Luke Johnston Email & Phone Number

Edinburgh, Gb

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Committee member of Scottish Fermentation Network (SFN), a voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting the fermentation industry through knowledge sharing, member collaboration and events within Scotland and the wider community. My responsibilties include: • Co-organised joint SFN and Biochemical Engineering Special Interest Group (BESIG) of IChemE event in Glasgow, UK. • Personally responsible for organisation of the early career researcher session, which I also hosted. The event was a resounding success with 72 attendees spanning many companies across academia and industry.

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Currently I am performing research at the renowned Centre for Engineering Biology within the University of Edinburgh. The main focus of my research is the application of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics to optimise CHO cell biomanufacturing in collaboration with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies as an industrial partner. An important objective in my work is the development of a first-in-class process analytical technology (PAT) system for real-time monitoring of CHO cell bioprocesses, which allows an unprecedented number of critical process parameters to be monitored during live bioprocesses. Some of the key activities carried out during my PhD include: • Conducted independent research to synthesise and analyse complex data, solving problems and communicating findings to key stakeholders at university and industrial partner in written and oral reports. • Development of a novel mass spectrometry based PAT tool for real-time, in-line CHO bioprocess monitoring.• Application of cutting edge metabolomics techniques including LC-IMS-MS and proton NMR to analyse 100s of CHO cell samples. • Integration of critical process data with omics datasets to generate unique insights into CHO cell physiology and bioprocess performance. • Successfully carried out CHO cell culture ranging from shake flasks (10 mL – 500 mL) to R&D scale bioreactors (1 L – 5 L) utilising multiple cell lines. • Completed 3 x 14-day fed-batch bioreactor experiments at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies using multiple cell lines. • Performed 13C isotope metabolic flux analysis for in vitro mammalian cells. • Established and optimised tissue culture facility in research lab, including documentation and best practices for mammalian cell culture. • Presented at 2 international (USA, Spain) and 5 national (UK) scientific and industry conferences to audiences of 250 individuals, including receiving an award for best oral flash presentation (ESACT-UK 2023 Conference).

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Demonstrator for Microbial World undergraduate teaching module within the School of Biological Sciences. My duties involved: • Directly responsible for demonstrating techniques and procedures to 20 students in each laboratory session. • Encouraged critical thinking and discussion amongst students on course materials. • Reviewed and graded final laboratory reports, providing constructive feedback to students. • Ensured laboratory safety protocols were adhered to and provided assistance in case of emergencies.

As an Associate at Outsmart Insight, I provide market research and intelligence services to clients working across a range of industries.

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

I represented the IBioIC student cohort to help shape future industrial biotechnology training and skills courses in Scotland acrosss HND, MSc and PhD programmes.

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

In my role as Executive Board Secretary, I was responsible for coordiniating interal organisation of the society and directing external communication.

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Member of a collaboration between 4 UK university 180 Degrees Consulting branches: UoE, UCL, ICL and LSE. The aim was to advise a global market-leading private company on a strategy project. My role involved conducting secondary market research and competitor analysis.

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

180 Degrees Consulting is the world’s largest student led consultancy, providing affordable and professional consulting services to non-profits and private clients. I was selected to manage a project for a client based in Ukraine feeding and supporting 5,000 refugees daily who are affected by the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. The success of the project led to a Best Consulting Project nomination as 1 of 15 finalists for 180DC Global Awards, out of 170+ participating branches.My role as Lead Strategic Consulting involved a number of responsibilities: • Led a team of 8 consultants in intensive 12-week project. • Responsible for successful client relations and negotiation of key deliverables• Performed in-depth analysis and due diligence across 4 key operational areas: supply-chain, funding, volunteering and social media. • Provided 3 tailored recommendations for each operational area, including short and long-term implementation strategies. • Delivered a high-quality and high-impact final written report and oral presentation to the client, which resulted in 100% client satisfaction score.

Wilton, England, United Kingdom

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is a global pharmaceutical CDMO. I was selected to participate in this internship as a member of a multidisciplinary team implementing the proof of concept MaruX continuous biopharmaceutical manufacturing platform. My role in this exciting project included: • Assisted with operation of 500 L perfusion single-use bioreactor including preparation and sterile purification of media and buffers up to 1000 L. • Trained in use of SymphonX™, an in-house fully automated end-to-end downstream purification platform to perform TFF, chromatography (Protein A, CEX, AEX), viral filtration, inactivation and sterile final fill unit operations. • Completion of BMRs in GMP-complaint environment.

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Boots UK are the largest British pharmacy chain. I worked part-time during University in a busy store dispensing over 100 prescriptions each day.My duties involved: • Assisted pharmacists in dispensing medication to patients. • Led three member pharmacy team at weekends in place of store manager. • Achieved 83% of weekly sales targets on average. • Delivered excellent customer service through patient consultations, answering healthcare questions and resolving patient issues. • Managed 300+ item pharmacy inventory, including ordering, receiving and processing medication and supplies.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Quantitive Biotechnology

Msc, Microbiology, General, Distinction (1:1)

Bsc (Hons), Microbiology, Merit (2:1)