Innocent Kholofelo Ngwenya
Soshanguve
Summary
A qualified Medical Microbiologist with over 7 years of experience in clinical microbiology, food safety research, infectious disease diagnostics, and policy-oriented scientific analysis. Proficient in microbiological techniques, laboratory quality management, and scientific writing. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, technical query resolution, and data-driven decision-making. Actively seeking a strategic leadership role in food control and policy development.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Junior Medical Scientist
Wits VIDA
06.2021 - 09.2024
- Led diagnostic testing and reporting for neonatal pathogens.
- Coordinated sample tracking for MTBVAC203 clinical trial.
- Engaged with external stakeholders (labs, suppliers).
- Handled internal quality audits and SOP compliance.
- Managed PBMC isolation, Quantiferon assays, and next-gen sequencing.
Medical Scientist Intern
NHLS – Wits
04.2019 - 03.2021
- Conducted microbiological safety diagnostics on respiratory and stool samples.
- Detected foodborne pathogens like Clostridium difficile and VRE using qPCR.
- Participated in policy-relevant audits (SANAS, CPD).
- Liaised with suppliers and managed stock control.
Microbiology & Molecular Biology Intern
Agricultural Research Council – OVI
10.2014 - 09.2015
- Evaluated food safety of meat products.
- Isolated and identified foodborne pathogens (PCR/DNA extraction).
- Attended and presented at journal and policy discussion clubs.
Laboratory Technician – Microbiology & Plant Pathology
University of Pretoria
06.2012 - 08.2014
- Performed antifungal resistance testing.
- Executed phytochemical analyses using TLC.
- Supported policy-aligned agricultural research.
Education
MSc - Medical Microbiology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
06.2021
BSc Honours - Medical Microbiology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
05.2017
BSc - Microbiology
University of Pretoria
04.2014
Skills
- Food safety & microbiological risk analysis
- Microbiological phenotypic and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Molecular diagnostics (PCR, DNA extraction, sequencing)
- Familiarity with South African food legislation and FCD Act
- Legislative research and policy drafting support
- Codex Alimentarius knowledge
- Quality control, SOPs & compliance
- Data analysis (SPSS, R, STATA)
- Communication (verbal & written)
- Team collaboration
- Proficient in MS Office
Certification
- GCP, GCLP, AITA
- PBMC & Whole Blood stimulation (SATVI/CLS)
- Internal auditing and quality control experience (SANAS, QCMD participation)
Languages
English
Afrikaans
IsiZulu
Setswana
Sepedi
Sesotho
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 02/22/91
- Nationality: South African
Research And Policy Experience
- Assisted in drafting scientific summaries and protocols compliant with regulatory standards.
- Supported implementation of WHO and Codex Alimentarius guidelines in research trials.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams on policy-relevant infectious disease research.
- Experience with food hygiene regulations, microbial safety data, and risk assessment models.
Publications
- Le Roux M, Ngwenya IK, Nemarude AL, De Villiers BE, Mathebula M, Nchabeleng M. Sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviour among men having sex with men from Tshwane, South Africa. Int J STD AIDS. 2023 Mar;34(3):183-190.
- Mabena FC, Olwagen CP, Phosa M, Ngwenya IK, Van der Merwe L, Khan A, Mwamba TM, Mpembe R, Magobo RE, Govender NP, Velaphi SC, Madhi SA. Bacterial and Candida Colonization of Neonates in a Regional Hospital in South Africa. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2024 Mar 1;43(3):263-270.
Timeline
Junior Medical Scientist
Wits VIDA
06.2021 - 09.2024
Medical Scientist Intern
NHLS – Wits
04.2019 - 03.2021
Microbiology & Molecular Biology Intern
Agricultural Research Council – OVI
10.2014 - 09.2015
Laboratory Technician – Microbiology & Plant Pathology
University of Pretoria
06.2012 - 08.2014
MSc - Medical Microbiology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
BSc Honours - Medical Microbiology
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
BSc - Microbiology
University of Pretoria
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