Ian Nicholls
Biosafety Research Scientist
Experienced Microbiologist and Virologist with a range of laboratory skills. Passionate about solving problems and delivering high-quality results using modern technologies.
Wiltshire, United Kingdom
Work Experience
Biosafety Research Scientist
United Kingdom Health Security Agency | Salisbury, Wiltshire
March 2021 - Present
- Conducted environmental sampling for SARS-CoV-2 transmission research across UK workplaces, performing PCR extraction, qPCR analysis, and improving efficiency through automation and macro development, with findings communicated to government officials and published in The Journal of Applied Microbiology
- Demonstrated competency in Containment Level 2 and 3 environments after completing UKHSA NADP training, with extensive experience in PCR techniques, cell culture maintenance, and development of viral assays
- Collaborated cross-departmentally to develop, validate, and utilize mpox PCR assays, including creating quantified control materials and researching commercial alternatives to in-house assays
- Managed laboratory resources including reagents, sampling kits, and consumables, creating systems to ensure continuous lab operations during procurement challenges
- Volunteered for the 2022 MPox UK outbreak response, processing samples in CL3 environments, operating specialized equipment like MagnaPure96 and Qiagility robot, and contributing to sample archiving protocol development
Commercial Biosafety Scientist
United Kingdom Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) | Salisbury, Wiltshire
September 2019 - March 2021
- Conducted aerobiological testing on commercial products including pharmaceutical filtration capsules, HEPA filters, centrifuges, and microbiological safety cabinets in a containment level 2 environment
- Performed tests by aerosolizing known quantities of bacteria or viruses and evaluating product filtration/safety capacity through comparative analysis of recaptured aerosols
- Employed various laboratory techniques including bacterial growth observation and bacteriophage plaque assays to analyze collected data
- Managed projects and compiled comprehensive reports for clients containing detailed findings, interpretations, and recommendations based on test results
- Maintained laboratory efficiency by monitoring and restocking consumables while consistently adhering to risk assessments, Standard Laboratory Procedures (SLPs), and Laboratory Codes of Practice (COPs)
Medical Laboratory Assistant
United Kingdom Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) | Salisbury, Wiltshire
August 2018 - September 2019
- Developed and maintained applications using relevant technologies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time
- Improved performance of existing systems by X%
Healthcare Scientist Practitioner
United Kingdom Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) | Salisbury, Wiltshire
November 2015 - July 2018
- Developed and maintained applications using relevant technologies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time
- Improved performance of existing systems by X%
Healthcare Scientist Support Worker
United Kingdom Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) | Salisbury, Wiltshire
March 2014 - November 2015
- Developed and maintained applications using relevant technologies
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time
- Improved performance of existing systems by X%
Education
Master of Science in Biomedical Science (Medical Microbiology)
Grade: Merit
University of The West of England | Bristol, England
Graduated: 2019
Bachelor of Science in Biology (Hons)
Grade: Upper Second Class
Bath Spa University | Bath, England
Graduated: 2012
Skills
Laboratory Skills
Computer Science Skills
Projects
Inventory Management Python Project (IMPP)
After completion of CS50X I felt compelled to create a solution to a problem at work based on Python. This software utilises a GUI written using the CustomTkinter library, saves products and their expiry dates into a SQL database file using SQLite3 and notifies the end user of upcoming expiries via Windows toast popups.
Links:
Made in 2024
Secret Santa picker
Plug in the names and emals of everyone playing Secret Santa and they will be secretly emailed someone to buy a present for!
Links:
Made in 2025
Office Health and Fitness Challenge
A macro enabled workbook where you and colleagues can add themselves and earn points for activities and healthy living choices going head to head to see who is the winner!
Links:
Made in 2025
WIP - Common Lab Calculations
A page with imputs for automatically calculating formulas used in labs.
Links:
Made in 2025