James Belcher PhD
Senior Protein Scientist
James has over 20 years experience gained in both industry and academia.
More about James
James is a multi-disciplinary biochemist with over 20 years experience in both academic and industrial laboratories. James’s primary skills focus upon protein science/enzymology (particularly redox active enzymes), molecular biology, molecular diagnostics (MDx) and DMPK.
James graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry. His honours project focussed upon the study of glycosidases (acting in reverse) to produce oligosaccharides. Following his undergraduate degree, he began his PhD at the University of Leicester characterising the mechanisms of electron transfer in enzymes involved in the β-oxidation of fatty acids. During his PhD, his research group relocated to the University of Manchester where he graduated with a doctorate in Biomolecular Science.
James was offered a postdoctoral research position following his PhD where he investigated interactions between a druggable target (DprE1) identified in M. tuberculosis and a suite of novel suicide inhibitors. In parallel, James isolated, characterised and crystalised an unusual bacterial P450 (OLETJE) which catalyses terminal alkenes from fatty acids for potential use in biofuel manufacture.
Following his academic research James accepted a role as Scientist at Qiagen Manchester. He designed, performed and lead small/medium sized teams in feasibility, performance and verification studies developing point-of-care, in-vitro diagnostic assays for emerging oncology chemotherapeutics. Some of the kits he helped to develop were successfully launched as partner diagnostics (IVDs) for new cancer treatments.
After 5 years at Qiagen James took up a position at Cyprotex Discovery working on high throughput DMPK assays at Alderley Park. His particular focus was upon protein binding, solubility (kinetic and thermodynamic) and chemical stability assays with client compounds utilising UV and mass spectroscopy as detection endpoints. Whilst at Cyprotex he performed several successful pilot studies for prospective clients resulting in new contracts as well as continuing the development and optimisation of existing assays.