Dr Natalie Jones is the Hub Project Manager for MicroTex, bringing a combination of deep scientific expertise and strategic project leadership to the ambitious and innovative MicroTex project. With an extensive academic background and hands-on experience working within complex research environments, Natalie plays a central role in turning innovative ideas into coordinated, deliverable impact.
As a biomedical scientist and experienced project manager, Natalie understands the realities of academic research from the inside out. Her role at MicroTex is to ensure that cutting-edge science is supported by strong coordination, clear communication, and effective delivery, so that transformative healthcare technologies can reach the people they are designed to benefit.
Background
Natalie’s academic career spans biochemistry, cardiovascular biology, and renal physiology. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry with Molecular Medicine at the University of Nottingham, followed by an MSc and PhD in Cardiovascular Biology at the University of Edinburgh. Her doctoral research focused on blood pressure regulation in the kidney and the in vivo assessment of blood haemodynamics, followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, investigating renal sodium handling in vivo.
Through this work, Natalie developed extensive experience navigating the scientific, logistical, and operational challenges that large research projects face as they evolve. This insight now underpins her work at MicroTex, where she brings together diverse disciplines, institutions, and partners around a shared goal.
Before joining MicroTex, Natalie worked on the EPSRC Transformative Healthcare Technologies “U-Care” 2050 project, which explored the use of deep ultraviolet light for healthcare applications. She joined the MicroTex team at its inception, bringing continuity, organisational leadership, and a strong commitment to translating innovation into real-world benefit. Alongside her scientific and managerial expertise, Natalie has a strong interest in patient and public involvement and engagement, recognising its importance in ensuring that new technologies are meaningful, trusted, and impactful.
The importance of her role
As Hub Project Manager, Natalie oversees the coordination, delivery, and strategic alignment of the MicroTex Hub to ensure its success. She works across science, operations, and strategy by connecting people, aligning priorities, and translating plans into action.
Her role is essential in keeping the programme on track: managing timelines and budgets, coordinating partners, removing barriers, and ensuring that the right conversations are happening at the right time. By maintaining a clear view of the bigger picture while supporting day-to-day delivery, Natalie enables MicroTex achieves its goals—developing innovative technologies that have the potential to transform healthcare