Justin Hean

Research Career

2026-	Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter	Research assistant with Ben Longdon
2023-2025	University Centre, Cornwall College / University of Plymouth	MSc Ecological and Land Restoration
2017-2023	Evox Therapeutics, UK	Research Group Lead
2015-2016	Dept of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Oxford University	Postdoctoral Research Associate with Matthew Wood
2014	Novartis, Switzerland	Postdoctoral Researcher with Nicole Meisner
2010-2013	Dept of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa	Doctor of Philosophy with Patrick Arbuthnot
2008-2009	Dept of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa	Research assistant
2006-2007	Dept of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa	MSc with Patrick Arbuthnot
2005	Dept of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa	BSc Hons with Patrick Arbuthnot
2002-2004	University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa	BSc

Research

I have followed a less conventional research trajectory spanning molecular virology, biotechnology, and ecology. My early work during my BSc (Hons) and MSc focused on developing catalytic RNA therapeutics targeting hepatitis B virus, followed by a PhD on bioengineering the hepatitis B virus capsid as a vector for nucleic acid delivery. Remaining within the nano-realm, my subsequent postdoctoral and industry research centred on the development and engineering of extracellular vesicles as nanoscale platforms for therapeutic delivery. 

Following a return to academia and retraining in ecology, my research expanded into environmental systems, examining atomic and isotopic markers of river pollution in seagrass ecosystems. I am now excited to continue to explore viruses from a new perspective, investigating the spread, enrichment, and diversity of Lepidopteran viruses within their hosts across the UK.