Neil Bennett

Background

About Neil Bennett

Experienced biochemist with very broad skill set gained from having worked in both Big Pharma and Academia, mostly in Oncology and previously in Infection and Neurotoxicology. • Biochemical assay development for HTS or SAR screening in 384/1536 in many varied technologies (e.g. HTRF, FP, SPA, Luminescence). • Cell reporter assays in 384 and 1536 format. qPCR multiplexed, fully automated 384 screen Biophysical techniques (ForteBio Octet,Thermal Melting, ITC, Microscale Thermophoresis). • Assay optimisation and automation for HTS/SAR screening. • SAR screening, data and statistical analysis, developing assays to identify problematic compounds to aid hit / series selection. • High Throughput Screening (>100K/day), data analysis, trouble shooting. • Cascade construction for hit identification post HTS. Analytical HPLC from tissue homogenates, cell extracts and metabolites including sample preparation and fluorescent labelling. Cell toxicology screening, drug metabolism profiling including anoxia. •Molecular biology, PCR, protein purification, Western blots, IEF, PAGE. • Current and previous experience of DNA Damage Response assay builds, and wider Oncology targets. • Good communication skills, having worked with UK, USA, Chinese, Indian and Australian groups either building or transferring/screening assays. • Proficient in range of software packages including Spotfire, Prism, Origin and many bespoke software packages. • Mentoring of colleagues and students. • Transferring assays in from world sites on very strict timelines, often side-by-side with visiting scientist. • Out of work interests: Scouting (ACSL), Archery, Musician (Double Bass and Voice), Cooking, Gardening and I own an historic narrow boat, used for holidays and leisure. I enjoy watching rugby and real beer (even better combined).