Nottingham based contract research organisation (CRO) Cellomatics Biosciences has expanded its team with the appointment of senior molecular biologist, Dr Lara De Tomasi, in response to recent growth and the continued increase in demand for its bespoke preclinical and early discovery phase expertise.

A specialist in genetics and molecular biology, Lara joins Cellomatics from the University of Sheffield where she was a Research Associate in the Mirna Mustapha Lab, working on the genetics and molecular heterogeneity of spiral ganglion neurons. Prior to this, Lara spent three years at the Imagine Institute of Genetic Diseases in Paris, where she obtained her PhD, researching novel genes in the pathogenesis of congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract.

Based at BioCity Nottingham, Cellomatics is a specialist preclinical CRO with expertise in five main therapeutic areas: oncology, immuno-oncology, immunology, inflammation and respiratory. Founded six years ago, Cellomatics has since positioned itself as the CRO of choice for its growing global client base seeking expert support with the development of bespoke bioassays.

As senior molecular biologist at Cellomatics, Lara will head up client projects with strong genetics and molecular biology components.

Of her appointment, Lara says: “Cellomatics’ preclinical work across various therapeutics areas using diverse technologies greatly appeals to me, and I am excited to have the opportunity to both participate in and lead client projects within Cellomatics’ collaborative working environment. With my interest in biomedical research and specialist focus on disease modelling, Cellomatics feels like the perfect fit, and I am looking forward to applying my expertise to help deliver quality results for the company’s growing network of clients.”

Shailendra Singh, CEO of Cellomatics, says: “We are delighted to welcome Lara to the Cellomatics team. Her robust background in genetics and molecular biology, and strong experience in disease modelling, both in vitro and in vivo, will enhance and add value to the client experience. We are seeing growing demand for our expert support with the development of bespoke bioassays, and Lara’s appointment will help further support this growth as we continue on our upward trajectory.”
Cellomatics was recently crowned regional winner in the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards 2021 and its CEO Shailendra Singh was awarded Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year for the Midlands at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.