Dr Ian Archer appointed as Commercial Director of James Hutton Ltd
The James Hutton Institute is delighted to announce that Dr Ian Archer has been appointed Commercial Director of James Hutton Ltd (James Hutton Scientific Services), as from 28th April.
Dr Archer, a synthetic organic chemist by training, began his industrial career with Zeneca in Grangemouth where he led a working group developing processes for the manufacture of pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates.
He has expertise in all aspects of process scale from synthetic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, design of experiments, analytical chemistry and tech transfer including Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) manufacturing.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Archer said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the James Hutton Group (James Hutton Scientific Services) at such an exciting time. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about the application and commercialisation of scientific research – transforming research science and technology into tangible outputs that create value and impact.
“This role gives me a unique opportunity to apply my experience in industrial chemistry and biotechnology, analysis, process development, techno-economics, and skills development in new ways.
“I’m particularly motivated to support sustainable innovation that drives growth but also minimises environmental impact and safeguards our natural resources. I look forward to working with the team to expand our services and help our partners turn great science into real-world value.”
Most recently, Dr Archer has been the CEO of the new BioConnect Innovation Centre in Co. Monaghan, leading the strategic development of the Centre to support the local agri-food industry to innovate using biotechnology.
He was the Technical Director of Scotland’s Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre from 2015 to 2023, where he was responsible for directing the technical strategy of the Centre to support its industrial members and its £25M Skills programme supporting over 500 students and early career researchers.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the James Hutton Group (James Hutton Scientific Services) at such an exciting time. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about the application and commercialisation of scientific research – transforming research science and technology into tangible outputs that create value and impact.”
Dr Ian Archer, James Hutton Scientific Services
Between 2004 and 2015, Ian led all bioprocesses development at start-up, Ingenza, rekindling his earlier doctoral and post-doctoral interest in biotechnology. As Head of Process Development, he was responsible for all aspects of process development and scale up and successfully scaled several bio-processes for the synthesis of high value chemicals. He developed expertise at the interface of molecular biology, microbiology and bioprocess development.
As the company transitioned into Europe’s leading synthetic biology company Ian’s role became that of a translator between Ingenza’s customers in the chemical industry and its bioscientists using knowledge gained from working alongside process chemists, process engineers, molecular biologists and microbiologists.
He is the author of several patents in the process development and biotechnology areas. More recently Ian has been supporting companies on various elements of their innovation journeys from techno-economic analysis and carbon accounting to skills strategy.
He received his degree and PhD in chemistry from Imperial College, London.
Head of James Hutton Scientific Services, Dr Jonathan Snape, said, “Dr Archer is joining a dynamic, ambitious team. With his skill set, experience and excellent networks he will complement our existing staff and help drive forward exciting new developments at the Hutton on our Invergowrie and Craigiebuckler sites.”
