James Edward Jenkins
Wantage,United Kingdom
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in scientific and technical skills, specialising in small-molecule design and synthesis. Demonstrates proficiency in medicinal chemistry strategies, SAR development, and multi-step synthetic route planning and optimisation. Skilled in analytical techniques such as NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, and chromatography. Proven track record in project and operational management, including cross-functional project leadership and laboratory fit-out. Adept at CAPEX planning, budgeting, equipment procurement, and managing service contracts to ensure operational continuity. Holds a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt with experience in process improvement projects. Strong resource management capabilities with a focus on chemist resource allocation and laboratory working group leadership.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Scientist 1
Evotec (UK) Ltd.
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
2001.06 - 2025.06
- Lead medicinal chemistry activities across multiple cross‑functional projects, contributing to the design and synthesis of small‑molecule therapeutics along with updating clients with progress reports and forward planning.
- Operated in a dual scientific and facilities role, taking on project management responsibility for a seven new laboratory builds, including design and layout planning, equipment specification, installation, and successful delivery against client‑driven deadlines.
- Collaborate closely with Facilities, Procurement, and external vendors to ensure efficient lab fit‑out, equipment commissioning, and compliance with site requirements.
- Drive departmental operational efficiency, overseeing equipment acquisition strategy, service‑contract management, and technology evaluation through the cross‑site Technology Working Group.
- Manage chemist resource allocation, including assignment of laboratory and desk space to project teams, ensuring optimal utilisation of site capacity.
- Support laboratory operations leadership through the Laboratory Working Group, shaping best‑practice workflows and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Act as site lead for CAPEX planning, responsible for business justification and purchasing equipment and technologies critical to maintaining and improving operational efficiency.
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certified, delivering several internal process‑improvement projects that enhanced workflows, reduced waste, and improved operational performance across the department.
Sales Representative
Yacht Sales, Hamble Point Marina
Southampton, Hampshire
1998.07 - 1999.01
- Enhanced brand visibility by participating in trade shows (Southampton Boat Show)
- Educated customers about product features and benefits
Yacht Maintenance Technician
Osmotech, Hamble Point Marina
Southampton, Hampshire
1997.09 - 1998.07
- Assisted in the repair and maintenance of yachts, including painting, surface preparation, and fibreglass repair.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
University Of Hertfordshire
1998.09 - 2001.06
A-Level - Biology C, Geology C, Chemistry C
Itchen College
1995.09 - 1997.06
GCSE -
Hamble Secondary School
1990.09 - 1995.06
Skills
Scientific & Technical Skills
- Small‑molecule design and synthesis
- Medicinal chemistry strategies & SAR development
- Multi‑step synthetic route planning and optimisation
- Analytical techniques: NMR, LC‑MS, HPLC, chromatography
- Laboratory safety, compliance, and best‑practice workflows
- Technology evaluation & implementation (cross‑site Tech Working Group)
Project & Operational Management
- Cross‑functional project leadership
- Laboratory fit‑out, design, and equipment commissioning
- CAPEX planning, budgeting, and equipment procurement
- Managing equipment service contracts & operational continuity
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt – process improvement projects
Resource Management
- Chemist resource allocation (lab & desk space management)
- Leadership in Laboratory Working Group initiatives
- Close collaboration with Facilities, Procurement & external vendors
- Coordinating cross‑site communication and technology alignment
- Meeting project milestones under tight client‑driven timelines
Publications
1,4-Diazepane compounds as potent and selective CB2 agonists: Optimization
of metabolic stability (Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 2011)
Arylsulfonamide CB2 receptor agonists: SAR and optimization of CB2 selectivity (Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 2008)
Novel 2-Aminopyrimidine Carbamates as Potent and Orally Active Inhibitors of Lck: Synthesis, SAR, and in Vivo Antiinflammatory Activity (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2006)
Patents: WO 2008/014199 A2 (2008), WO 2008/039645 A1 (2008)
References
HR Evotec UK (human-resources-UK@evotec.com)
Dr Edward Walker (edward.walker@evotec.com)
Timeline
Senior Scientist 1
Evotec (UK) Ltd.
2001.06 - 2025.06
BSc (Hons) - Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
University Of Hertfordshire
1998.09 - 2001.06
Sales Representative
Yacht Sales, Hamble Point Marina
1998.07 - 1999.01
Yacht Maintenance Technician
Osmotech, Hamble Point Marina
1997.09 - 1998.07
A-Level - Biology C, Geology C, Chemistry C
Itchen College
1995.09 - 1997.06
GCSE -
Hamble Secondary School
1990.09 - 1995.06