Peak Proteins Welcomes Dr Martin Jennings
Peak Proteins welcomes Dr Martin Jennings as Business Development Associate. Martin has over fifteen years’ experience of protein expression and purification, protein biophysics, structural biology, molecular biology, and genetics as a postdoctoral research associate.
Starting Academic Life as a Biochemist
Martin gained a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) before carrying out research for an Industrial CASE award PhD (Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology with Merck Sharpe Dohme) at the University of Manchester. Studying the structure and function of small WW domains, Martin combined NMR and biophysical assays to understand how these proteins specifically bind their targets.
Postdoctoral Research
Martin then worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Manchester under the supervision of Prof. Graham Pavitt and later Prof. Chris Grant and Dr David Talavera. Martin’s research focus changed to studying how proteins are made, more specifically to gain a better understanding of protein translation initiation and how it is regulated under cellular stress. Using yeast as a model organism the research was able to refine two new functions for previously well studies translation initiation factors 1,2 (Nature paper and G&D paper).
Later research concentrated on generating large data sets through next generation sequencing to understand how protein translation is controlled on a cellular scale.
Martin is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and has extensive experience in project student teaching, being responsible for students from GCSE, A-level, Undergraduate, MRes and PhD level.
Having collaborated across the UK, and internationally and presented work all around the world, Martin is looking forward to attending conference and meetings as the world begins to open more fully.
Joining Peak Proteins
Martin commented, “I was keen to move into industry after gaining a great deal of experience in academia. I had become very interested in business since my wife owned a childcare nursery and I became involved in some of behind-the-scenes aspects of that business. Initially I was looking for a laboratory role but after talking to Hazel I realised a role in business development could be a compelling blend of project science and business. Understanding the protein science associated with a client’s project, working with the teams in the laboratory as the project progresses and being involved with client’s meetings is definitely a winning combination for me”.
Dr Hazel Weir, Director of Business Development added, ”
Martin is a great addition to our fast-growing business development team. His expertise in protein science and interest in business development makes him an ideal fit for team”.
Here is a link to Martin’s Google Scholar Page
Life Outside Work
Martin is a keen runner, running around 50 miles a week. An early riser, Martin has run every peak he can reach from his house in Macclesfield. He enjoys family time and loves playing video games with his two daughters.
The image opposite is on Martin with the breath-taking view at Shutlingsloe.
