Mark Bird, PhD

Mark Bird is the most recent recruit to Gifford Bioscience, joining us at the start of 2024 from a UK based CRO specializing in immunology

Mark was awarded his PhD in 2014 by the University of Leicester, having researched opioid pharmacology. His undergraduate degree was with the Medical Physiology department of the same university.

Before joining industry, Mark undertook two Postdoctoral positions, developing a fluorescent-based assay to measure live immune cell release of peptides, followed by investigating the role of non-clinically targeted opioid receptors in sepsis-mediated hypotension.

Mark has significant experience in GPCR pharmacology, developing an increasing interest for the effects of receptor heterodimerisation on downstream signalling pathways.

“I have felt very welcome in my first few months in the company and have enjoyed the diverse nature of the projects that Gifford Bioscience undertake. “

Clare Box, PhD

Clare graduated from Lancaster University (Biomedical Sciences) and was awarded her PhD from the School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine at the University of Birmingham in 2015.

Clare joined us back in 2018, having previously undertaken a post doc at the University of Birmingham.

Clare has experience of a broad range of lab techniques, including SPR, radioligand binding assays, autoradiography, cell culture, and flow cytometry. She also acts as Chief of Staff, ensuring the correct staffing levels are assigned to projects.

“I really enjoy working as part of our very friendly team of scientists. Although some projects are challenging, support and advice is always there.”

Rebecca Brindley, PhD

Becky was awarded her PhD in Biomedical Science by the University of Sheffield in 2010, the same University where she completed her undergraduate degree, also in Biomedical Science.

Becky joined Gifford Bioscience in 2022 after ten years of postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in New Jersey. Her academic research career investigated G protein coupled receptor regulation of ion channels and neurotransmitter release, with a focus on regulation of voltage-gated calcium channels and serotonergic regulation of neuroendocrine secretion in the peripheral nervous system stress response.

Whilst her expertise is called on by the team across our receptor pharmacology research, Becky has developed her speciality at Gifford Bioscience in the SPR (Biacore) label free technique.

Andrew Gifford, PhD

With over 25 years experience in receptor pharmacology and more than fifty publications, Andrew’s expertise was core to the development of our radiometric based ligand binding and occupancy assays.

Andrew was previously a Senior Scientist in the radiopharmaceutical development program at Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York. As a Principal Investigator, he has been responsible for the preclinical development of a variety of radiolabeled drugs. Techniques employed in his academic laboratories were primarily radiometric ligand binding and occupancy assays, radiolabeling chemistry and autoradiography.

Andrew is a graduate of Imperial College, London and was awarded his PhD in Pharmacology by the University of St. Andrews.

“It’s great to be working with such an enthusiastic team of scientists at our company. Everybody will ‘go the extra mile’ to complete studies on time and often well beyond the expectations of our clients”.

Sarah Routledge, PhD

Sarah joined Gifford Bioscience in 2021 and was appointed as a Principal Investigator in 2023.

Sarah received both her degree and PhD from Aston University, the latter being awarded in 2012. She then completed postdoctoral research positions at both Aston University and at the University of Cambridge, where she investigated G protein-coupled receptor interactions with accessory proteins and signalling bias. 

Sarah has considerable experience in using radioligand binding and cell signalling assays to study receptor pharmacology. She also has expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and the production and purification of soluble and membrane proteins from a range of expression systems.

“With the variety of projects, every day is a new and interesting experience. I find it rewarding to work as part of such a knowledgeable and supportive team.”

Kiran Shabir, PhD

Kiran graduated from Aston University with a First in Biomedical Science and was awarded her PhD at Aston Medical School in 2021.

Before joining the company, Kiran worked as a Research Assistant at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, where she continued her PhD research focusing on different adipose tissue depots and the links between adipose tissue and inflammation, as well as on type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. 

Kiran has experience in a broad range of techniques including cell culture, western blotting, radioligand binding assays, autoradiography and RT-qPCR. 

“I initially thought the move from academia to industry would be tough, but I was wrong. My colleagues are very friendly and supportive, and I have learnt so much from my time here at Gifford Bioscience!”

Maria Teresa Tilotta, PhD

Maria was awarded a first-class MSc in Molecular Biology in Italy, after which she spent some time in the pharmaceutical and clinical diagnostic sectors. She then moved to the UK, where she was awarded a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham investigating the mechanisms of cell cycle progression regulation and cancer development.  

Maria has expertise in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, and a great interest in expanding her knowledge in the area of drug discovery and receptor pharmacology. She joined the team on a contract basis, on completing her PhD in 2019.  

“I find working at GB extremely enjoyable. All our projects are challenging and engaging, and every one of us is always willing to offer his expertise to satisfy our clients. This creates a stimulating environment where cooperation and teamwork are the fuel and where I feel myself fulfilled professionally and personally “. 

Kevin Thompson, DPhil

Kevin has a wealth of industry experience, encompassing both sides of the big pharma (Knoll Pharmaceutical) / CRO (BioFocus) relationship.

In his 25 year career, Kevin has also worked for several biotechs: he joined Gifford Bioscience in 2019 from Chronos Therapeutics, where he was director of Screening and Operations.

Kevin has a deep knowledge of in vitro screening applied to diverse therapeutic targets. He uses his in-depth understanding of binding kinetics to oversee our SPR (Biacore) assay services. Being both in the lab and the office, Kevin also oversees the day-to-day functioning of the company as COO.

Kevin is a Biology graduate and was awarded his DPhil in Neurobiology, both at Sussex University.

Siân Stockton, PhD

Siân earned a first in Biochemistry from Imperial College London in 2017. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge in the Pharmacology department in 2022, before joining Gifford Bioscience. 

During her academic journey, Siân acquired a diverse set of skills and got expertise in various techniques including cell culture, protein purification, ITC, as well as several binding assays. The knowledge acquired was in fact crucial in her research, focusing on exploring the potential of PROTAC-like molecules as a cancer treatment by targeting overexpressed kinase proteins for degradation. 

“I was excited about transitioning from a Ph.D. to a more dynamic environment at a Contract Research Organization (CRO). Since joining, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced this role and, alongside my colleagues, found immense satisfaction in tackling a diverse array of projects. This experience has not only allowed me to refine my overall skill set but has been particularly instrumental in honing my expertise in radioligand binding.”