Darren graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from Bangor University. After this, he worked in pre-clinical toxicology in animal models as a standard toxicology, reproductive and behavioural toxicology specialist and study supervisor for approximately 5 years. Darren Joined CRCTU in July 2002 as a trial administrator, working in the field of urology (Prostate cancer and Bladder cancer). In 2005 Darren was promoted to Trial coordinator and his first investigator-led study was entitled: TRAPEZE: a phase II/III randomised study combine strontium-89, Zoledronic acid and docetaxel chemotherapy in patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer involving the bone.
Darren has subsequently coordinated a number of academic Phase I and II clinical trials involving medical devices, Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs), Advanced Therapy Investigational Products (ATIMPs) in the field of liver disease. He was one of the first appointees to the new NIHR Liver Biomedical Research unit Founded in August 2009. Darren was responsible along with other senior members of the team for managing a wide portfolio of industry sponsored liver trials (HCV, Auto-immune disease, liver transplantation, NASH) as well as the coordinator for Multiple investigator–led academic/industry collaboration Phase I/II trials in liver cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease, and Hepatitis C re-infection (post-transplant prevention). Thes studies involved IMPs, biological therapy and medical devices. He has worked closely with industry and various clinical teams at the Queen Elizabeth hospital and has run trials on behalf of the University of Birmingham.
In 2016 Darren was appointed a D3B Trials team leader and currently leads the new D3B team portfolio. D3B is a core member of the Birmingham Health partners ITM.