James oversees the science of the authenticity and profiling team, which comprises experts in the fields of stable isotope analysis; high resolution mass spectrometry; high field nuclear magnetic resonance; and proteomics. Currently, his primary research interests are identification of biomarkers and where applicable, the subsequent development of rapid and/or portable tools for their detection. He is the author and co-author of several food authenticity publications in peer-reviewed journals.

James is the scientific lead and project manager for work relating to food authenticity at Fera Science Ltd. He is a member of the Fera Science Leadership Team, the purpose of which is to advise and provide guidance to the Fera Director of Science. James has broad ranging scientific expertise which includes magnetic and optical spectroscopy, production of biosensors and structural elucidation of unknown chemicals. James has managed and delivered training projects in the form of EU Twinning Light activities for accession countries in the area of authentication.

James is a member of the Food Science Leads at Fera, a team of scientific experts in a range of fields relating to food quality and safety. Dependant on project James works with a range of different specialised teams in areas that include metabolomics, proteomics, genomics and stable isotope research.