Nicolas Nunn

Neuroscientist and technology commercialisation manager with over 10 years' experience in preclinical neuroscience research, with a focus on in vivo physiology and behaviour, and in vitro imaging and electrophysiology. I build practical solutions to experimental problems – for example setting up ECG telemetry recordings and analysis in mice, creating in vivo optogenetics stimulators and coding experimental design tools. I'm looking for a role at the forefront of neurotech, where I can harness and expand my technical expertise.

Enterprise Manager at University of Liverpool (2023– Present)

Commercialising University technology, from initial discussions and disclosures with an academic through IP protection and market assessment, assisting with grant applications, seeking licensing partners and spinout creation.

• Assisting commercialisation of medtech devices across a range of healthcare applications
• Created and delivered the Innovation Ignition Fund, a proof-of-concept commercialisation fund for early-career researchers
• Wrote IP and commercialisation sections for translational research grants, including a successful £600k BBSRC follow-on fund application
• Negotiated option and assignment agreements

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Neurobehaviour at University of Manchester (2012– 2022)

Researching brain circuits controlling energy balance in the lab of Prof. Simon Luckman – how do specific neuronal subpopulations communicate with wider brain networks and respond to incoming signals to control physiology and behaviour?

• Extensive in vivo behaviour and physiology monitoring and brain stimulation in mice and rats, involving surgery to implant telemetry for physiology/behaviour monitoring and brain surgery to deliver viruses and implant drug cannulae or optic fibres for stimulation or recording
• In vitro brain slice electrophysiology, optogenetics and GCaMP imaging
• Set up, maintained and trained users for complex equipment, including in vivo optogenetics setup and 3 in vitro electrophysiology/optogenetics/GCaMP imaging systems
• Awarded Innovation funding to develop my own optogenetics research technology for wireless in vivo opto stimulation
• Collaborative projects with industry partners NovoNordisk and Eli Lilly related to their anti-obesity drug discovery programmes
• Significant contributions to 8+ successful >£500k grants
• Supervised and mentored 3 PhD students and 2 technicians, including editing theses/dissertations, 1-on-1 training and assistance with experimental design and analysis
• Presented my research at international conferences, departmental seminars, lab meetings and to the general public

PhD Preclinical pharmacology and physiology at University of Liverpool (2009– 2012)

Thesis title: The role of XLαs in cardiovascular control in mice, supervised by Dr Antonius Plagge and Dr Richard Barrett-Jolley.

• Developed surgery SOP's and set up equipment for in vivo ECG telemetry in awake mice
• Developed and refined heart rate variability analyses for analysing autonomic output
• Published my research and presented at international conferences

MRes Integrative Mammalian Biology at University of Liverpool (2008– 2009)

BSc Hons in Biochemistry – University of Bristol (2005-01 – 2008-12)

A-Levels in Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Geology – Saffron Walden County High (2003-01 – 2005-12)