The LightOx team is growing, with a number of new appointments and promotions bringing new skills and experience to the company.
Andrew Carrod has been appointed as senior chemist; Ben Brown as research scientist; and Shalini Dinesh Kumar as science writer and communications manager, while Cole Sims has been promoted to the new role of business development lead and Natalie to head of biology.
Andrew Carrod has been appointed as Senior Chemist; Ben Brown as Research Scientist; and Shalini Dinesh Kumar as Science Writer and Communications Manager, while Cole Sims has been promoted to the new role of Business Development Lead and Natalie to Head of Biology.
As LightOx CEO, Dr Sam Whitehouse explains, the team is growing at a significant time for the business:
“As we move towards clinical trials for our light-activated oral cancer treatment, it’s essential that we continue to grow our team, adding the right mix of expertise, commercial knowledge and ambition. Our colleagues bring outstanding skills and strengthen our ability to bring vital new treatments to market.”
Natalie Young, head of biology
As head of biology, Natalie Young will work with colleagues across LightOx to translate biological insights into viable therapies.
“My main responsibilities include guiding project priorities and decision-making, I enjoy this blend of science and impact,” said Natalie. “The projects we work on contribute to helping patients, and that’s something I really like about my new role.”
Andrew Carrod, senior chemist
Senior chemist Andrew Carrod works primarily on LightOx’s wound care treatments, which use light-activated technology to destroy bacteria often found in wounds. His role will include leading collaborations with academic and industrial partners, supporting the successful development of these new treatments.
“The collaborative nature of working at LightOx makes it easy to engage with colleagues across different functions, gain insight into their work, and contribute beyond my immediate role. It is clear that LightOx values the development of its employees and encourages the growth of experience and the sharing of ideas,” said Andrew.
Ben Brown, research scientist
Ben Brown has joined the LightOx team as a research scientist, supporting with biological testing of compounds. As a recent graduate from Newcastle University, with a Master’s degree in biochemistry, he described his favourite parts of his role:
“I’m learning tonnes of new techniques and skills in the lab. I only graduated this year so I’m enjoying learning about the inner workings of science in industry rather than in academia, and gaining industry experience.”
Shalini Dinesh Kumar, science writer and communications manager
A new position in the LightOx team is that of science writer and communications manager, with Shalini Dinesh Kumar appointed to the role.
“My role is to bring LightOx’s science to life at every stage for our diverse audience, keeping them informed and included in our journey,” explained Shalini. “I turn complex science into stories people can understand and make sure our audience sees not just what we do, but why it matters – developing next-generation therapies.”
Cole Sims, business development lead
Cole Sims has taken on the role of business development lead, working on securing investment for LightOx’s forthcoming clinical trials. Cole previously worked as LightOx’s head of biology and brings a combination of scientific knowledge and commercial acumen to this new role.
“The best thing about LightOx is the lack of silos. In a larger organisation, it would have been extremely difficult to make the switch out of the lab into business development, but at LightOx it made strategic sense to make the switch and develop me as an employee,” commented Cole.
Find out more about LightOx’s light-activated treatment for oral cancers here, and its wound care treatment here.
