Benjamin Guscott Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, Gb

Aberystwyth

Running multi-disciplinary research and development projects in the molecular and microbiology laboratories. Executing dual responsibilities of outsourced scientific services to start-ups and managing in-house research projects.

Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom

Aberystwyth

Cambridge

Developing immunoassays in lateral flow format for the detection of illicit drug metabolites in sweat samples. Refining and validation of existing product assays to enhance sensitivities. Supervised junior colleagues, and regular presentation of data and recommendations.

Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom

Research, development, and rigorous testing of new products, including serology and antigen tests for SARS-CoV2. Development of high-throughput screening protocols. Team leadership including supervision and training of laboratory staff for the rapidly expanded testing department. Collaboration with Sensyne Health to train AI software to read Lateral Flow Devices, resulting in the development of an app made available to the public.

Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom

Working within the newly formed Covid-19 staff screening department. Responding to rapidly changing priorities and expanding capacity in a high-pressure environment. Leading development and validation of saliva-based SARS-CoV2 screening, achieving a decreased failure rate from 10-30% to less than 1%. Subsequently developing and implementing high-throughput 384-well PCR methods for saliva-based screening, including refinement of a modified magnetic bead extraction method using Biomek i5/i7 liquid handling robots. Successfully obtained ISO accreditation and rapidly implemented this process, including training a team, which enabled an increase in screening capacity from less than 100 to over 1,000 samples daily. Responsible for regular presentation and reporting of data and project status to company leadership.

Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Consulting national policymakers, primarily the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on emerging health technologies. Primarily producing scientific briefings on novel medical treatments. Summarising the technology and its potential impact on patients and the NHS. Requiring liaison​ with companies and clinical experts. Additional duties included teaching medical statistics at University of Birmingham.

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Investigating Novel Interaction Partners Of Amyloid Precursor Protein

Investigating the biological role of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), a protein central to the development of Alzheimer's disease..

Master’S Degree, Biotechnology, Distinction

Bachelor Of Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences