Rich scientist

It is unlikely that either of the applicants is George Poste, research director of drugs giant SmithKline Beecham, who could not afford the job even with 100 per cent of the salary. Although chief executive Jan Leschly has hogged the headlines with talk of his Pounds 66 million in share options and bonuses, Poste has cashed in some of his options to yield Pounds 1.6 million cash and has over Pounds 5 million worth left over. Can anyone think of a more highly-paid scientist in Britain?