Translational Neuroscience Research Portfolio Manager/Research Co-ordinator, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences

MSD (Formerly Schering-Plough/Organon), Newhouse, Scotland. ML1 5SH Team Leader, Molecular Pharmacology Department 2003 to presentTeam Leader, Target Discovery Department 2000 to 2003Senior Scientist, Target Discovery Department 1999 to 2000 Key Responsibilities and AchievementsCore member of lead finding teams responsible for managing early drug discovery in the areas of psychiatry (depression, schizophrenia) and neurology (Alzheimer’s disease… Show more MSD (Formerly Schering-Plough/Organon), Newhouse, Scotland. ML1 5SH Team Leader, Molecular Pharmacology Department 2003 to presentTeam Leader, Target Discovery Department 2000 to 2003Senior Scientist, Target Discovery Department 1999 to 2000 Key Responsibilities and AchievementsCore member of lead finding teams responsible for managing early drug discovery in the areas of psychiatry (depression, schizophrenia) and neurology (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease) • Generated research strategy and presented in the form of annual lead finding plans.• Developed strategy for identification/validation of novel psychiatry drug targets resulting in the prioritisation of 6 targets for further validation. • Championed >12 innovative drug discovery opportunities that were approved by senior management as new projects.• Delivered 7 successful lead optimisation proposals in past 5 years. Directed a line team of up to 7 scientists (both Ph.Ds and graduates) • Delivered validated assays for GPCRs, transporters, ion channels, kinases and other enzymes. • Team leader/member of >14 projects from target validation to lead optimisation. • Directed pharmacogenetics activities across 3 international sites to implement new corporate pharmacogenetics policy.• Managed interviewing, selection, objective setting, appraisal of staff and recommendations for promotions and salary awards. • Developed/mentored team member to the point where they were appointed team leadership role of their own.Training CoursesCoaching, Performance and Development Training, Team Leadership, Selection Interviewing, Working in R&D Projects, Drug Hunting Simulation, Introduction to Managing People, HSE Workshop for Managers, and The Team Player, Show less

Key AchievementsStudied the effect of Presenilin and Wingless signaling pathways on hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule associated protein tau observed in Alzheimer’s disease (Irving and Miller, 1997).Generated transgenic mice over expressing the tau kinase GSK-3B and studied effect on tau phosphorylation (Brownlees, Irving et al., 1997).Characterized two families of Amyloid precursor protein (APP) interacting proteins found by the yeast two hybrid system, the Fe65s… Show more Key AchievementsStudied the effect of Presenilin and Wingless signaling pathways on hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule associated protein tau observed in Alzheimer’s disease (Irving and Miller, 1997).Generated transgenic mice over expressing the tau kinase GSK-3B and studied effect on tau phosphorylation (Brownlees, Irving et al., 1997).Characterized two families of Amyloid precursor protein (APP) interacting proteins found by the yeast two hybrid system, the Fe65s and X11s (McLoughlin, Irving et al., 1999 Show less

Key AchievementsRefined the genetic map around loci on mouse chromosome 16 that are homologous to genes important in Alzheimer’s disease and Downs syndrome in man. Characterized the T65Dn partial trisomy 16 mouse model of Down’s syndrome - important for understanding the effects of over expression of particular genes on specific aspects of the phenotype.

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Group. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics