Research Associate Molecular Biologist

Paulinus Nwabia

Research Associate Molecular Biologist

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Molecular Biologist with 3+ years of hands-on lab experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and protein biochemistry, with primary focus on mycobacterial stress response research and small-molecule discovery. Proven proficiency in a range of technical skills, including recombinant protein expression and purification, microbial phenotyping, and designing and optimization of molecular and biochemical assays. Demonstrated ability in experimental design, method development, and cross-functional collaboration to support research in BSL-2 environments.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant,

University of

Delaware

Jun 2022 - May 2025

Newark, United

States

Developed and optimized molecular stress assays (qPCR, fluorescence reporters) in Mycobacterium smegmatis, improving detection sensitivity by >30% through effective method development. Performed RNA-seq analysis under antibiotic stress, including cDNA library prep and DESeq2-based differential expression, contributing to assay validation.

Optimized recombinant protein purification with Ni-NTA affinity and HPLC, achieving >95% purity for downstream enzymatic assays and protein characterization. Streamlined microbial sample processing to handle >300 samples/month for phenotype screening, enhancing sample analysis capabilities.

Maintained GLP-style lab records and ensured BSL-2 compliance in all microbial procedures, aligning with validation protocols.

Graduate Teaching Assistant –

Biology University of Delaware

Feb 2022 - Feb2025 Newark, United

States

Led biology lab instructional sessions consisting of 48+ undergraduates, enforcing safety, aseptic techniques, and

compliance with SOPs to support strong learning outcomes. Designed and implemented interactive hands-on strategies that improved students' engagement and participation and ensured students' compliance with protocol.

• Mentored students on lab reports and data presentation, leading to tangible improvements in their comprehensionandpresentationquality.

On-field Research Officer

African Chicken Genetic Gains

(ACGG)

Sep 2016 - Jul 2018

PH, Nigeria

Led poultry genetics trials across 12 stations with 420+ smallholder farm families, increasing enrollment by 25%. Collected and validated phenotypic data with >98% data cleanliness and 87% collection efficiency. Engaged stakeholders in data review sessions, enhancing confidence in trial outcomes by 25%.

PROJECTS

The Role of ClpC2 in Mycobacteria Stress Response Feb 2023

– May 2025

University of Delaware Newark,

Delaware

Investigated the transcriptional, biochemical, and phenotypic consequences of clpC2 in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis under a range of diverse stress conditions, contributing to method development for better understanding of how ClpC2 regulates mycobacterial survival by modulating the stress-induced phosphoarginine pathway and repressing its expression, aiding in the validation of stress-responsive regulators with potential implications for small-molecule targeting and therapeutic development, and supporting product innovation.

Achieved a co-authored paper (Draft in progress).

Gene Improvement of Seven Chicken Strains in Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria Sep. 2017 – Jul 2019

ACGG,NG

•Effective research planning and data management.

Tested, collected, and managed significant phenotypic and growth parameters across 12 experimental stations, resulting in the identification of consumer preferences and environmentally suited strains. This involved the development of methodologies for accurate sample testing, enhanced data collection, and analysis by applying molecular biology techniques for characterization.

VOLUNTEERING

Field Officer, Aug 2019 –

Dec 2019

African Chicken Genetic Gains, Nigeria

• Designed and conducted a Market Access Survey.

• Managed the research groups, resources, and collated survey data.

• Formed Cooperative groups to ensure the continuity of the project's goal. EDUCATION

MSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Delaware May 2025 BSc in Animal Science, University of Port Harcourt May 2015 RELEVANT SKILLS.

Molecular Techniques: qPCR, RNA-seq, DNA/RNA Extraction, Molecular Cloning, Site-Directed Mutagenesis, Primer Design & PCR Method, Characterization, Gel Electrophoresis, Gel Extraction, Plasmid Isolation, Method Development, Sample preparation & Analysis

Protein Analysis: Western Blot, Recombinant Protein Purification (Ni-NTA, HPLC), SDS-PAGE, AKTA FPLC TCA Precipitation, Bradford Assay, Protein Expression Cell Biology: Bacterial Transformation, Cell Culture, Microscopy, Fluorescent Stress Assay (TECAN -96 Well), Cell- based

Assay, Bacterial phenotyping, Bacterial Screens, Aseptic Technique, Validation Protocols, Cell lysis. Data Management: Data Analysis (DESeq2, Excel, GraphPad), GLP Documentation, Excel, Image J, Safety and Compliance: BSL-2 Safety

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