Drug discovery firm Concept to create 75 science jobs at Alderley Park

Drug discovery business Concept Life Sciences is creating jobs in Cheshire with a new operating base at Alderley Park.

The company signed up for laboratory space across two sites on the park’s Mereside campus – 10,111 sq ft for its chemistry team and 2,284 sq ft for its biologists.

Concept will now create 75 science jobs at Alderley Park, including 55 roles for medicinal chemists and biologists.

Work carried out at the facilities will focus on Concept’s drug discovery services, which include medicinal chemistry, pharmacology screening and assay development.

Concept is headquartered in Manchester and employs more than 700 people. Founded in 2014, the company’s core research and analytical insights are used in sectors such as food, pharma, biotech, environmental and agrochemical.

Michael Fort, executive chairman of Concept Life Sciences, said: “This significant investment will enable us to put in place the expertise to support Concept Life Sciences’ projected growth into 2018 and beyond.

“Our expansion to the Mereside campus at Alderley Park is a pivotal step in the development of the group’s corporate and commercial profile to its international client base, opening new opportunities for collaboration and growth, markedly increasing the depth of our scientific offering and capitalising on Concept’s strong track record of delivery.”

Alderley Park managing director Dr Chris Doherty commented: “Concept was looking for world class science facilities and access to talent – and we have both.

“Their track record shows a great deal of progress in a short space of time. Their new Alderley Park base will increase the company’s scientific capacity by over 30%, providing the laboratory and office infrastructure to help maintain that momentum.”

He continued: “We are also sure that Concept will benefit from becoming part of the ecosystem that exists at both Alderley Park and within the wider network of Manchester Science Partnerships, where we have close links with Universities, NHS institutions and research organisations.

“We think the Concept team will feel right at home. They are joining a supportive and highly networked community engaged in the challenging business of science and innovation.”

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