REZA ASSALKHOU

ADDRESS: Seattle, WA *****, Phone: 949-***-****, Email: ad3kpd@r.postjobfree.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dedicated Molecular Biologist with a rich and dynamic career spanning over a decade, specializing in genetics and laboratory research. Adept at designing and executing intricate experiments, I bring a wealth of experience in diverse research methods, data collection, and sophisticated analysis. My commitment to precision, coupled with keen attention to detail, ensures the integrity of all laboratory work. Eligible for Medical Laboratory Scientist certification.

Key Skills:

Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology

DNA, RNA, and Protein isolation, purification, and detection

Protein purification techniques (ÄKTA FPLC, Nickel-NTA, Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation)

DNA-Protein and Protein-Protein interaction detection (BiaCore, EMSA)

Assay Development & Optimization

Experienced with model organisms: Drosophila melanogaster, Neisseria species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and C. elegans.

Expertise in hypoxia-resistant strains of C. elegans and global protein expression analysis

Professional Experience:

Inheritance influence in gene/allele expression in Drosophila melanogaster.

Mechanism involved in horizontal gene transfer in Neisseria species.

Exploration of the role and type of pilus in pathogenesis and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on C. elegans.

Development of methods for detection and enumeration of Legionella species in water samples.

Examination of residues left on surgical instruments after washing processes and quality control.

Study of global protein expression in hypoxia-resistant strains of C. elegans.

SKILLS

Laboratory Techniques:

DNA, RNA, and Protein isolation, purification, and detection

Protein purification (ÄKTA FPLC, Nickel-NTA, Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation)

DNA-Protein and Protein-Protein interaction detection (BiaCore, EMSA)

ATPase assay, DNA unwinding, and Helicase assay

Gene Cloning, Expression, and transcription analysis, CRISPR

PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, RAPD PCR, and Genotyping

Western blot, ELISA

DNA Sequencing

Gel Electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE

Mammalian Cell culture

Aseptic work techniques and work in a sterile environment

Model organisms: Bacteria (N. meningitidis, P aeruginosa, and more), Drosophila melanogaster, C. elegans

Microscopy and tissue preparation (fixation, embedding, staining)

Assay Development & Optimization

Protein preparation, Tandem Mass Tagging (TMT), and Mass Spectrometry

Oxygen consumption rate measurement (OCR) & Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) using Seahorse technology.

Hypoxia and survival tests

Clean room, BLS2 and BLS3

Data Analysis and Presentation:

Research

Report generation

Data Analysis

Skilled in presentation techniques

Basic Coding (Python)

Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)

Quality Control and Compliance:

Quality Control

Audit

Internal and International guidelines

EXPERIENCE:

Research Scientist, University of Washington, Seattle, USA (May 2022 to October 2023):

Conducted groundbreaking research on the proteomics and mutational influence on global protein expression in hypoxia-resistant strains of C. elegans compared to Wildtype.

Developed and optimized large-scale cultivation techniques for worms, refined protein preparation methods, and implemented amino acid tagging processes for Mass Spectrometry analysis.

Achieved a significant advancement in understanding the proteins' up and downregulation in mutants, with a higher number of proteins identified using Mass Spectrometry.

Discovered the pivotal role of environmental pH in the survival of worms after exposure to hypoxia.

Scientific Consultant, Norvatek, Moss, Norway (January 2021 to April 2022):

Evaluated and recommended molecular technologies and methods to enhance strategies for detecting and preventing microbial growth.

Optimized PCR and RT-PCR techniques and authored laboratory procedures for detecting and enumerating microorganisms in diverse water samples.

Designed laboratory procedures for assessing the efficiency of disinfection agents on various surfaces, measuring the active barrier against viruses and the duration of effectiveness.

Actively contributed to the preparation of funding applications.

Senior Advisory Consultant, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway (September 2017 to June 2021):

Evaluated and ensured compliance with internal, national, EU guidelines, and ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001) for current processes.

Played a key role in enhancing organizational processes and standards adherence.

Research Scientist, Oslo University Hospital, Dep of Infection Prevention, Oslo, Norway, February 2007 to July 2016

Utilized molecular techniques, genetics, and microbiology for rapid medical issue diagnosis.

Developed and implemented procedures for kinetic chromogenic measurement of endotoxins in water samples from dialysis machines.

Established and managed a C. elegans lab for killing assays and used mammalian cell lines as infection models for bacteria.

Evaluated the efficacy of hospital washing processes, including surgical instruments, through protein/DNA detection before/after washing using PCR and RT-PCR optimization.

Investigated bacterial virulence, Legionella species detection, and developed RAPD PCR for rapid genotyping of bacteria in outbreaks and cross-infections.

Education:

Doctor of Philosophy, Microbial Genetics

University of Oslo, Faculty of Medicine, Oslo, Norway

January 2007

Dissertation Title: Meningococcal transformation and type IV pilus biogenesis: Role of PilQ and PilP.

Master of Science, Molecular Genetics

University of Oslo, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Oslo, Norway

September 2001

Project: Expression of ribosomal protein gene RpS3 in Drosophila melanogaster.

Bachelor of Science, Genetics and Microbiology

University of Oslo, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Oslo, Norway

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