Staff Profile

Balbir has worked at the University of Northampton since 2021 as a Technician Demonstrator (Biomedical Science). His main role involves supporting academic staff and students during our taught undergraduate and postgraduate practical sessions taking place within the Creative Hub Teaching Laboratory CH314. He also ensures all undergraduate students have a Health and Safety Induction before their first laboratory practical of the autumn semester. Balbir is a trained First Aider, Mental Health First Aider and a Fire Warden.

Balbir started his career at Unilever’s Colworth Research & Development site in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire. He worked as a Research Assistant in the Biosciences Department within a team that produced purified monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) for the business. This involved using tissue culture techniques, developing Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and protein purification techniques. He was awarded a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology (Molecular Biology) from the University of Hertfordshire, which was studied on a part-time basis through day release.

In 2005, Balbir joined the University of Roehampton as a Biosciences Analytical Technician. His role involved the preparation and demonstration of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology practicals. He was also involved with the supervision of Primatology MRes student dissertations using ELISA for hormone analysis and supporting Primatology PhD students. He also developed ELISA assays for student practicals and dissertations. He was awarded a MSc in Molecular Biology (IBMS accredited) from Staffordshire University which was studied on a part-time basis through distance learning and block release to attend laboratory practical sessions.