Our Team

People drive innovation

At DJS our greatest asset is our team. People are at the heart of every idea, breakthrough, innovation, and development. As a team, we aspire to create the next generation of antibody therapeutics so that we can change patients’ lives. We love working with people who share this vision and are passionate about pushing the boundaries of science to improve human health.

Our team is built on enthusiasm, energy, love for science, inquisitiveness, transparency, and trust. We value being challenged and treat every day as an opportunity for improvement. Diversity of opinion and background is critical to our success, and thus as we grow, we are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive team.

Director, Research

Joe Illingworth

Joe is the CSO and Co-Founder of DJS Antibodies. Joe loves working in a small and focussed team to solve problems creatively. He was a leader in the establishment of HEPTAD, the mAb discovery engine at the heart of DJS, and now oversees all R&D activities within the company. His work covers mAb discovery and screening through to preclinical development of lead drugs, and he works closely with industry-leading experts as well as managing several government funded projects.

Joe holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Imperial College London and a PhD in antibody discovery and characterisation from the University of Oxford. After studying Joe worked as an academic on antibody induction and vaccination.

In his spare time he loves playing the guitar, sailing, kicking a football around and growing vegetables.

Director Scientist

Dale Starkie

Dale joins DJS Antibodies as a Director with 10 years of experience in antibody discovery, projects and therapeutics at UCB Celltech. Throughout his career, Dale has worked on multiple antibody programs including three clinical candidates as well as building innovative and world-class antibody discovery methodologies. At DJS Dale will bring forth all his experience to drive forward DJS Antibodies lead programs and help build the antibody platform.
Dale holds a BSc in Virology from the University of Warwick and a PhD in Neuroscience from University Colledge London where he utilised novel antibody technologies to explore the biological underpinnings of neurodegenerative disease.
Dale enjoys exciting science and addressing challenging biology utilising antibody modalities, within innovative and passionate teams. Whilst being driven by a desire to deliver high-quality molecules to patients suffering from disease.

Outside of work Dale enjoys everything outdoors and challenging from skiing and climbing to ultramarathon running. `

Senior Scientist I

Liz Allen

Elizabeth joined DJS Antibodies after working in vaccinology and virology research at the University of Oxford. Elizabeth completed a DPhil in Clinical medicine where she used structural biology to study antibody responses to emerging viruses. She then continued as a post-doc where she worked on developing vaccines for COVID-19.
Having spent her research career at the University of Oxford she is excited for the new challenge of working in biotech. At DJS she will be applying her skills in B-cell isolation and screening to discover novel monoclonal antibodies.

Outside of the lab, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, climbing and experimenting in the kitchen.

Senior Research Associate

Lara Bavinton

Before joining DJS Lara completed an MRes in Biomedical Research at Imperial College. Throughout her studies, she developed an interest in disease biology and practical laboratory science. Lara likes a challenge, and so is keen to apply her skills to the field of drug discovery. She thrives in fast-paced environments and working in a close-knit team.

As a research associate at DJS, Lara is responsible for performing a wide variety of lab tasks including cell culture, protein expression and purification, cell-based assays, and data analysis.

While not at work she is likely to be doing some sort of exercise (probably running) or be napping alongside one of her dogs.

Office Manager

Amanda Hall

Amanda has a passion for developing positive business cultures and has a track record of combining this with improving efficiency in administrative systems and processes. Having worked in a number of businesses large and small in both the UK and the US, Amanda saw the potential to make a significant contribution with DJS Antibodies. She is excited now to meet the challenges of our growing business. Outside of work, Amanda is a committed runner (albeit a little slow) foodie and loves to travel.
Senior Research Associate

Megan Ingham

Megan is motivated to pursue a career in drug discovery due to the opportunity to make a positive impact in science, and to be part of an innovative industry aiming to develop new medicines. Working at DJS Antibodies has allowed her to fulfil her aspirations as a scientist whilst also enjoying the team spirit, and dynamic, fast-paced environment that working in a small company offers.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and a MRes in Neuroscience, Megan joined DJS Antibodies as a Research Assistant. Working in the lab full-time has allowed her to expand her knowledge, develop her skill set and build up a large repertoire of lab skills and experimental techniques. She currently contributes towards the day-to-day running of the lab, development of new assays and management of our high-throughput antibody screening programmes.

