Meet the Team

How would you describe your role?

I have a varied role but I specialise in IP, working with attorneys to file patent applications, and with scientists to help writing up their inventions. I assist with getting that patent examined and granted. I also work on commercial contacts, manage Nanoco’s grant projects and work closely with our customers.

How long have you been with Nanoco and what made you join?

I started in 2009. I was interested in materials science following my degree in Chemistry, and I was looking for a role in the North West and I came across Nanoco. The technology and the potential for something I was researching to go into real world applications hugely appealed to me.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day. I can spend a portion of each day working on contracts, proposals or project reports. I might have meetings with the legal or technical teams, or customers. Every day is different.

What do you think are the biggest benefits of working at Nanoco?

The people make the company. The cutting edge knowledge is something you cannot experience anywhere else. For me personally it’s also been great to learn from the legal team we work with and gain from their experience. There are many different roles at Nanoco and we have a diverse workforce. There is always something new to learn from others and the work they are doing. Particularly on the IP side, you learn something new each time new technology is developed, which is what I find really interesting and exciting. Working in a smaller organisation has also brought opportunities that you wouldn’t find elsewhere, such as involvement in litigation.

Are there any downsides?

If you don’t like being busy then this isn’t the place for you! The work is fast paced and change is inevitable.

How has your career progressed since you have been working here?

I started working as a chemist in the synthesis of PV materials. I then moved into a role focused on protecting our technology and I have developed that as a specialism. More recently I’ve started working on commercial contracts and managing grant projects.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about joining Nanoco?

Expect the unexpected. No two days will be the same.

How long have you been at Nanoco and what made you join?

I’ve been at Nanoco for nearly seven years. My doctoral and postdoctoral research focused on nanomaterials and quantum dot synthesis, giving me a deep understanding of the challenges in this field. Nanoco’s pioneering work in colloidal III-V quantum dots and its ability to scale up production without compromising quality stood out to me. The team’s expertise and collaborative environment made it the perfect place to grow and contribute.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job is the problem-solving aspect of research. Working in R&D, I enjoy tackling complex challenges, whether it’s developing synthesis methods or troubleshooting unexpected results. I also like being hands-on in the lab every day trying out ideas. There’s always something new to learn, which keeps the work interesting.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I spend a significant amount of time in the lab developing, optimising or scaling-up QD synthesis. I spend time analysing the produced materials using various spectroscopic techniques. I also have regular project update meetings internally and with customers.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?

As a synthetic chemist, I always have a lot of ideas for new experiments, but the challenge is deciding which ones to focus on first. Since there is only so much time in the lab, some ideas have to be set aside, and there’s always a chance of missing something valuable. Finding the right balance between testing new ideas and staying on track with priorities is a challenge, but it also keeps the work exciting.

What has your biggest achievement been since joining Nanoco?

One of my biggest achievements has been leading and contributing to an Innovate UK research project focused on developing InSb quantum dots for sensing. We successfully delivered all parts of the project, and I developed a synthesis method that produces size-tunable InSb quantum dots with excellent optical properties and good scalability.

What makes Nanoco a great place to work? 

For me, it’s the people and the culture. Everyone knows each other and really cares, which makes it a friendly and supportive place to work. The science we do is also very exciting. Scientists are not limited to just one project – we have the freedom to get involved in other projects and work with different teams. This gives us a great chance to learn new things.

How long have you been at Nanoco and what made you join?

I joined Nanoco in 2024 as part of the new Device Team ahead of the commissioning of our onsite Device Laboratory. I’ve always been fascinated by nanotechnology, and I’ve gained a strong interest in Nanoco’s technology since starting my PhD in Physics researching photovoltaic devices, quantum dots and other nanomaterials.

How would you describe your role?

As a senior member of the Device Team, my role involves leading the fabrication of quantum dot devices for R&D and validating our quantum dots for sensing applications. As a member of the wider R&D team, my work provides a fast feedback loop to the Chemists to help improve material performance in devices.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

The thing I love most about my role is the variety. There is a really good balance of hands-on lab work, experiment and project planning, data analysis, interfacing with customers, and collaborating with external partners. It’s exciting to work on a wide range of projects covering different materials and applications.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My lab work focuses on device preparation, then testing their electrical characteristics and using the results to inform the next round of experiments. Outside of the lab, I analyse device and thin film data, attend regular project meetings and contribute to Nanoco’s Health & Safety Committee.

What has your biggest achievement been since joining Nanoco?  

Helping to commission the Device Lab was such a unique experience. Contributing to its growth and seeing the value it has added to the Chemists’ great work has been really rewarding. It was also fun to see the lab be officially opened by the Mayor of Liverpool!

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?

Working at the forefront of quantum dot technology means the work is fast paced and there are always new challenges to overcome. Keeping a regular device fabrication output while also maintaining equipment and balancing other responsibilities can be demanding, but always worth the effort.

What makes Nanoco a great place to work?

For me it’s definitely the people! I feel lucky to work with so many passionate and hardworking people, both in and outside of the labs. Nanoco really encourages collaboration – despite being a Physicist, I work closely with the Chemistry and Engineering Teams which has greatly broadened my skills.

How long have you been at Nanoco and what made you join?

I’ve been with Nanoco around 3 years. I wanted a change of pace where I could better utilise my degree knowledge, while looking into chemical industries I hadn’t considered whilst at university such as semiconductors.

How would you describe your role?

My role involves the testing of raw materials for use in the labs and testing of final products before they go out to customer, as well as keeping the lab instruments in working order.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

The favourite part of the job for me is learning new skills and developing existing knowledge on the various instruments we use around the labs.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day begins with me entering the labs to start the instrument performance checks. I take note of any issues my coworkers may have been having, or any samples due to come through quality control or leave the site. I have a quick brew mid-morning, then carry on with sample analyses. For the rest of the day, I complete office-based paperwork.

What has your biggest achievement been since joining Nanoco?  

My biggest achievement has been setting up a spectrometer for a particular technique. I started from scratch knowing near-nothing about the finer details of this method, expanding my knowledge over a number of months before finally having a breakthrough of how the methodology works and establishing a system still in use in the lab.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role?

Sudden issues with critical instruments or sudden demand for materials testing.  I take it in my stride and prioritise based on the most immediate need.

What makes Nanoco a great place to work?

My coworkers are all a friendly and knowledgeable bunch, a total pleasure to work with, and everybody knows everybody else onsite. There’s also a larger degree of autonomy in how I perform my work compared to my prior work experiences.

How long have you been at Nanoco and what made you join? 

Just over two years ago I was made redundant from my previous role. Rather than simply looking for another job, I wanted to build a lasting career and Nanoco offered me that chance.

How would you describe your role? 

I am someone that enjoys learning new things and developing new skills. This role has given me opportunities to achieve this as it is all-encompassing, which is essential for the progression of the company.

What’s your favourite part of the job? 

As cheesy as this sounds, it’s the people that you work with that make the job.

What does a typical day look like for you? 

No two days are the same. I have learned to be adaptable and plan for the day but to expect the unexpected.

What has your biggest achievement been since joining Nanoco?  

I am currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role? 

There is always so much to get done and fitting it all into the day can be a struggle, but I have learned to priortise and adapt accordingly.

What makes Nanoco a great place to work? 

Nanoco has always put staff safety and training first.