Shauna Emily Francis
Microbiologist And Geneticist
Phoenix
Summary
Results-driven scientific professional with a background in research, regulatory affairs and laboratory management. I have successfully led teams and managed complex projects through teamwork, adaptability, and fostering collaborative environments. I am well-versed in quality control procedures and laboratory safety.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Laboratory Manager
Parfatek
10.2025 - 01.2026
- Managed daily laboratory operations to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
- Evaluated new technologies and equipment to identify potential upgrades that could improve overall lab performance.
- Coordinated cross-functional projects with other departments, leading to increased collaboration and shared resources among teams.
- Conducted periodic performance reviews for staff members, offering constructive feedback to facilitate professional growth.
- Assisted in troubleshooting equipment issues, enhancing overall lab efficiency and reliability.
- Managed the laboratory budget, including procurement of supplies and equipment.
- Implemented inventory management practices to streamline supply usage and reduce waste.
- Coordinated equipment maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and optimize performance.
- Developed and maintained standard operating procedures for laboratory testing, analysis, quality control and safety.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by staying up-to-date on industry best practices and adjusting internal policies as necessary.
- Conducted safety audits and risk assessments to reduce possible hazards and ensure legal compliance - Document review, physical inspections, employee interviews.
- Implementation of ISO Standards - Quality Management (9001) and the standard for testing and calibration laboratories (17025), achieving global recognition, risk mitigation, compliance, as well as the trust of our customers.
- Trained new staff on laboratory techniques, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Actively participated in professional conferences and workshops, sharing laboratory best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Established relationships with external vendors to negotiate better pricing on lab supplies without compromising quality or availability.
- Coordinated staff training programs to keep abreast of advances in scientific knowledge relevant to the field.
Regulatory Affairs Officer
Enhancing Care Foundation
06.2022 - 08.2025
- Prepared and cross-reviewed regulatory submissions for all studies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and guidelines.
- Submitted to and collaborated with regulatory agencies such as SAHPRA, Ethics Committees, Department of Health, hospitals, laboratories
- Created and maintained Investigator Site Files for all studies for monitor reviews, audits and storage upon completion of the study.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to support product development and approval processes.
- Monitored changes in legislation affecting regulatory policies and procedures.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify compliance gaps and implement corrective actions.
- Provided training on regulatory requirements to internal teams, fostering a culture of compliance.
- Ensured all staff trainings and licenses were accounted for and up-to-date.
Administrative Clerk
Magnum Machine Tools
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Processed incoming and outgoing correspondence to ensure timely communication.
- Maintained accurate records using electronic filing systems for efficient information retrieval.
- Coordinated scheduling and appointments for management to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented streamlined office procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed data entry tasks with precision, ensuring accuracy in reporting and documentation.
- Supported project coordination efforts by preparing materials and resources for team meetings and presentations.
- Safeguarded sensitive information by maintaining strict confidentiality protocols when handling personnel files or company documentation.
Laboratory Demonstrator
University Of KwaZulu-Natal - Westville Campus
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Developed and delivered laboratory demonstrations to enhance student understanding of complex scientific concepts.
- Assisted in the preparation of lab materials, ensuring accuracy and compliance with safety protocols.
- Facilitated hands-on learning experiences, promoting active engagement and critical thinking among students.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback to foster academic improvement.
- Conducted regular reviews of laboratory processes, identifying areas for improvement and streamlining operations for efficiency.
- Improved communication between instructors and students by serving as a liaison when needed, facilitating solutions to issues or project roadblocks efficiently.
- Assisted with the development of new lab protocols, resulting in increased accuracy and reproducibility of experimental results.
Student Intern
Mount Edgecombe Life Hospital
01.2016 - 11.2016
- Attended training sessions to learn hospital procedures and compliance standards.
- Gained exposure to various aspects of the industry through active participation in company events, workshops, and training sessions during the internship period.
Education
Bachelor of Science Honors (BSCHM) - Microbiology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology And Genetics
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Northlands Girls' High School
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Laboratory equipment oversight
Safety compliance procedures
Microbiology techniques
Quality assurance
Experimental design
Assay development
Data management
Research management
Operating procedures
Accomplishments
- Member of the Golden Key International Society.
- Achieved Certificates of Merit.
- Received the Deans Commendation Award.
- Awarded UKZN Postgraduate Scholarship
Certification
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Timeline
Mettler Toledo Good Electrochemistry Practice (GEP)
10-2025
Udemy ISO/IEC 17025
10-2025
Laboratory Manager
Parfatek
10.2025 - 01.2026
Human Subject Protection (HSP)
06-2025
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
05-2025
VIARES Clinical Study Coordinator
03-2024
Regulatory Affairs Officer
Enhancing Care Foundation
06.2022 - 08.2025
Administrative Clerk
Magnum Machine Tools
03.2022 - 05.2022
Laboratory Demonstrator
University Of KwaZulu-Natal - Westville Campus
07.2021 - 12.2021
Student Intern
Mount Edgecombe Life Hospital
01.2016 - 11.2016
Bachelor of Science Honors (BSCHM) - Microbiology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology And Genetics
University of KwaZulu-Natal
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Northlands Girls' High School
04.2001 -