Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Memberships And Committees
Research Outputs
Timeline
Generic
Frances Lees

Frances Lees

Senior Scientist
Cape Town,Western Cape

Summary

University of Cape Town (UCT) Alumnus with a BSc in Genetics and Biochemistry, BSc Honours in Molecular and Cell Biology, and MSc focusing on expression and purification of outer membrane proteins from the Brucella bacterium. Proficient in molecular biology techniques, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and cell biology. Skilled in bacterial expression of recombinant proteins, purification using chromatographic methods, and assessing immunogenicity in mouse models. Currently serving as a Senior Scientist at Afrigen, specializing in developing upscaled mRNA synthesis processes for the mRNA Technology and Transfer Hub after starting as a Research and Development Associate in the veterinary health portfolio.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Senior Scientist

Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines
Cape Town
08.2024 - Current
  • Maintained detailed records of all research activities in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements, ensuring the accessibility and integrity of critical data.
  • Played a key role in developing Afrigen Biologic's mRNA vaccine platform for the WHO mRNA Hub, and trained 14 partners on the lab scale manufacturing process, and assisted in the training of 6 partners on the 100 mL manufacturing scale
  • Managed multiple concurrent projects with strict deadlines, prioritizing tasks effectively to maintain progress without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
  • Mentored junior scientists and provided guidance on project management, resulting in increased productivity and professional growth.

Scientist

Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines
Cape Town
07.2021 - 08.2024
  • Designed experiments using appropriate controls and variables, resulting in valid conclusions being drawn from collected data.
  • Trained new employees on areas of technical expertise and compliance issues relevant to lab setting.

Research and Development Associate

Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines
Cape Town
01.2020 - 06.2021
  • Maintained detailed documentation of all project work, ensuring easy knowledge transfer among team members and stakeholders.

Education

Master of Science - Cellular And Molecular Biology

University of Cape Town
Cape Town
01.2018 - 12.2020

Bachelor of Science: Honours - Cellular And Molecular Biology

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2017 - 12.2017

Bachelor of Science - Genetics and Biochemistry

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2014 - 12.2016

Skills

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)

MRNA vaccine development

Project management

Experimental design

Technical writing

Time management

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Memberships And Committees

Secretary of the Postgraduate Research Committee, 2018

Research Outputs

  • 2023, Presented a poster presentation on the mRNA Technology Transfer Program at the ISV Annual Congress
  • 2019, Delivered an oral presentation on my MSc project at the annual Molecular and Cell Biology Research Day

Timeline

Senior Scientist

Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines
08.2024 - Current

Scientist

Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines
07.2021 - 08.2024

Research and Development Associate

Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines
01.2020 - 06.2021

Master of Science - Cellular And Molecular Biology

University of Cape Town
01.2018 - 12.2020

Bachelor of Science: Honours - Cellular And Molecular Biology

University of Cape Town
01.2017 - 12.2017

Bachelor of Science - Genetics and Biochemistry

University of Cape Town
01.2014 - 12.2016

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Frances LeesSenior Scientist