Cedric Charrier, NovaBiotics

A love of the study of microbiology and a strong desire to learn English attracted Cedric Charrier to Aberdeen where he now works as a research scientist with biotech firm NovaBiotics.

Cedric Charrier

We talk to Dr Charrier about his academic journey that brought him from France to the cutting-edge world of commercial microbiology.

Tell us about your background

I’m originally from Avignon and studied a degree in biological sciences at the University of Montpellier. As part of the degree, I had to find an end-of-study work placement. I decided to explore my options abroad and Scotland was a favoured destination. I eventually got a placement in the biological sciences department at the University of Paisley. I really enjoyed my experience in there so I decided to continue my studies in Scotland. I was able to get onto the third year of a microbiology degree course at the University of Edinburgh and after two years qualified with a BSc Honours.

By this time I had built a strong desire to continue my studies in scientific research and a PhD seemed to be the obvious choice. I was offered a PhD position at the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen to look at the biochemistry and microbial ecology of butyrate formation in human colonic bacteria. So I moved up to the city where I have been living ever since.

Why not return to France for a PhD?

It is very difficult to get funding for postgraduate studies in France and not much effort is made to facilitate the return of expatriated French students to their homeland. Moreover I had still so much to learn from my country of adoption …

So what attracted you to NovaBiotics?

I had a real interest in carrying on studying the relationships between microbes and the human hosts. Actually I also knew of someone who worked at NovaBiotics and got in touch towards the end of my thesis. After a couple of meetings with NovaBiotics, I was offered a job and started in January 2006.

What is your role at NovaBiotics?

I’m looking at the efficacy of NovaBiotics’ novel antimicrobial agents to combat the bacteria and yeasts associated with acne. Most of my work consists of research and at this stage we managed to secure interest from a major pharmaceutical company.

So far this work has been an absolute dream since the company is very keen for me to have a lot of intellectual input into the work. Project management is achieved through regular meetings with the Head of Research to ensure we meet deadlines. On the top of that I’ve been encouraged and received full support to present data at international conferences and to set the scene for further projects.

How have you found living and working in Aberdeen?

I really enjoy living here as I get a lot of opportunity to do sports activities in the countryside. I like getting out to hike and climb in the mountains, and the roads are good up here for riding as they have very little traffic at the weekend.

I’ve found the people in Aberdeen very friendly and welcoming and while I had a little bit of trouble understanding them at first, I think they had the same problem with my French accent!

More information:

Spotlight on NovaBiotics