Senior Microbiologist with Molecular Expertise

Abuzar Muhammad Afzal

Senior Microbiologist Microbiology Testing Laboratory Operations Quality & Compliance

Email: **********@*****.*** Phone: 073******** London, United Kingdom LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/abuzarafzal

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

PhD-qualified Microbiologist with extensive microbiology and laboratory experience spanning regulated diagnostic testing, postgraduate research and biotechnology environments. Experienced in microbiological laboratory workflows, biological sample handling, aseptic practice, SOP compliance, documentation, quality-focused laboratory operations and scientific problem-solving. Previous laboratory experience at Real PCR Lab involved routine work within a regulated diagnostic environment, while postgraduate research developed advanced microbiology, molecular biology and experimental skills. Additional industry experience includes vaccine-production feasibility assessment and technical reporting. Strong interest in applying this background within a commercial microbiology testing laboratory and contributing to reliable, compliant and well-organised laboratory operations.

MICROBIOLOGY & LABORATORY OPERATIONS SKILLS

• Microbiology laboratory operations; biological sample handling; bacterial culture; microbiological testing principles; aseptic technique

• Molecular microbiology: PCR-based workflows; DNA/RNA extraction; RT-qPCR; plasmid preparation; genetic manipulation

• Laboratory quality: SOP compliance; accurate documentation; traceability; contamination-control awareness; data integrity; safe working practices

• Laboratory operations: equipment readiness; reagent/material handling; record keeping; workflow organisation; troubleshooting

• Scientific problem-solving; experimental design; result interpretation; technical reporting; presentation of findings

• Research microbiology: bacterial physiology, microbial growth, heavy-metal tolerance, biosorption and environmental microbiology

• Team coordination and professional communication across laboratory, scientific and technical environments

• Health and safety: biological hazards, GM risk assessment and notification, research integrity and laboratory safety

Software: GraphPad Prism Microsoft Office Suite Basic data handling

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Lab Microbiologist

Real PCR Lab, Pakistan Aug 2017 – Sep 2020

• Worked in a regulated diagnostic laboratory environment, following established laboratory procedures and quality requirements.

• Performed routine microbiological and molecular laboratory workflows involving biological samples, with careful attention to accuracy and contamination control.

• Applied aseptic laboratory practices and established procedures when handling biological material.

• Maintained accurate laboratory records and followed SOPs to support traceable and consistent laboratory operations.

• Supported efficient day-to-day laboratory workflows and maintained laboratory equipment and work areas in an operational state.

• Worked carefully within a quality-focused environment and contributed to timely processing of routine laboratory activities.

Research Placement / MSc Research Project – Molecular & Cellular Biology

Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London Sep 2025 – Apr 2026

• Conducted postgraduate molecular and cellular research within a multidisciplinary cancer research environment.

• Maintained mammalian cell cultures using aseptic techniques and followed established laboratory procedures and biosafety requirements.

• Performed DNA/RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, transfection and cell-based assays.

• Applied CRISPR-Cas9 and lentiviral approaches to genetic modification of human pancreatic cancer cell models.

• Maintained detailed experimental records, analysed data and systematically investigated unexpected experimental results.

• Completed laboratory training in biological hazards, GM risk assessment and notification, research integrity, health and safety, flow cytometry and viral tissue culture.

Executive – Healthcare Division (Industry Role)

Jampur Group, UAE / Africa Oct 2020 – Feb 2024

• Conducted feasibility assessments for livestock and poultry vaccine-production opportunities.

• Evaluated infrastructure, production capacity and process requirements in collaboration with government institutes and technical stakeholders.

• Prepared technical feasibility reports and communicated scientific and operational information to multidisciplinary stakeholders.

• Developed experience coordinating information across scientific, operational and professional environments.

POSTGRADUATE MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH

• Heavy-metal tolerance and biosorptive potential of Klebsiella variicola isolated from industrial effluents.

• Physicochemical characteristics and heavy-metal tolerance of bacteria from textile effluents.

• Antiviral activity and in-vitro cytotoxicity research contribution.

• Conference research contribution on heavy-metal tolerance and biosorptive potential of Bacillus cereus.

QUALITY & COMPLIANCE

• Experience working within a regulated diagnostic laboratory and following established laboratory procedures.

• Strong understanding of SOPs, accurate records, traceability, contamination control and consistent laboratory practice.

• Training in biological hazards, GM risk assessment and notification, research integrity and laboratory health and safety.

• No direct ISO/IEC 17025, UKAS or NABL accreditation responsibility is claimed without evidence.

EDUCATION

MSc Molecular Biotechnology University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom 2024–2026

PhD Microbiology Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan 2014–2017

MPhil Microbiology Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan 2012–2014

BS Hons Applied Microbiology University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan Completed

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Laboratory safety and biological hazards training – Barts Cancer Institute / Queen Mary University of London

• GM Risk Assessment and Notification; Research Integrity; Fire Safety; Health and Safety Essentials

• Flow Cytometry Training and Viral Tissue Culture Laboratory Training

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Based in London and willing to consider relocation to Dudley/West Midlands.

• UK work authorisation available to confirm/document as required.

• References available upon request.

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