Epoch Biodesign

This week we’re delighted to introduce you to Dr Neil Swainston, our Head of Computational Biology and champion of AI for enzyme engineering! We're excited to spotlight Neil, whose deep expertise in chemistry, computing and synthetic biology drives groundbreaking advancements in enzyme engineering at Epoch Biodesign, as he and his team use cutting-edge AI to design biology to tackle the plastic waste crisis. Neil’s journey into the world of science began in the industrial heart of northeast England, where he grew up surrounded by chemical factories. His early fascination with chemistry led him to pursue a degree in the field, with a transformative year spent at Dow Chemicals in Germany. Here, he got his first taste of working with complex materials which sparked his lifelong curiosity in chemical processes. But Neil's path was anything but linear. Realising his true passion lay at the intersection of chemistry and computing, he transitioned into the world of analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. His work with Waters, a leader in mass spectrometry, allowed him to merge his love for chemistry with cutting-edge computational techniques, analysing and identifying proteins with precision and depth. Neil's insatiable curiosity led him back to academia, diving into systems biology, developing predictive models of metabolic pathways, and exploring the nascent field of synthetic biology. This foundation of interdisciplinary work drives everything we do at Epoch Biodesign, and today Neil plays a pivotal role in bringing together our protein biochemists, synthetic biologists, data scientists and polymer chemists to build enzymes that unlock processes to recycle some of the most complex plastic waste on the planet. Neil leverages his vast experience to push the boundaries of what’s possible and build a more sustainable future, where plastic waste is a resource for the circular economy. Outside of his scientific endeavours, Neil is an avid road and hill runner, he’s currently preparing for his next marathon, ticking off exotic locations as he goes. Here’s to Neil! #GenerativeAI #AI #EnzymeEngineering #EnzymaticRecycling #ComputationBiology

ICYMI: We're #hiring a new Scientific Data Engineer in London, England. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Exciting Friday news - Epoch is #hiring for not one, but two new roles! We're looking for a Scientific Data Engineer and a Lab & Facilities Manager, to join us on our mission to make every plastic recyclable using biology. If grappling with complex lab data or helping us set up our production facility sounds exciting, one of these roles could be just what you're looking for! https://lnkd.in/gcJXV6Jw #Hiring #Sustainability #Jobs #DataEngineer #FacilitiesManager #Startup

Did you see the work of students in France who have engineered a groundbreaking solution to tackle urban plastic pollution? They collect and repurpose discarded chewing gum and transform it into colourful skateboard wheels! Their imaginative proposed collaboration between Mentos and VANS would both repurpose gum and revitalise urban spaces. Plastic waste is vast and varied, and we love to see creativity tackle and transform it into a resource for circular solutions! At Epoch, we relate, you can find out how at epochbiodesign.com #WasteToWonder #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #Innovation #EpochBiodesign

We believe in the power of innovation and storytelling to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. This week, we’re inspired by the incredible ‘Castoffs to Catwalk’ fashion show, which shines a spotlight on the vast clothing dump in Chile that’s visible from space. This unique event underscores the urgent need to address textile waste and highlights creative solutions that transform discarded materials into something beautiful and meaningful. We are on a mission to scale technology that will revolutionise plastic and textile waste, and stories like these remind us of the endless possibilities when sustainability and creativity join forces. Let’s work together to reduce waste, build circular supply chains, and create a more sustainable, resourceful future for all. Check out the full story in The Guardian here, and join us in celebrating the work of #AtacamaFashionWeek. #WastetoWonder #Sustainability #FashionRevolution #CircularEconomy #TextileWaste #EpochBiodesign

We’re delighted to welcome the newest member of the Epoch team, Emanuele Sicurella, who joined us recently as a Machine Learning Engineer! With extensive experience using AI to interpret and advance complex biological systems, we’re excited to have him on board to help design new enzymes to break down plastic waste. Welcome, Emanuele Sicurella!   #MachineLearning #Plastics #Biology #NewHire #Sustainability

We're thrilled to welcome the latest addition to our process team, Adam West, who has joined as a process development chemist, helping us design, optimise and scale our infinite recycling capabilities. Coming to us from the pharma industry, Adam is no stranger to solving tough challenges in chemistry. Plastic waste beware! Welcome, Adam! #NewHire #Circularity #Sustainability #Chemistry #Plastics

This week we welcomed the brilliant Chandula Walgama to the Epoch team as a production chemist. With deep expertise sitting at the intersection of materials circularity and chemistry, Chandula is the latest addition to our fantastic process team working to build the future of plastics recycling. Welcome, Chandula! #NewHire #Circularity #Sustainability #Chemistry #Plastics

🚨New Job Alert🚨 We're hiring a Machine Learning engineer to join us in designing never-before-seen enzymes to transform plastic waste. Apply today and help us build the future of plastics recycling! https://lnkd.in/ewfe_E4G #Jobs #Hiring #AI #MachineLearning #Plastics #Sustainability

We are thrilled to share that we've been selected as one of 10 innovators to join Fashion for Good's 2024 programme! Looking forward to the next 9 months and sharing more about what we've been working on soon. Stay tuned!