From 1990 to 2001, David was a pre-clinical project leader within the Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular Research Area at AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden where he was responsible for establishing drug discovery projects in the novel area of osteoporosis and bone biology. A key area of focus was the osteoclast acid pump. David started his career within the pharmaceutical industry in the UK at SmithKline & French where he was involved as a biochemist in the drug discovery project leading to the gastric acid inhibitor, pantoprazole.

  David was Senior Project Manager at Respiratory and Inflammation Research Area (RIRA) AstraZeneca R&D, Charnwood, UK, from 2009 to 2011. During this time he was Chairperson/deputy of the Local Project Forum, bringing line managers, project leaders and senior scientists together to manage and support drug discovery projects. He was also member of the Research Area Portfolio Team (RAPT) responsible for implementing strategy and managing the size and shape of the RIRA discovery project portfolio