When she is not working, Megan enjoys walking in the countryside with her springer spaniel, cycling, skiing, painting and baking.

Research Associate Scientist II

Nathan Jones

Nathan has been fascinated by science from an early age, with his Nan being a great influence and supporter. However, It wasn’t until he started university that he began to fully appreciate the scale and vastness of how much we still don’t know. Having graduated with a PhD from the University of Nottingham, working on DNA replication and repair, Nathan decided that he wanted to work closely on something that has the potential to change many lives; now working for DJS he will be doing this with every experiment performed. Outside of work Nathan is an avid Lindy-hop dancer, while also enjoying bouldering, cooking, and a good read.
Principal Scientist I

Adam Kupinski

Adam completed his MSc in biotechnology at the University of Gdansk (Poland), following this he then went on to do a PhD in Biology at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden (Germany) where he studied developmental biology. After completing two postdoctoral research projects at the Centre for Regenerative Therapies in Dresden and University of Leeds he then moved to the pharma industry working in neuroscience drug discovery.

Adam very much enjoys scientific discovery where each experiment is a small step towards addressing a greater question and at the same time is a signpost where to step next. He believes that this passion can ultimately be turned to the patients' benefit. After working for some time in a larger pharmaceutical organisation he is looking forward to the challenge and new pace of a biotech company.

Outside of the lab in his spare time Adam likes being outdoors watching birds and insects and hiking with his son showing him the beauty of the natural world.

Senior Project Manager R&D

Gen Labbe

Gen shepherds DJS’s antibody candidates from the lab to the clinic. She joined DJS with 10 years’ experience in biotech start-ups, loving the urgency and excitement of developing innovative products with huge public health potential.

In her preceding role, Gen led antigen design and pre-clinical assays development at SpyBiotech and managed the Phase 1 CMC program of the company’s first vaccine candidate. Earlier in her career, she developed transgenic mosquitoes at Oxitec to combat vector-borne diseases and worked on recombinant antibodies and pre-clinical malaria vaccine development at Oxford University’s Jenner Institute. Gen holds an MSc in Molecular and Cellular Genetics from Lyon1 University (France) and a PhD in Molecular Entomology from Imperial College London.

In her spare time, Gen enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and playing racket sports.

Christopher Lynch
Senior Scientist II

Chris Lynch

Chris has been working in medical research and drug discovery for the past ~13 years. Encompassing stints at the Institute of Cancer Research, a PhD from Imperial College London, postdoc at Oxford University, and as a scientist at an Oxford Biotech start-up.
With a passion for understanding and engineering the structure/function of protein:protein interactions, Chris’ experience spans numerous protein families from antibodies, cell surface receptors, immune signalling ligands inhibited by tick salvia proteins to haemostatic proteins/enzymes.
Driven by an excitement for making a meaningful impact to patients' lives, Chris is thrilled to join the ambitious and successful DJS team. He eagerly looks forward to contributing to the development and application of therapeutic molecules.
Outside of work he enjoys hobbies that involve running around and hitting a round object with a handheld implement, although these have been curtailed by the recent arrival of a baby boy!
Tom Mills
Research Associate Scientist II

Tom Mills

Before joining DJS as a Research Assistant, Tom completed a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology at the University of Bath. Through this degree he developed an interest in drug discovery and how the development of new treatments can provide a positive impact to people’s lives. At DJS, Tom is keen to expand his knowledge of the drug discovery process and develop his skillset through full-time lab work.
Away from DJS, Tom is a keen hockey player, skier and runner who also enjoys immersing himself in other people’s cultures through world travel.
Research Associate

Cara Saunders

Whilst completing her BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and MSc in Chemical Biology and Drug Design at the University of Leeds, Cara developed an interest in drug discovery. This drew her attention towards scientific research and fuelled her passion for learning new things.

