About
Summary
PhD-trained molecular biologist with experience in protein biochemistry, antimicrobial drug discovery, and advanced cell-based assay development. Skilled in mammalian cell culture, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, high-content imaging, and biophysical characterization techniques including HPLC and circular dichroism. Strong record of contributing to multidisciplinary research through assay design, data analysis, and image-based phenotyping, including participation in UK–SA MRC Accelerator collaborations. Experienced in laboratory management, method optimization, equipment oversight, and training of junior researchers. Adept at integrating computational tools, implementing quality systems (GLP/GMP principles), and supporting early-stage therapeutic development. Passionate about applying innovative laboratory and analytical approaches to accelerate scientific discovery in industry and academic environments.
Positions
Laboratory manager May 2022 - Sep 2024
Biochemistry, UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
As Laboratory Manager, I established and led a fully operational biotherapeutics research laboratory supporting SA–UK collaborative projects. I optimized resource use and experimental workflows, reducing overall project costs while improving data reliability and throughput. I oversaw procurement, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and GLP-aligned documentation, ensuring uninterrupted laboratory operations. I trained and supervised students and junior researchers, implemented standardized protocols, and enhanced day-to-day efficiency through improved planning, troubleshooting, and workflow coordination. This role strengthened my leadership abilities, technical oversight, and capacity to maintain a high-performing research environment.
Junior researcher Jan 2021 - Sep 2024
Biochemistry, UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
At the University of Pretoria, I contributed to a major international UK–SA MRC collaboration focused on accelerating antimicrobial drug discovery. My work involved designing and optimizing in vitro and in vivo assays for characterizing antimicrobial peptides, applying biophysical techniques (HPLC, circular dichroism) and molecular dynamics simulations to guide lead selection and improve experimental efficiency. I supported cross-disciplinary teams by generating high-quality data, streamlining peptide characterization workflows, and advancing candidates through early discovery phases. This role strengthened my expertise in protein science, assay development, and computational–experimental integration, while reinforcing strong collaboration, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.
Education
University of Pretoria 2021 - 2025
Field of study: Biochemistry
Degree: PhD
My PhD formed part of a larger collaboration between the SA- and UK-MRC, which focused on accelerating the development of new antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. During my PhD, I used a previously studied antimicrobial peptide, A3, that showed some success against Gram-positive bacteria. This peptide was used as a template to rationally design derivatives with improved antibiotic activity. The study resulted in two candidates with therapeutic potential, as well as a deeper understanding of the characteristics needed for a effective antimicrobial peptide.
Skills
Mammalian cell culture (HEK293, CHO, primary immune cells)
Bacterial cell culture
Protein expression and purification (microbial systems, chromatography systems)
PCR, qPCR
Flow cytometry
Confocal microscopy
High-content imaging (HCI)
Cell-based assays (functional, viability, reporter assays)
In vitro assay development and optimization
ELISA and immunoassays
SDS-PAGE, Western blotting
HPLC
UV-Vis spectroscopy
Circular dichroism
Biophysical characterization of proteins and peptides
Assay development for antimicrobial peptides
Aseptic technique
GLP/GCP/GMP-compliant laboratory practices
ISO 13485 / ISO 17025 familiarity
Equipment calibration, qualification, and maintenance
Laboratory automation (liquid handling, workflows)
Python
MATLAB
Molecular dynamics simulations (MD)
Computational peptide modeling
Bioinformatics analysis for protein/sequence work
Statistical analysis (GraphPad Prism, Excel advanced functions)
Data visualization tools
LIMS and EDC platforms
AI-assisted analytics
n8n workflow automation
AI agent development
Large dataset interpretation & QC
eCRF setup, query management, dataset validation
Database design and testing
SOP documentation and data integrity verification
Data management (CDM) and clinical datasets
Data cleaning and query generation
eTMF documentation and filing
Quality assurance & audit support
Compliance with GLP, GCP, GMP
Deviations, OOS, CAPA processes
SOP development, revision, and implementation
Equipment validation and calibration coordination
Risk assessments (ICH Q9/Q10)
Documentation control
Sample tracking, traceability, chain-of-custody systems
Laboratory setup and operational management
Procurement, budgeting, and resource optimization
Supervising and mentoring junior researchers and students
Task delegation and workload planning
Laboratory workflow optimization (reducing costs/time-to-data)
Equipment oversight and compliance
Multi-project coordination
Strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration
Team leadership and skills development
Troubleshooting experimental issues and operational bottlenecks
Scientific writing (manuscripts, reports, presentations)
Grant writing and proposal development
Literature review and technical research
Medical writing and communication
Conference abstracts and presentation development
Data presentation (for internal/external teams)
Training and onboarding of lab personnel
Strong verbal and written communication
Cross-functional collaboration across teams
Problem-solving and analytical reasoning
High attention to detail and quality
Time management and prioritization
Adaptability and learning new technologies quickly
Value-proposition development
Training curriculum development
Presentation development for scientific audiences
AI prompt evaluation and refinement
Evaluating AI biological outputs
Creating challenging biology problems for LLM testing
AI-driven science content validation
Business process automation with AI
Professional interests
Drug Discovery & Therapeutic Development:
Antimalarial drug discovery
Host–pathogen protein interaction targeting
Peptide and protein therapeutic development
High-throughput screening of peptide analogues
Structure-guided design of inhibitors
Computational & Biophysical Approaches:
Molecular dynamics simulations
Computational modelling of peptides/proteins
Integrating biophysical data with computational insights
Single-molecule fluorescence and confocal microscopy analysis
CV
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