This is one in a series of blog posts where we highlight members of the global yet2 team. We recently spoke with Jed Allen, project lead based out of our Nottingham office.
How many years have you been at yet2?
After a 3 month internship, I joined the team officially back in September 2024.Â
Â
What industry or technology interests or excites you the most right now?
Structural biology is a passion of mine, particularly cryo-electron microscopy. The ability to capture high-resolution data of individual biomolecules and complexes in their native state is transformative. These advancements not only deepen our understanding of biological processes but also for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
What I find most captivating is the ability to visualise the dynamic movements of protein domains, truly bringing these molecules to life. A great example of this can be seen in the 3DVA training data from CryoSparc. If you’re curious to explore even more striking examples of full-domain flexibility, feel free to reach out—I’d be delighted to share some unpublished movies!
Â
What type of client engagements do you enjoy the most?
My favorite type of engagement is when a client is in the early stages of development, facing a clear business challenge but not yet tied to a specific solution. This phase offers us at yet2 greater freedom to think outside the box, share our insights, and explore solutions from adjacent industries. It’s an exciting opportunity to approach technology scouting with creativity and a fresh perspective, which I enjoy.
Â
Are there any areas/topics in which you consider yourself an expert?
I think the term ‘expert’ can be a bit wishful, especially early in a career. However, I have a solid background in biotechnology, with a PhD focused on assay development and structural biology. My areas of interest are industrial processes, particularly in integrating biotechnology for improvements, as well as applications in health and pharmaceuticals. These topics are where I find the most excitement and opportunity for innovation.
Â
What do you do when you are not working?
Rugby has always been my sport of choice, but after retiring due to a combination of concussions and time commitments, I’ve turned my focus to a variety of other sports. I now try every sport I can get my hands on, including squash, climbing, handball, and running. My latest challenge is preparing for a Hyrox event.
