Wallis, has recently completed her EngD, having previously studied a chemistry degree and MPhil at Newcastle University. She has spent the last four years studying the synthesis of fluorescent dyes for use as imaging agents, potentially to help identify cancer cells.
Her research, undertaken with EngD supervisor Lee J. Higham of the School of Chemistry, has been co-funded through the EPSRC EngD programme and Durham-based High Force Research.
The appointment follows a period expansion for High Force Research. The company opened a new 1,018sqft laboratory at Redcar’s Wilton Centre in February 2016, after its existing Bowburn laboratory and office space became full to capacity. It recently announced it was doubling the size of its laboratory at the Redcar business and science hub.
“When I heard High Force Research was looking to expand its Business Development team, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Jenny commented: “I was very lucky to receive funding from High Force Research to support my EngD. Without their support I would never have been able to continue with my research.”
“As part of that course, I undertook a number of business development modules, an area I find fascinating – as a result, I became interested in pursuing a career in it. So when I heard High Force Research was looking to expand its Business Development team, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Founded nearly three decades ago, High Force Research is one of the UK’s longest established chemical research companies. The company is expert in developing and scaling up complex syntheses of molecules used by researchers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics and chemical sectors.
Head of Business Development Stella James said: “As pharmaceutical, biotech and fine chemical industries increasingly look to outsource a number of activities, we want to make sure we’re well placed respond to their new business needs. Jenny will play a key role in this and her skills and experience will be a great addition to the team.”
