Science firm in city jobs boost

Dundee's life sciences sector has seen recent growth

Up to 75 new jobs will be created in Dundee after a Scandinavian medical sciences company announced a £9.5m research programme.

Cellartis said it planned to develop a new type of process to produce high quality human stem cells.

The Sweden-based firm's three-year programme will involve research and development and manufacturing jobs.

The Scottish Executive has provided £1.2m of funding under its programme to encourage job investment in Scotland.

The announcement came a week after Dundee was hit hard with the news that 650 jobs were to be lost at the city's NCR factory.

'Jobs of tomorrow'

Dundee's life sciences sector has already seen work on developing new treatments for diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

The latest programme, which will also involve the University of Glasgow, will be funded by ITI Life Sciences.

It aims to overcome the current technical hurdles to producing high volumes of quality stem cells, which can be used to test new drugs.

Cellartis chief executive Mats Lundwall said: "Life sciences research in Scotland, particularly in the stem cell area, is recognised internationally and, by establishing a research base in Scotland, we hope to contribute to the growth of this sector while expanding our own business and operations."

Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said: "The jobs of tomorrow will increasingly be in areas with the potential to make a real difference to people's well-being.

"That is why it is vital that we capitalise on Scotland's skills in leading-edge technologies."