Darren Wilson

Experience

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  Impact-Solutions

  Jun 2016 - Sept 2017

  Project leader and co-author on a journal involving the failure analysis of plastics, providing information on: - the benefits of failure analysis - how/why failures occur - how to identify failure mechanisms- the legal ramifications of product failure. Lead Research Chemist investigating the synthesis of novel inorganic polymers capable of synergistic utilisation alongside typical thermoplastics to create a composite providing exceptional fire resistance. The product of this research has been branded PolyCi and has potential applications in construction and fireproofing industries.

  • Project Leader and Author

    Jun 2017 - Sept 2017

  • Research Chemist

    Jun 2016 - Jun 2017
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  University of Strathclyde

  Sept 2017 - May 2018

  Final Year Research Student

  Investigating the selective activation of carbon-fluorine bonds through nucleophilic aromatic substitution with organometallic reagents.During this project I gained experience of Schlenk techniques to allow working in inert atmospheres with air and moisture sensitive pyrophoric chemicals such as n-butyllithium. Metal-X exchange (where X = F, Cl, Br, I) is a fundamental synthetic methodology in functionalising aromatic molecules. At present however, activation of the very strong C-F bond is best achieved through catalytic methods. These catalysts typically feature expensive and low abundance metals - a major drawback to large scale synthesis, particularly when high mol% is necessary. Achieving facile C-F bond activation through a mixed metal organometallic reagent presents a difficult challenge, however if it can be achieved then the functionalisation of fluoroarenes may be easily attained through relatively inexpensive methods - a major benefit to the pharmaceutical sector considering approximately a quarter of forthcoming drugs include a fluorine atom. Show less

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  Scaled Solutions Ltd.

  Jan 2019 - Jun 2021

  Scientist

  Servicing the oil and gas production industry by advising methods to mitigate issues involving flow assurance and formation damage. Assessing the performance of chemicals in the inhibition of inorganic scale formation by various methods under pressures and temperatures representative of oilfield production conditions. Developing the use of spectrophotmetry in Oil & Gas related analysis.

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  Devro

  Jun 2021 - now

  Project management of new product development targeting the needs and complexities of customers globally. Leading projects through charter stages to project completion, performing all aspects of development work from small-scale proof of concept through to full commercialisation and upscaling manufacturing. Lead responsibility for large R&D project enhancing the capabilities of on-site manufacturing, tackling problems of engineering natures to logistics with a continuous focus upon teamwork and building solid core-team network foundations.Integral part of a large team creating the first new product brand in many years for on-site manufacturing. Show less

  • Chemical Process Engineer

    Mar 2023 - now

  • Product Development Technologist

    Jun 2021 - Mar 2023