Romario Ferreira-Pontes
Crawley,West Sussex
Summary
Driven chemist interested in building and leveraging machine learning tools for chemical and biological research. Professional experience in automated processes for peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Recently completed an accredited data science course, ready to apply advanced analytical skills to complex problems.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist (DNA Synthesis)
Evonetix
05.2023 - 02.2024
- Operated, maintained, and troubleshot a prototype benchtop DNA synthesiser.
- On-chip microscopy, LC-MS, and preparation of samples for PCR and sequencing.
- Collaborated closely across engineering, biology, and software development groups.
- Scientific lead in a joint project to develop a web app to log instrument runs.
- Key to this role was analysing data and preparing visualisations to clearly describe findings and design future experimentation.
- Responsible for keeping track of consumables and ensuring that stocks were sufficient for planned experimentation.
Research and Automation Scientist
GyreOx
11.2021 - 11.2022
- A wide variety of practical experience working as part of a dynamic biotech start-up, developing novel and rapid routes to cyclopeptidic drug candidates involving enzymes.
- Extensive routine and method development using analytical LC-MS and preparative HPLC-MS.
- A variety of techniques were employed to characterise the chemical and biophysical properties of macrocycles, such as PAMPA and SPR.
- Programming and use of automated liquid handlers Hudson SOLO and Biotage Syro peptide synthesiser.
- Due to the nature of the work (~1,300 unique compounds synthesised and tested during my time at the company), efficient and traceable administrative practices for compounds, samples, batches, run protocols, and data were essential, collated via CDD Vault and SharePoint.
Education
Data Science Bootcamp
Imperial College London
01-2026
MChem(Hons) - Chemistry with industrial experience
University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom01.2018
A-Levels - Biology, Chemistry, Maths
Imberhorne Secondary School and Sixth Form
01.2014
Skills
- Coding tools in Python
- Building machine learning models
- Multivariable analysis techniques and visualisation preparation
- Automated synthesis of peptides and oligonucleotides
- Spectroscopic analysis of small and large molecules
- Mass-directed purification
- Analytical and preparative LC-MS method development
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- GLP experience
- UK driving licence
Other Experiences
- Founded Vinyl Frontier, a student group. The fact that it is still running today, almost 10 years after I graduated, highlights the passion and care I put in and was able to inspire out of my peers.
- General Secretary of ChemSoc, University of Manchester, 2015/2016.
- Self-taught music producer, combining musicianship with technical audio and systems knowledge to write, perform, produce and mix my own music. Creative problem-solving skills were cultivated to come up with inventive and specific approaches to novel sound design and audio clarity demands, marrying my creativity with my scientific fascination in unique ways.
Profile and Portfolio
https://www.linkedin.com/in/romariofp
https://github.com/hyperiondev-bootcamps/RF25070018636/tree/main
Timeline
Scientist (DNA Synthesis)
Evonetix
05.2023 - 02.2024
Research and Automation Scientist
GyreOx
11.2021 - 11.2022
Data Science Bootcamp
Imperial College London
MChem(Hons) - Chemistry with industrial experience
University of Manchester
A-Levels - Biology, Chemistry, Maths
Imberhorne Secondary School and Sixth Form