Emily Kilpin

I currently work for this private pathology company in South Africa. I am working in multiple pathology disciplines, which is a challenge but I am learning a lot. Due to unforseen circumstances I moved very rapidly into a multisite managerial role. I manage 3 different sites across the province of KwaZulu Natal. I am mainly providing people management with some technical management on the side because one of the sites has some molecular virology testing. I have had to dive into this part of the lab because it is not something that anyone there is familiar with. The company is expanding rapidly. I have implemented new compliance with industry regulations by enforcing strict adherence to guidelines within the team. Standards of laboratory health and safety are very different in South Africa but I have conducted regular training sessions, ensuring up-to-date health and safety knowledge amongst staff. I enjoy this post but would like to get back to Europe.

I was working in the Molecular Virology section of the laboratory for this 3 month contract. Extracting specimens using the Nucleosense Eastmag. Performing routine viral PCRs using various commercial kits. I have an in-depth understanding of the set up of a molecular virology laboratory. I completed appropriate maintenance, performed troubleshooting, quality control, health and safety procedures and all paperwork. Stock control is also a very important part of this post. This contract was for 3 months and I will be available for new positions mid August.

• I relocated to South Africa in April 2023 to help my mother after the passing of my father. This was a difficult decision, as I had to leave my job and my home in England. However, I knew that it was the right thing to do for my mother.
• I have been spending my time caring for my mother and helping her through her grief. In addition, I have also been taking steps to adjust to my new life in South Africa.
• I have also been proactive in my job search. I have been networking with people in my industry and submitting my resume to relevant job openings.

I was recruited in March of 2021 by the UK Health Security Agency as a Senior Scientific Advisor for the Coronavirus Test Device Approvals unit (CTDA).

• The CTDA required antigen and molecular COVID-19 tests to undergo mandatory desktop review in order to assess their performance prior to being put into service or placed on the UK market.
• This review set out the context in which the legislation was introduced, including the course of the pandemic at the time and the availability of testing.
• Initially I was brought to the unit for a 3-month fixed term contract by The UK Health Security Agency, however this contract extended over a two-year period, until I moved to South Africa.
• I worked with a diverse team of scientific advisers on this regulatory panel, with the sole purpose of ensuring that diagnostic products for SARS-CoV-2 on the UK market met essential criteria.
• During this time I provided expert advice to government ministers and officials on a wide range of scientific and technical issues.
• I worked to ensure that government policy would be based on sound scientific evidence so that the UK remained at the forefront of diagnostics and innovation.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of a system for assessing the quality and performance of diagnostic products for SARS-CoV-2.
• These criteria assessed the essential characteristics of diagnostic products, such as accuracy, precision, and analytical sensitivity and specificity.
• This was used to advise on the need for regulation and the scope of regulation. It would also involve monitoring the performance of the regulatory system and recommending changes as needed.
• Communicating with the scientific community and the public about the importance of quality assurance of diagnostic products for SARS-CoV-2.
• Explaining essential criteria for diagnostic products, the process for evaluating their performance, and the importance of using high-quality diagnostic products.
• It also involved responding to questions and concerns from the public about the safety and effectiveness of diagnostic products.
• During this time I needed to have a strong understanding of the scientific principles underlying diagnostic testing, as well as the regulatory framework for medical devices.
• I used my effective communication skills to consult with scientists, policymakers and the public.

I was responsible for setting up a brand-new laboratory in the private sector for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing.

• This involved validating and verifying equipment and procedures, and working towards an extension to scope for UKAS accreditation of the service.
• I applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines, and demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
• I identified issues, analysed information, and provided solutions to problems.
• I worked well in a team setting, providing support, training and guidance. The employment was short because a civil service position became available which was better suited at the time.

I was the Chief Biomedical Scientist and Training Manager at Bart Health NHS Trust, where I was responsible for the management of the molecular virology department, reception and the delivery of training across pathology.

• I implemented various testing platforms to facilitate the diagnosis of viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. This enabled me to develop testing strategies that positively impacted turnaround times.
• I hired multiple trainees from universities and internal degree holding staff. I mentored a lot of these students/staff members to registration. This is one of the proudest parts of my career to date.
• I was heavily involved in recruitment of staff and enjoyed this part of my post.
• I also planned for new hires to perform cross-training exercises with experienced workers, organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.
• I conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
• Collaborated with other departments to align training programs with organisational goals and objectives.
• Drove departmental performance and achievement of service levels through focused team operational reviews, structured coaching and managing to enterprise targets. During this tenure next generation sequencing was introduced into the laboratory. I have an in-depth knowledge of the technology.
• I utilised Quality Management Systems to measure the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations, taking prompt corrective action to ensure quality standards were met.
• Maintained a safe laboratory environment, following safety practices across all tasks, including the safe disposal of biohazard waste and infection control. Improved reliability and longevity of lab equipment through preventative and corrective maintenance.
• Employed regular review to maintain documents and procedures within laboratory accreditation specifications, including COSHH, SOPs and ISO15189. Ensuring that the laboratory maintained UKAS accreditation.

As a Senior Biomedical Scientist at Barts Health NHS Trust, I supervised a team of 30 biomedical scientists, laboratory assistants, and clinical scientists in the molecular virology department.

• I was responsible for the day-to-day running of the section, ensuring that the broad catalogue of in-house PCRs was performed according to quality control standards.
• I also upheld requirements for data collection, reporting, and quality control for all assays.
• I used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
• I gained strong leadership skills by managing projects and people.
• I exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
• I was skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• I demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.

As a qualified Specialist Biomedical Scientist.

• I performed a variety of routine molecular virology assays, becoming adept at troubleshooting assays and instrumentation.
• As part of my MSc, I worked on a laboratory-based project to develop a nested PCR for the detection of HIV-1 pro-viral DNA in paediatric blood samples.
• The assay was successfully developed and integrated into the diagnostic laboratory.
• I assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
• I developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
• I am passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
• I am adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.

I was registered with the HCPC (UK registration) in 2006.

I was in a trainee position, completing my registration training with the IBMS.