the examination of biological evidence. The majority of my case load (between20-30 cases) related to allegations of sexual offence. I skilfully structured my work by:• Working closely with police officers to establish a coherent version of events • Devising a meticulous examination strategy for each case and supervising forensic assistants in evidence recovery• The laboratory analysis of body fluid staining (including blood, semen and saliva) and the interpretation of DNA profiles. • Comparing the complex investigative findings with the version of events provided by the complainant and defendant, to interpret the evidence. I routinely presented my expert testimony to the police and at court.

Harlow

Working in the Neuroscience group, I used immunohistochemical techniques to examine caspase protein expression in in vivo models of transient ischaemic attack.

Stevenage, United Kingdom

Working in the Alzheimer’s Disease research group, I examined the possible role of activated microglial cells in the inflammation association with this disease.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Neuroendocrinology

Activities and Societies: Corpus Christi Boatclub Thesis title: ‘Sex steroid regulation of Gonadotrophin-Releasing hormone (GnRH).

Bachelor Of Science - Bsc, Neurobiology And Neurosciences, 1St Class (Hons)