Jessica Gilmore
Medical Biological Scientist
Westville,Durban
Summary
As a Medical Biological Scientist - Bioinformatics at Molecular Diagnostic Services (Pty) Ltd, I apply my expertise in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and genetics to support the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and conditions. I work with a team of experts to analyze, interpret, and report on genomic data, using various tools and software, such as Nanodrop, RT-PCR PCR, Sanger and Next-Gen Sequencing. I also contribute to the development and improvement of bioinformatics pipelines and workflows, ensuring quality and accuracy.
My passion for bioinformatics and marine research stems from my academic background and previous experiences. I graduated with a Master's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2021, where I focused on the population connectivity of corals in KZN MPAs, using double-digest RADSeq.
I have presented on my projects on conservation genetics, metagenomics, and sequencing and analysis. Upon completion of MSc, I have been eager to learn new skills and technologies and be and fill holes in my expertise to as much of an asset to a company as possible and to collaborate with other researchers and professionals in the field.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Medical Biological Scientist
Molecular Diagnostics Services
Westville, KwaZulu-Natal
10.2022 - Current
- Perform DNA profiling for paternity, maternity, siblingship and kinship testing.
- Evaluated product compliance against relevant standards and specifications to maintain standards.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information.
- Documented test results in laboratory logs and databases with strict adherence to data security protocols.
- Completed sample processing and assays to generate highest possible standard of scientific data.
- Preparation of testing MasterMixes for all departments.
- Preform veterinary genotyping for pathogen detection and vaccine strain differentiation.
- Assist the Head of Bioinformatics with overseeing and monitoring equipment maintenance, asset management and optimisation of stock levels and reduction of costs and report anomalies.
- Maintenance of the of the Applied Biosystems 3500 Series Genetic Analyzer.
- First-aider and Chemicals Manager.
Senior Medical Scientist
Drs. Hainsworth, Purcell and Jamieson Inc.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
12.2021 - 09.2022
- Managed high-volume laboratory testing (COVID-19, Human papillomavirus infection, KRAS, BRAF, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis), leveraging strong time management to meet strict deadlines.
- Documented test results in laboratory logs and databases with strict adherence to data security protocols.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information.
- Analyse results performed on Pharmaceutical Analytics QuantStudio™ 5 Real-Time PCR System and Bio-Rad CFX Connect Real-Time PCR System.
- Observed Standard Operating Procedures and Safe Systems of Work to maintain safe and clean environment.
- Assist the laboratory manager with overseeing and monitoring equipment maintenance, asset management, procurement of goods and staff overtime expenditure to ensure the most effective utilisation of resources, optimisation of stock levels and reduction of costs at all times
Research Assistant
Oceanographic Research Institute
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Set up, calibrated and maintained field or laboratory equipment as per study requirements.
- Collect and prepare zooplankton samples for RNA-Seq, Metabarcoding and PacBio analysis.
- Perform data cleaning and merging and basic statistical analyses using MEGA, Geneious, BLAST, Perl, STACKS, STRUCTURE and R Studio.
- Prepared graphs and spreadsheets to present findings.
- Conducted statistical analyses of data sets to identify patterns.
- Conducted literature reviews to avoid duplication and give credit to other researchers.
- Followed up with research study participants to acquire additional data or resolve data inaccuracies.
- Created presentation slides and posters to help researchers present findings.
Laboratory Technician
Oceanographic Research Institute
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
04.2018 - 02.2021
- Complete a MSc Biological Science Degree within the CAPTOR Project.
- Operated, maintained and calibrated lab equipment, consistently meeting accuracy and schedule targets.
- Delivered core assay techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and double digest restriction-site associated digestion (ddRAD) sequencing to be performed on a MiSeq and HiSeq instrument
- Perform data cleaning and merging and basic statistical analyses using MEGA, Geneious, BLAST, Perl, STACKS, STRUCTURE and R Studio. Analysed test results to identify trends and produce accurate diagnoses.
- Reported valid results in line with company standards.
- Shared ideas with team and management to drive continuous improvement within laboratory environments.
- Organised and stored all chemicals substances, fluids and compressed gases according to safety instructions.
- Recorded all data and results accurately and responsibly.
- Requested replenishment of laboratory stock ahead of low supply.
NRF-DST Intern
Oceanographic Research Institute
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
04.2017 - 03.2018
- Manage the day-to-day working of the genetics laboratory and maintaining lab stocks.
- Process samples, perform extractions, quantification, and PCR.
- Assist with data cleaning and merging and basic statistical analyses
- Designing and running experiments, collecting and interpreting data, and troubleshooting new methods.
- Participate in field trips, sample collection, and data capture.
- Manage sample storage
Education
Master of Science - Biology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 04.2018 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science Honours - Genetics
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, Orange Free State 01.2016 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Science - Genetics and Zoology
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, Orange Free State 01.2012 - 11.2015
Skills
- Sample testing
- Specimen collection
- Cleaning protocols
- Documentation skills
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) knowledge
- Laboratory quality assurance
- Biodiversity surveys and field-based ecological studies of marine systems
- DNA and RNA isolation, quantification and quality control
- PCR, qPCR and RT-PCR
- Various electrophoresis approaches
- Various NGS library preparation of HiSeq and MiSeq
- Experienced in phylogenetic, phylogeographic, population genetic and parentage/pedigree analysis (of sequence, microsatellite or SNP data) in multiple software's, and bioinformatics pipelines
- Peer Facilitating,
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Works, STACKS, Perl, STURCTURE , R Studio, C
Languages
English
Native
Timeline
Medical Biological Scientist
Molecular Diagnostics Services
10.2022 - Current
Senior Medical Scientist
Drs. Hainsworth, Purcell and Jamieson Inc.
12.2021 - 09.2022
Research Assistant
Oceanographic Research Institute
03.2021 - 11.2021
Laboratory Technician
Oceanographic Research Institute
04.2018 - 02.2021
Master of Science - Biology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
04.2018 - 01.2021
NRF-DST Intern
Oceanographic Research Institute
04.2017 - 03.2018
Bachelor of Science Honours - Genetics
University of the Free State
01.2016 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Science - Genetics and Zoology
University of the Free State
01.2012 - 11.2015
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