Cambridge-based Enhanc3D Genomics, which develops disruptive technologies to unlock the 3D spatial genome for target and biomarker discovery, has appointed Hazel Jones as chief operating officer.

Following a £10 million Series A financing in October last year, Jones’s appointment is the next step as the company aims to broaden the application of its technology and secure strategic collaboration agreements with pharmaceutical partners.

Jones’s role involves leading, scaling and growing the company’s global business operations and delivering its strategy to commercial and academic partners. Her responsibilities also include long-term strategic planning of logistics and managing alliances with stakeholders.

Jones has more than 10 years’ senior leadership experience in oncology research and working across functions to develop partnerships aligned with complex operational procedures. She has worked in various roles within AstraZeneca, including executive product director of clinical data, and head of business planning and operations in oncology R&D. She was also head of combination therapies at Cancer Research UK.

Dr Debora Lucarelli, chief executive of Enhanc3D Genomics, said: “Hazel’s in-depth experience will be invaluable to the next stages of our development, as we seek to establish strategic partnerships to develop our extensive database of candidate therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers. With a proven ability to operate autonomously across large-scope projects, combined with a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical development process and a people-centric leadership approach, Hazel will play a central role in driving significant operational change to create maximum value for Enhanc3D Genomics’ stakeholders.”

Jones commented: “I’m delighted to join the team at such an exciting stage of the company’s development, and to support Enhanc3D’s vision to ultimately improve outcomes for patients through more targeted treatment options.”