Dr Anna Tang

Profile

I am a translational molecular and cellular biologist working at the interface of molecular biology, protein engineering, and diagnostic innovation. My research focuses on engineered non‑antibody affinity reagents, particularly Adhiron/Affimer scaffolds, and their application to molecular discovery, bacterial detection, and point‑of‑care diagnostics.

I am currently a project‑funded Research Fellow specialising in phage display, leading the development of Adhiron‑based affinity reagents for bacterial detection and identification. This work aims to enable rapid, multiplex lateral flow diagnostics for urinary tract infections, contributing to improved diagnostic capability and antimicrobial stewardship in the context of antimicrobial resistance.

I bring over 20 years’ experience across academic research, biotech, medtech, and regulated industrial R&D environments. Prior to my current role, I spent more than a decade as a Senior Research Technician at the University of Leeds, where I played a central role in establishing and advancing Adhiron/Affimer discovery pipelines and supporting academic–industry collaborations, including work with Avacta Life Sciences.

Alongside my technical and translational work, I completed a part‑time PhD investigating SH3 domain protein–protein interactions using Affimer technology. This research generated mechanistic insights into cell‑signalling pathways, particularly within the Ras signalling network, and contributed to a strong publication record spanning affinity reagent engineering, protein–protein interaction biology, and translational applications.

Earlier in my career, I worked in GLP/GMP and ISO‑regulated industrial environments, contributing to biologics development and in vitro diagnostic innovation, including an automated immunoassay platform that achieved CE marking and FDA clearance.

I am motivated by translating molecular insight into impactful technologies and welcome opportunities for collaboration across academia, biotech, and diagnostics.

Research interests

Core expertise:

• Engineered scaffold proteins and renewable affinity reagents
• Phage display and selection strategy design
• Protein–protein interactions and cell‑signalling biology
• Diagnostic assay development
• Translational research and cross-sector collaboration

Qualifications

• PhD Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds (2023)
• BSc (Hons) Molecular Biology, Newcastle University (2002)