Open to opportunities

Mark Bird

@markbird

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Versatile pharmacologist with expertise in receptor pharmacology and marketing.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking fully remote scientific or strategic roles that value deep research, scientific communication, and cross-functional project leadership.

I am a versatile and commercially aware pharmacologist with a PhD and extensive postdoctoral expertise in receptor pharmacology, radioligand binding, and functional GPCR assays. My career has spanned both academic and CRO settings, where I have successfully leveraged my scientific depth and communication skills in business development and marketing strategy. Currently, I am spearheading a strategic shift at Gifford Bioscience, focusing on expanding our services into SPR and functional GPCR assays while optimizing our marketing efforts to enhance our position in the US biotech and pharma market.

Throughout my career, I have managed multiple oncology and immunology drug discovery projects, led client communications, and developed innovative protocols. My experience includes authoring high-impact publications and presenting at national conferences, showcasing my commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. I thrive in collaborative environments and am adept at engaging stakeholders, ensuring that scientific insights translate into effective marketing strategies and project leadership.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Scientist & Business Development Strategist

Gifford Bioscience Ltd

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Spearheaded a strategic shift to expand services into SPR and functional GPCR assays using native tissues. Designed a 12-month marketing roadmap across digital advertising, SEO, segmented email nurturing, and thought leadership.

Functional GPCR Assays Digital Advertising SEO Marketing Strategy CRO

Bioassay Scientist

Cellomatics Bioscience Ltd

Aug 2022 - Present (2 years 11 months)

Managed multiple oncology and immunology drug discovery projects for biotech and pharma clients. Led client communications, protocol development, assay execution, data interpretation, and regulatory report submission.

Oncology Drug Discovery Regulatory Reporting

Senior Research Associate

University of Leicester

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 6 months)

Led BHF-funded project on NOP receptor function in endothelial and immune cells under sepsis conditions. Supervised BSc and PhD students, authored high-impact publications, and presented at national conferences.

NOP Receptor Function Sepsis Models GPCR Signalling Presentation

Research Associate

University of Leicester

Jan 2016 - Present (9 years 6 months)

Developed biosensor assays to detect real-time nociceptin release from immune cells. Published first-in-field methods for functional NOP quantification.

Nociceptin Release Immune Cells NOP Quantification Data Analysis Research Methodology

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Leicester

PhD, Pharmacology

Completed a PhD in Pharmacology, focusing on the development of novel bivalent pharmacophores and tetra-branched opioids. Researched methods to reduce tolerance and dependence in opioid compounds.