1. Benjamin McCullough
20 Albemarle Avenue
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE2 3NQ
07414606969 (mobile)
benjaminpmccullough@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmccullough
Newcastle University Biomedical Sciences graduate with academic and commercial
laboratory experience pursuing an opportunity to enter the ever-growing field of medical
research.
E D U C A T I O N
Bachelor of Science (B.SC.), Biomedical Sciences | Newcastle University
2012 - 2015 | First-class honours degree
• Developed vital scientific, experimental and presentational skills through a
multidisciplinary approach to understanding disease processes and treatments.
• Focused on a wide array of interesting modules such as Medical Biotechnology, Cancer
Biology and Therapy and Science Communication. I developed a particularly keen
interest in age-related disease and its affects on an ever increasing aged population
following the study of the student-selected modules Clinical Ageing and Health and the
Biology of Ageing.
• Cultivated a knowledge and understanding of data retrieval (informatics) systems and
modern bioscientific techniques including PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and
ELISA.
Royal Belfast Academical Institution
2005 - 2012
• A-Levels: Biology A, History A, Chemistry B
• AS-Levels: Biology A, History A, Chemistry A, Maths A
• GCSE: 10 A*/As
R E L E V A N T E X P E R I E N C E
Developmental Genetics Research Project | Institute of Genetic Medicine
January 2015 – April 2015 | Newcastle upon Tyne
• Completed a 10-week, self-managed research project studying the ‘Expression of Ephrins
in Early Human Brain Development’ in the final year of my degree. This involved
immunohistochemical and RT-PCR experiments on sections of embryonic and fetal
material from the Human Developmental Biology Resource
• Bioinformatic and statistical analysis was also carried out following interrogation of
human RNA sequencing and exon microarray data to compare gene expression levels
across different anatomical areas and developmental stages.
• Supervised by Prof. S. Lindsay, a leader in the field of developmental genetics, this
experience allowed me to apply and develop my practical skills in a world-class research
environment. I obtained a final first-class mark overall and a Supervisor Lab
Competence & Professionalism mark of 81%.
Quality Control Analyst (Student Placement) | Norbrook Laboratories Ltd.
July 2014 - August 2014 | Newry, Northern Ireland
• Performed chemical testing of pharmaceutical raw materials using methods such as UV /
IR Spectrometry and a variety of wet-chemistry techniques.

2. • Observed HPLC analysis and GC analysis, whilst also performing general laboratory
duties including calibration of equipment and preparations of chemical solutions.
• These experiences, including completing the associated documentation, have given me a
good working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory
Practice (GLP).
Oncology Research Work Experience | Almac Discovery and Almac Diagnostics
September 2015 (Scheduled) | Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Will spend time at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology gaining an insight
into Almac Discovery, a research-driven oncology company dedicated to the discovery
and development of novel, innovative approaches to the treatment of cancer.
• Additionally, I am scheduled to spend time in Almac’s Biomarker Discovery and
Development unit, which provides services ranging from pre-clinical biomarker
discovery, through to full companion diagnostic development, biomarker clinical trial
management and clinical test delivery.
A D D I T I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E
Production Operative | Almac Clinical Trial Supplies
June 2015 – August 2015 | Craigavon, Northern Ireland
• Performed primary and secondary labeling and packaging for a range of dosage forms
including biologic and potent products. This included highly precise filling of placebo
capsules, blistering, sealing and identifying defects.
• Worked to a high degree of accuracy, ensuring the large output of clinical trial supplies
were of exceptional quality. Supplies included those for everything from small Phase I
trials to through to much larger Phase III trials.
Science Writer (Student Publication) | ‘The Courier’
May 2014 - Present | Newcastle upon Tyne
• Writing science articles, film and book reviews for the Newcastle University Courier (The
Guardian's Student Publication of the Year in 2012 and 2013) has allowed me to
communicate with an audience of over 12,000 readers.
• I aim to expand on this experience this year by contributing to Newcastle’s ‘React’
science magazine, a platform for promoting learning, debate, and discussion amongst
students.
Bartender | Hillside Bar and Restaurant
June 2013 - August 2013 | Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
• Interacting with customers at the front & back bar areas, plus serving in the restaurant,
granted me a fantastic opportunity to develop my communication skills in a commercial
environment.
V O L U N T A R Y A C H I E V E M E N T S
• Charity runner, Great North Run - Cancer Research UK, September 2014
• Poverty-alleviation volunteer builder, Mozambique - Habitat for Humanity
International, June 2010
A D D I T I O N A L S K I L L S
I. IT - proficient in Microsoft Office, E-mail, etc. including statistical software such as
MINITAB.
II. Full clean driving license.

3. R E F E R E N C E S :
Prof. Susan Lindsay
Professor of Human Developmental Genetics (Project Supervisor)
Newcastle University
Institute of Human Genetics
International Centre for Life
Central Parkway
NE1 3BZ
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Prof. John Loughlin
Professor of Musculoskeletal Research (Personal Tutor)
Newcastle University
Institute of Cellular Medicine
4th
floor, Catherine Cookson Building
The Medical School
Framlington Place
NE2 4HH
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom