About Me
I'm Dr Ash Otter, a microbiologist with experience across bacteriology, virology, and immunology, specialising in understanding emerging viruses.
I work within the CBRNe team at Google DeepMind, ensuring AI models remain safe in the context of microbiology risks. Previous to this, I was a group leader within the UK Health Security Agency at Porton Down.
I have extensive interests in all things microbial (not just viruses...) and I'm also a sucker for new technology, with particular interests across zoonoses, high-throughput methodology, AI models for science, and multi-modality.
Employment history
Microbiology Subject Matter Expert
Google DeepMind
Working as part of the Responsible Development and Innovation (ReDI) team, working across virology, microbiology, and AI.
Group Leader, Emerging Pathogen Serology Group
UK Health Security Agency
Leading a group of 13 staff, comprised of post-doctoral research associates, research scientists, and technicians. Expertise in the development, validation, and implementation of serology methods (ELISA, Luminex, MSD, LFDs etc) for a range of emerging pathogens, including for Mpox, Lassa, and Nipah.
Lead on submitting external funding applications to UKVN and UKRI with academic and industrial partners.
Technical Lead, SARS-CoV-2 Serosurveillance laboratory
UK Health Security Agency
Leading on the implementation and evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 serology assays for use in serosurveillance and vaccine/research studies. Data used for national modelling and policy decision making (JCVI, DCMO).
Over 1.3 million tests conducted to date. Establishment of laboratory as new permanent group within UKHSA Porton (Emerging Pathogen Serology).
Research Scientist, Diagnostic Support - Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory
UK Health Security Agency
Involved in the development, evaluation, validation and implementation of new commercial and in-house diagnostic assays for diverse ACDP 2, 3 and 4 priority pathogens, including Arboviruses and viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Part of RIPL 24/7 on-call team, supporting with PCR testing.
Education
PhD in molecular microbiology
University of London (RVC)
Thesis: "Understanding the role of Rv1255c, a TetR transcriptional regulator encoded in the RD13 region of Mycobacterium tuberculosis"
BSc Microbiology
Cardiff University
First-class honors. With industrial placement year.
Other Positions
Pathogenesis and Immunity Lead, ESCMID Scientific Affairs Subcommittee
Providing expertise within the the area of immunity and pathogenesis for ESCMID-related scientific affairs meetings and events.
Chair, Microbiology Society, Federation of Infection Societies
Spearheading efforts to promote infection science within Microbiology Society community and bridging clinical and wet-lab research.
Member, Vector-borne Diseases Technical Group, UK Health Security Agency
Contributing to assessment of managing and categorising vector-borne infections and risks within UK.
Serology Lead, Monkeypox Technical Group, UK Health Security Agency
Technical expertise for serology for Mpox incident response and subsequent follow on studies.
Visiting Lecturer (Part-time), University of Bath
Delivering lectures on diagnostics, immunology and emerging infections.
Senior Leadership Team, SIREN Study, UK Health Security Agency
Providing strategic leadership within area of serology testing and sample management for UKHSA SIREN study.
Editor, Journal of Medical Microbiology
Managing manuscript reviews and guiding editorial decisions, with a focus on virology, diagnostics, and emerging pathogens.
Sero-epidemiology Steering Group, UK Health Security Agency
Aiding in decision making on serosurveillance projects and sample utilisation.
Visiting Specialist Lecturer (Part-time), University of Plymouth
Teaching on subjects including emerging pathogens, diagnostics and vaccines.