Nompumelelo Magagula
Crystal Park
Summary
Dynamic Senior Research Technician with expertise in plant tissue culture techniques and proven track record in project management and quality control, enhancing laboratory compliance and safety standards. Strong analytical skills complemented by effective communication abilities, driving successful collaborations and technology transfer initiatives. I am committed to advancing scientific research and development.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Technician
Agricultural Research Council
09.2024 - Current
- Responsible for conceptualizing, designing, formulating, and initiating technical projects across the Institute with a Chief Research Technician including aspects of Project Management such as Project Planning and Initiation, Project Human Resources and Project technical risk management and mitigation.
- Responsible for implementing and supporting plant tissue culture related technical projects as outlined by the Chief Research Technician and this includes the driving, leading and oversight of virus elimination, post entry quarantine and commercial maintenance projects.
- • Monitoring, Evaluation, reporting and project close out.
- Responsible for implementing and managing safety, health and environment compliance and standards, these include lab safety and regulatory compliance and standards.
- Responsible for supporting human capacity development, which includes support of project staff.
- Responsible for implementing and managing tissue culture related technology transfer which also includes Testing and Validation.
- Responsible for supporting plant tissue culture related intra-inter institutional collaborations.
Research Technician
Agricultural Research Council
05.2013 - 08.2024
- Conservation/Maintenance of genebank national assets (accessions).
- Active role player in Quality Management System, i.e. Quality Control documentation and administration.
- Complied to SHE/OHS, i.e. maintained a safe and organized laboratory environment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and best practices.
- Trained new junior team members on proper laboratory techniques and proper equipment usage.
- Research and development of in vitro micropropagation protocols for conservation of succulent plant species using plant tissue culture techniques.
- Involved in all processes of research activities that included research designs and methodologies, scientific data collection and analysis.
- Involved in Monitoring and Evaluation of research and production processes.
- Contributed to research proposals and amendment of standard operating procedures.
- Dissemination of research information to delegates and visitors.
- Laboratory practical training to Unisa student.
- Liaise with Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) for processing and testing of imported consignments.
- Assisted in the management of Quarantine facility for imported genetic plant resource material.
- Assisted in the management of in vitro genebank for organized preservation of plant genetic resources for use by researchers, plant breeders, food and agricultural industries.
- Supervision and Delegation of tasks to personnel.
- Assessment of Performance and Development Agreements (PDA) and Evaluations (PDE) for personnel.
- Presentations and report writing. Data capturing and electronic update of genetic resource accession database.
- Sample preparation for virus testing of potato in vitro plant samples.
Tutor (Part-time)
Department of Nature Conservation (UNISA, Durban).
08.2010 - 05.2013
- Face to face teaching of Plant Studies I.
- Provided teaching assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
Lecturer (Part-time)
Department of Biomedical and Clinical Technology (DUT)
01.2012 - 03.2013
- Face to face lecturing in Biochemistry mainstream, Foundation Laboratory Techniques and Foundation Chemistry.
- Setting up of Examinations, followed procedures on booking of training and exam venues,
- Assessment and Invigilation,
- Reported directly to Course Co-ordinator.
Graduate Assistant (Part-Time)
Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology (DUT)
02.2011 - 11.2011
- Tutoring Biology I and Biochemistry Il for Homeopathy students, Chemistry I for Food Technology and Biotechnology students.
- Setting up of tutorial/practical tests for Biochemistry Il.
- Mentoring of students including BTech and Chemistry I students.
- Practical demonstrations (Biology I, Biochemistry II).
- Marking and invigilation.
QC Research Technician
Ocean Agriculture (PTY) LTD
05.2004 - 10.2008
- Quality control of agrochemicals (fertilizers) and soilless growing media through testing and validation.
- Laboratory administration, report writing and analysis.
- Assisted in updates of MSDS.
- Procurement of laboratory chemicals.
- Rejection of non-complying raw chemicals and fertilizer finished products,
- Release of complying products,
- Problem solving through product continuous improvement.
- Attended to clients complain.
Junior Research Technician
Amphigro Cc.
10.2001 - 03.2004
- Project management for large scale production of Vesicular Aburscular Mycorrhizal fungal inoculum,
- Laboratory administration and report writing of experimental results.
- Greenhouse plant production,
- Microbiological, Biochemical and Ecological experiments and microscopic analysis of VAM colonized root samples.
Research Assistant
School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Wits University
12.1998 - 01.2000
- Assisted in project management for large scale production of Rhizobium bacterial inoculum which also involved laboratory and glasshouse work,
- Microbiological and Biochemical analysis.
- Data capturing of experimental results.
Tutor (Part-time)
SEASA Saturday School (Wits University)
02.1995 - 12.1996
- Facilitating chemistry Std 9 tutorials.
- Planning, organization, face-to-face teaching and presentation skills.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence.
Education
Ph.D. - Botany: Plant Tissue Culture
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg04-2027
Master of Applied Science - Biotechnology: Plant Tissue Culture
Durban University of Technology
Durban03-2020
BSc Honors - Botany
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg04-2002
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Advanced Biology
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg04-1999
Matric - Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Geography
Willowmoore High School
Benoni12-1993
Skills
- Plant tissue culture expertise
- Laboratory experiments and analysis
- Quality control procedures
- Tutoring and facilitating skills
- Proposal and Report writing Skills
- Presentation and Organisational Abilities
- Good Interpersonal and Communication (both verbal and writing) Skills
- Scientific Research skills
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Techniques skills
- Greenhouse and Laboratory experiments and analysis skills
- Product sales and client relations management skills
- Environmental and research project management skills
- Numerical and Analytical Abilities
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Fast Learner and willing to learn new ideas and skills
- Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint
- pH meter, Centrifuge, Microscope, HPLC, TLC
Timeline
Senior Research Technician
Agricultural Research Council
09.2024 - Current
Research Technician
Agricultural Research Council
05.2013 - 08.2024
Lecturer (Part-time)
Department of Biomedical and Clinical Technology (DUT)
01.2012 - 03.2013
Graduate Assistant (Part-Time)
Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology (DUT)
02.2011 - 11.2011
Tutor (Part-time)
Department of Nature Conservation (UNISA, Durban).
08.2010 - 05.2013
QC Research Technician
Ocean Agriculture (PTY) LTD
05.2004 - 10.2008
Junior Research Technician
Amphigro Cc.
10.2001 - 03.2004
Research Assistant
School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Wits University
12.1998 - 01.2000
Tutor (Part-time)
SEASA Saturday School (Wits University)
02.1995 - 12.1996
Ph.D. - Botany: Plant Tissue Culture
University of The Witwatersrand
Master of Applied Science - Biotechnology: Plant Tissue Culture
Durban University of Technology
BSc Honors - Botany
University of The Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Advanced Biology
University of The Witwatersrand
Matric - Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Geography
Willowmoore High School
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