I provide high-quality experimental delivery in assay development, molecular workflows and cell-based systems, integrating quickly into teams and working independently within milestone-driven environments.
With over 20 years of experience leading innovation in molecular assay design, gene synthesis, and single-cell analysis, I bridge scientific expertise and practical execution, delivering results that advance product pipelines and technology development.
Core Services
- I support Companies with Molecular Biology Development
- Molecular Cloning and Construct Generation
- Stable and Transient Cell Expression Systems (Reporter and Protein Genes)
- Molecular and Diagnostic Assay Development
- Design, optimise, validate, and improve molecular and cell-based assays for research and clinical applications.
- Single-Cell and Cell-Based Screening Optimization
- Development and refinement of single-cell workflows and high-throughput screening.
- R&D Troubleshooting and Project Leadership
- Hands-on problem-solving for stalled R&D programs, process optimisation, and cross-functional technical leadership (independent Workstream Ownership).
Target Clients
- Biotech startups seeking senior technical expertise without full-time hires
- Mid-size biotech and diagnostics companies developing new assays or instruments
- Pharmaceutical R&D teams requiring specialist input on assay validation or workflow optimisation
- Academic institutions requiring technical expertise to deliver projects
Engagement Model
- Contract engagements (typically 3-6 months)
- 3-5 days per week (On-site and limited remote flexibility where appropriate)
- Cambridge and surrounding biotech and pharmaceutical cluster
- Clear scope definition with deliverables, milestones, and technical reporting
Competitive Advantage
- Deep technical expertise in both molecular and cellular systems
- Proven track record of innovation and technical troubleshooting
- Adaptable support model for diverse R&D environments
- Strong communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
Availability
Currently available for new Cambridge-based and surrounding regions for contract assignments.
Contact via the Contact Me page or LinkedIn to discuss your upcoming requirements.
Meet Me
With comprehensive skills, I can cater to your diverse projects.
Valentine
Founder, Director
I am an experienced Molecular and cell biologist, and technical leader with 25 years of helping Biotech, Pharma, and Science and Engineering companies and academic institutions teams to accelerate innovation. I have hands-on R&D and leadership experience across molecular diagnostics, advanced assay development (NGS, RNAi, recombinant viral vaccines, tissue and single cell analyses, iPSCs, CRISPR, microfluidics, and gene synthesis. With expertise in bone and cardiovascular disease, cancer therapeutics and diagnostics, virology (HBV (liver disease)and Herpes), aspects of immunology, and the modulation of chromatin structure and gene regulation. I holds a D.Phil. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Oxford.
FAQs
How do you typically work with clients?
I work flexibly, depending on the nature of the challenge. Engagements may be project-based (with defined objectives and deliverables) or time-based for hands-on technical support. Many clients start with a short diagnostic phase before committing to a larger programme.
What types of companies do you work with?
I work with biotechnology and pharmaceutical organisations across early discovery and development, from early-stage companies to established R&D teams within larger organisations, and academic teams.
What problems do clients usually bring to you?
Common challenges include underperforming or poorly reproducible assays, difficulty scaling screening workflows, uncertainty around experimental design, and projects that need technical rescue or an independent expert review.
Do you work on-site, remotely, or both?
Both. Some projects benefit from on-site presence, particularly during assay development or troubleshooting, while others can be delivered fully remotely. The working model is agreed upfront and adapted as the project evolves.
What does the first phase of an engagement look like?
Most engagements begin with a short discovery or diagnostic phase to clarify objectives, constraints, and success criteria. This ensures the work is well-scoped and focused on delivering practical outcomes.
Are you hands-on, or purely advisory?
I remain hands-on where appropriate, particularly during development, optimisation, and troubleshooting phases. Advisory input is always grounded in practical experience and implementation reality.
How do you document your work and ensure knowledge transfer?
I provide clear, structured documentation appropriate to the client’s environment, alongside direct knowledge transfer through walkthroughs, discussions, and close collaboration with internal teams.
Who owns the intellectual property generated during a project?
All foreground IP generated during the engagement belongs to the client, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Confidentiality and IP protection are standard parts of all engagements.
How are fees structured?
Fees depend on scope, duration, and level of involvement. Engagements are typically priced on a daily-rate or fixed-fee basis following an initial discussion to define requirements clearly.
How quickly can you start?
Availability depends on current commitments, but short advisory or diagnostic engagements can often begin within 1–2 weeks. Timing is discussed during the initial call.
Contact me to discuss your R&D and project delivery goals, and how I can help to accomplish your goals.
Why work with me at I BioPharma Consultants?
I would bring:
- 20+ years experience in molecular biology & assay development
- Minimal onboarding required
- Comfortable in early-stage and scaling environments
- Reliable delivery under time pressure
- Professional, straightforward engagement
- Deep expertise in single-cell analyses, ctDNA analysis, establishment & propagation of primary cells and iPSCs, NGS and microfluidics technologies
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and complex platform-development projects
- Clear, structured reporting and transparent communication
- A collaborative, friendly, and scientifically rigorous approach
This will ensure faster progress, clearer decision-making, and lower technical risk.
