My role as Product Development Manager involves the technical development of a wide range of novel products. I am also the technical lead for a number of Insignia’s R&D projects.Responsibilities include:- R&D grant writing- Technical input to current projects- Liaising with Patent Attorneys - Company technical reports- Supervision of junior scientists- Laboratory Health & Safety

Uni. of Strathclyde.Building upon research carried out during my PhD, I worked on a 'proof-of-concept' research project, funded by Scottish Enterprise. The project aimed to commercialise 'intelligent' plastic packaging which changes colour to indicate food freshness.Key responsibilities:Liaise with external companiesGeneral lab safety and housekeepingBudget managementDevelop technical performance of productsProvide technical expertiseData analysisDetailed report writing for both technical and non-technical audiences

The development of novel photocatalytic and colourimetric optical indicators - inks, pigments and plastics.PhD carried out under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Mills, based on the investigation of a range of novel optical indicators e.g. UV-dosimeters, CO2-indicators etc.. As well as improving existing technology, I have developed novel sensors which have applications in the food packaging and medical industries. A wide range of analytical techniques were used throughout the projects, including UV/visible spectrophotometry, spectroradiometry and diffuse reflectance spectrometry.

Involved carrying out routine analysis of samples at different stages of whisky production. Analytical techniques used on a daily basis were distillation, gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectroscopy. The ability to multi-task and work under pressure were essential in order to provide analytical results to the plant manager in time.

An eight month placement in a drug discovery research centre, where I gained experience in combinatorial chemistry (high throughput parallel solution phase synthesis of small molecules), planning and development of validation work and synthetic route development. Oral communication and presentation skills were developed as presentations and frequent reporting back to colleagues was carried out on a regular basis. Literature reviewing techniques, personal initiative and working as part of a team were essential to achieve company deadlines.