Gemma Jackson

I am an experienced scientist, having attained a biochemistry PhD in 2023, with nine months experience working as a cell scientist followed by four months as an associate medical writer. I am still searching for and hoping to find my niche, an eager individual looking for a role that will put my scientific experience, passion, enthusiasm and repertoire of transferable skills to good use. A very able and versatile worker keen to seize opportunities, quick to learn new skills.

I am IT literate, a team-player, with good communication skills and excellent attention to detail. I have experience of working under pressure to tight deadlines; I am adaptable and capable of working under my own initiative. I am at a junction hoping to support myself whilst prioritising family rather than career for a time.

Associate medical writer - Prime

(2024-04 - 2024-08)

Working as a trainee medical writer for a medical communications agency. This was only a brief position, but I learnt a lot about the industry, the importance of consistency, clarity and working to high standards, acting as an extension of the client teams not just a business providing a service. This role provided a good insight into the fast pace, level of evidence required, and scrutiny pharmaceuticals must endure to progress to market and help patients.

• Drafting abstracts, storyboards and PowerPoint slides for training, meetings and medical congresses
• Fact and reference checking, conducting literature searches, extensive used of PubMed, clinical study reports, study protocols and statistician generated data packages
• Real attention to detail was expected in every activity and the passion to settle for nothing less than scientific excellence

Scientist 2 - Peak Proteins (Sygnature Discovery)

(2023-06 - 2024-03)

Working within the cell science team of a CRO expressing proteins in the HEK 293 6E cell line at a variety of volumes from small 25ml to larger 10l cultures following SOPs.

• Planning and actioning cultures as scheduled
• Maintaining sterility (no infections to date), passaging cells, transfecting, feeding, supplementing, and harvesting both secreted and intracellular individually and co expressed proteins
• Completing plasmid gigapreps, Vicell and/or Luna cell counts and viability measurements, media dispensing, supplementation, preparing and sterility testing feeds and culture buffers in advance, DNA concentration quantification, maintaining accurate and detailed records, generating reports and documentation

PhD student - University of Liverpool

(2018-03 - 2023-01)

Thesis title: Development of novel gelatin-binding proteins for targeting therapeutics to cartilage lesions in the osteoarthritic joint. Supervisors: Professor Anthony Hollander and Dr Jill Madine. Extensive experience of planning experiments and conducting laboratory research.

• Working flexibly to suit unpredictable results or occurrences
• Application of an array of bioinformatic tools, to inform the in vitro work throughout the whole project
• Recombinant protein expression and purification using E.coli
• Soluble protein expression and recovery optimisation, utilising various strategies
• Utilised assorted protein characterisation methods, to assess the success of mutations in achieving the primary project aims of improved binding and solubility
• Problem solving, perseverance, seeking advice, building relationships and collaborations to facilitate progress and more effective working, not being afraid of changing strategies when necessary
• Ordering materials, general administration and stock management for the research group. Being mindful to allocate to the correct funding and grant codes
• Helping to train and support masters and undergraduate students
• Writing up research and presenting to a variety of audience types
• Analysing data and generating PowerPoint slides to facilitate discussion
• Presentation of my work in seminar format departmentally, in group meetings or in discussions with peers

Laboratory technician - Biocomposites Ltd.

(2014-04 - 2018-01)

Working within the Technical research department responsible for testing start materials, in process components, packaging and finished medical devices. Following quality operating and technical procedures, testing to ensure product regulatory compliance maintained with strict criteria. Reviewing and updating these procedures as necessary. Working to ISO 13485.

• Setting up, maintaining and operating a range of laboratory equipment
• Working alongside the operations team prioritising work to fit with changing production requirements
• Planning and preparing for R&D projects focussing mainly on dealing with antimicrobial resistant, often biofilm soft tissue and orthopaedic infection
• Involvement in planning, conducting and writing up in vitro research
• Identifying UK contract test facilities for R&D project work
• Using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad software to perform statistical analysis, t-tests for significance and preparing graphs/ figures
• Health and safety implementation including COSHH and risk assessments
• Involved with the planning and set up of a second laboratory
• Laboratory compliance monitoring, involved in preparing for and passing an MHRA audit
• Ad hoc work in new product development, developing and researching new test methods
• Additional microbiology and sterilization support role taken on in August 2017, supporting audits and compliance to medical device and sterilisation standards

PhD - Biochemistry - University of Liverpool (2018-03 - 2023-01)

BSC (Hons) - Genetics - Cardiff university (2009-09 - 2013-06)

A levels - St Joseph's college sixth form (2007-09 - 2009-06)

GCSEs - Edensor technology college (2002-09 - 2007-06)