Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Personal Information
Research And Policy Experience
Publications
Timeline
Generic

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
Innocent Kholofelo Ngwenya