Daniel Barker

• Led IHC, ISH, and IF assay development to validate sorting strategies and NETSseq outputs across human and rodent brain regions and cell type profiles o Built analysis pipelines using Leica platforms and ImageJ. Growing expertise with confocal imaging, which has contributed towards the validation of several pipeline targets. o Delivered high quality/reproducible data packages to support drug discovery from early target identification to clinical stage programmes. o Independently developed method optimisation to increase throughput and efficiency. • Served as Person Designated under HTA license; co-led successful inspection in 2024 and ensured ongoing license compliance. • Managed Freezerworks LIMS (10,000+ samples), onboarded and trained users, and enforced SOPs to maintain audit-ready compliance. • Expertise in human neuroanatomy, dissection of brain substructures (from disease and control donors), tissue preparation for assessment using a variety of histochemical end points and transcriptomic evaluation (e.g. NETSseq) • Collaborated with global brain banks to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality, clinically diverse human tissue. • Presented key data in cross-functional meetings; core contributor to a successful multimillion-dollar collaboration with Merck.

• Carrying out IHC, ISH, and ICC assays as mentioned above. • Became the de facto lead in the operation and management of our sample tracking software and strictly adhering to Human Tissue Authority (HTA) legislation. • Maintaining an up-to-date Electronic Laboratory Notebook (ELN). • Providing training and support for junior colleagues and work experience students. Handling the shipment, storage and tracking of human tissue samples, as well as carrying out brain region-specific dissections for downstream research. Maintaining the strictest adherence to HTA regulations. Member of the Social Committee to ensure all of our yearly hard work gets sufficiently rewarded at the Christmas party.

• Generating cDNA libraries from sorted nuclei samples and processing up to 200 samples a week. Carrying out QC checks on each library using the Agilent Bioanalyzer and NanoDrop. • Automated workflows using the Agilent Bravo and Qiagen BioRobot 8000, improving precision and throughput. • Carrying our Molecular Biology support on therapeutic projects including vector building and expression analysis using qPCR and ddPCR. • Founded regular inter-team meetings for junior staff to gain a better insight into the work of other teams and to develop presentation skills.

Working as a member of the 200+ strong West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, the largest single genetics laboratory within the NHS. Currently carrying out a rotation within the Extraction Hub as a part of a team of ten where we carry out nucleic acid extractions from from a variety of samples: • Regular use of Qiagen QIAsymphony, QIAcube and EZ1 robots • Carrying out DNA extractions from blood, tissue, MACS, FFPE (Formalin Fixed Parrafin Embedded) slides and oragene (mouthwash) samples using automated and manual procedures • Measuring the optical density (OD) of extracted DNA samples before they are sent along for processing. The hub processes ~200 samples per day • Carry out manual PCR on samples post-extractions • Regular and stringent competency training and assessment, with up-to-date training records • Working as part of a team to maintain strict turnaround times for samples to ensure quick results and contribute to providing the best care possible for patients • Adhere to COSHH assessments when handling harmful and dangerous chemicals - in particular xylene, 2-mercaptoethanol & Ethidium Bromide • Have undertaken Information Governance training on the importance of data protection and preserving a patient's privacy

Part of a global company based in Japan. The company carries out early stage drug development, and focuses their research onto areas of metabolic diseases, CNS diseases, inflammatory and immune disorders and many more. • Reporting to the Facilities Manager and work as part of a team of ten accountable for providing high standards of animal husbandry to support the early stage pharmaceutical research • Apply all associated Home Office regulations to ensure optimal animal welfare at all times • Adhere to rigorous Health & Safety regulations regarding PPE - scrubs, gloves, boots, mob cap • Complete and sign off compliance records to support audit process • Comply with all required confidentiality clauses • Communicating with animal technicians to ensure an adequate supply and maintain flow

• Reported to the Business Manager and carried out visual pre-testing using equipment including an auto-refractor and a fundus camera • Initiated and quickly developed a rapport with patients, explaining each stage of the process to provide reassurance as required • Booked in patients for appointments and offered a warm and professional welcome • Assisted individuals in selecting appropriate styled frames in line with their preferences and life style • Worked to achieve the desired outcomes within patient budgets, remaining up to date with all special offers and promotions • Worked as a flexible and collaborative team member, offering to cover additional shifts to maintain the highest level of customer service in line with company vision, ethos and culture

Gained laboratory skills, culminating in am independently-led third year project sequencing the feline Prdm9 gene - the protein of which identifies cross-over hotspots during meiotic recombination. Modules include human genetics, evolutionary genetics, bioinformatics, cancer cell biology and physiology (focussing on neurology in particular). Regularly played squash and was an active member of the Film Society