As a research associate at DJS, Cara is keen to make a real impact to people’s lives and the world around us whilst developing her skills in the lab.

In her spare time, you’ll find Cara making her own clothes, finding new places to travel to or participating in various sports, including swimming and running.

Amy Sawtell profile picture
Senior Scientist II

Amy Sawtell

Amy has a passion for Immunology built from working in the field throughout her career. She obtained a BSc in Biological Sciences with honours in Immunology from The University of Edinburgh and completed a PhD at The University of York investigating neutrophil dynamics in tissue draining lymph nodes. Continuing her passion for neutrophils at QMUL when she did a Postdoc. Following this Amy then made the move to work in drug discovery at UCB. Over 7 years she honed her skills as a cellular pharmacologist, developing various complex screening assays for both antibody and small molecule projects. Amy is excited by novel, cutting edge science, especially when arising from the simplest ideas, she loves working as part of a team and thrives in collaborative environments. Amy is excited to join the team at DJS and bring her skills in immunology and pharmacology to help drive projects through to the clinic, and ultimately to bring new medicines to patients. Aside from of science, and keeping two small children alive, she enjoys playing sports, visiting beautiful places, and going to see bands or comedy shows.
Louise Speight
Research Associate Scientist II

Louise Speight

Louise began her scientific career working at UCB, where she initially joined on an apprenticeship programme. Throughout the 7 years she spent within the Antibody Discovery department, Louise developed a diverse skill set and gained expertise in both B-cell screening and in vitro display technologies. Louise went on to study Biomedical Sciences BSc at Brunel University and looks forward to applying her knowledge to develop novel therapeutics. At DJS, Louise is generating key experimental data to drive progression of the DJS-001 project and is excited to explore new areas of drug development research.
Outside of the lab, Louise loves many types of dancing and enjoys going for walks.
Research Associate

Willem Caney

Willem has always had a passion for immunology and is fascinated by discovering new ways to modulate the immune system. During his BSc in Biochemistry at Imperial College London, his studies focused on immunology, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases giving him the opportunity to delve into understanding the intricacies of such disease areas and to discover new therapeutic approaches. Previously Willem worked in the cell and gene therapy field focused on treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Willem is very excited to be starting his career with DJS Antibodies working as a Research Associate and is looking forward to contributing to the team and developing his lab skills further.
Besides working, Willem can be found in the countryside walking with his two flat-coated retrievers, running, or trying his hand at golf.
Senior Scientist I - Immunology

Alina Janney

During Alina’s studies of Biology in Germany, she worked with inspiring mentors who introduced her to the world of Immunology. She was particularly intrigued by Mucosal Immunology and its role in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. She therefore pursued a DPhil at the University of Oxford characterizing immune cell niches during inflammation-driven cancer. During a subsequent postdoc on CRC interventions, her desire grew to use her skills to improve the life of patients. She is therefore excited to be part of the DJS team and work together on tackling some of the unmet medical needs worldwide.

Outside the lab, she enjoys taking her young family on adventures near and far. Often these include visiting family scattered all along the Atlantic and Pacific Coast –where sun and great seafood always awaits!

Industrial Placement Student

Molly Nash

Molly has joined DJS Antibodies as an Industrial Placement Student and will be developing a novel bispecific antibody modality for therapeutic receptor silencing. This placement forms part of her Biology (BSc) degree at the University of York. Through her studies and previous work experience, Molly has developed a keen interest in microbiology and immunology. She is excited to join the team and is eager to contribute to the groundbreaking research in this fascinating field being undertaken at DJS Antibodies.
Outside of work, Molly enjoys a variety of hobbies, ranging from crafts like painting and crocheting to active pursuits such as hiking, camping, and bouldering.
Lu Li
Scientist II

Lu Li

Lu is passionate about research with a focus on translational discoveries. She earned her PhD in Immunology from the University of Oxford. Her professional experience includes roles at Immunocore, the Target Discovery Institute, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. In her free time, Lu enjoys singing, exploring different cuisines, playing games, and traveling.