Mentor Profile for Contract Research Staff

Department  of  Chemistry  -­‐  Mentor  Profile Last  Updated:  25  November  2013  

Professor  Chris  Abell  FMedSci    Professor  in  Biological  Chemistry  Department  of  Chemistry,  University  of  Cambridge  Director  of  Postdoctoral  Affairs      College  Affiliation:  Christ’s  College  Research  Interest  Group:  Biological  For  more  information,  please  visit:  www-­‐abell.ch.cam.ac.uk    

   

About  Me    I  came  to  Cambridge  as  an  undergraduate  and  stayed  on  to  do  a  PhD  in  biological  chemistry.    I  then  did  a  short  postdoc  at  Brown  University  in  the  USA,  before  returning  to  Cambridge  as  a  University  Demonstrator.  I  was  subsequently  promoted  through  the  various  levels  to  professor.  I  run  a  large  research  group  in  the  department,  and  have  significant  entrepreneurial  interests  outside.  I  co-­‐founded  several  companies  including  Astex,  Sphere  Fluidics  and  Aqdot,  and  was  a  founding  director  of  Cambridge  Enterprise.    In  2013  I  was  appointed  to  be  the  first  Director  of  Postdoctoral  Affairs  in  the  University.  In  this  role  I  am  very  involved  in  improving  many  aspects  of  the  postdoctoral  experience  in  Cambridge.    My  Research  Interests    I  am  very  excited  about  doing  multidisciplinary  research.  I  have  a  longstanding  interest  in  developing  fragment-­‐based  methods  for  the  discovery  of  novel  ligands  for  macromolecules.    We  have  a  particular  focus  on  molecules  that  modulate  protein-­‐protein  interactions,  and  also  inhibitors  of  enzymes  from  Mycobacterium  tuberculosis.    The  second  major  area  of  interest  is  in  developing  microdroplets  as  an  experimental  platform.    This  involves  me  in  topics  as  diverse  as  novel  encapsulation  technologies  and  algal  biofuels.    Mentoring  Support  I  Can  Provide  

 • Topics  included  in  my  research  interests  above  • Research-­‐related  issues:  project  management/time  management  • Other  work-­‐related  issues:  people  management/conflict  resolution  • Career  development  and  progression:  career  values,  aspirations,  training  and  paths  • Career  development  and  progression:  routes  to  academic  careers  • Career  development  and  progression:  routes  to  industry  careers  • Widening  your  support  network  • Provide  motivation,  confidence  and  inspiration  

 Mentoring  Availability  and  Contact  

 • Please  email  me  directly  at:  ca26@cam.ac.uk