Robert Mart

As a Principal Scientist, I took on additional responsibilities in planning and executing organic synthesis campaigns, mentoring colleagues in synthetic chemistry, automating data management, and project management.

The Lead Development team at Ochre Bio chose target sequences, design chemical modification patterns then synthesise, purify, QC and test them in assays based on primary human cells and tissues. As part of the chemistry team, I helped establish a new oligonucleotide synthesis and organic chemistry facility on a new site on the Oxford Science Park. My role encompases everything from in silico siRNA candidate selection, larger scale (100-150 uM) fully-modified RNA synthesis, and developing HPLC/LC-MS/SEC methods and automated liquid handing procedures.

I joined NATA, a new MRC unit devoted to accelerating the development of nucleic acid therapeutics in the UK at a critical juncture. My first duties were to liaise with construction contractors and Estates colleagues at the Rutherford Appleton Labs to guide the creation of a new chemical and oligonucleotide synthesis facilities. I also defined and implemented a safety management system and selected an electronic laboratory notebook. I was then responsible for coordinating the receipt and installation and organising training for equipment for the chemistry, oligonucleotide and biology labs. I designed a data management system and administered computational resources and create web-based applications to assist in the design and testing of oligonucleotides. My day-to-day role at NATA was equally wide-ranging; encompassing health and safety, procurement, goods receiving, stock-keeping, technical and general stewardship of our chemistry lab. I supported our suite of nucleotide synthesisers, HPLC/UPLC and LC-MS instruments and offered advice on synthetic chemistry programmes.

As an Experimental Officer I was still able to synthesise challenging new molecules, neat new plasmids and help postgraduate and undergraduate students solve problems, but I gained more responsibility for infrastructure. I handled orders, wrote tenders for new kit, arranged maintenance (or get the screwdrivers out!) and arrange work spaces, including refurbishments. As a Deputy Safety Health and Environment Officer, I was also part of the School of Chemistry team safeguarding the health and wellbeing of colleagues, dealing with spills and was charged with continually improving the safety of our workplace.

I helped lead the photo-responsive peptides and proteins section of Professor Rudolf Allemann's group. Work in this group ranged from the synthesis and evaluation of new photochromic dyes to the creation of photoswitchable molecules to control HIV RNA binding, DNA binding and transcription and to reactivate programmed cell death in drug resistant cancer cells.

I worked with Dr Simon Webb to create new biomaterials constructed from vesicle/gel hybrids. This included the creation of magnetic vesicles aggregates that could move their encapsulated contents guided by a magnetic field. Fixing these patterns in a hydrogel allowed the creation of a chemically-patterned substrate for cell culture.

I worked with Dr Rein Ulijn to create new enzyme-responsive biomaterials. These systems have potential uses in sensing and drug delivery and resulted in the award of a patent.

I spent a year as a Sandwich Student working in worked in Discovery Chemistry. I synthesised novel lead compounds for a potential neuroscience target, learning many new synthetic and analytical techniques.