During my recent role at The-Cola Company, I successfully completed a 6-month fixed contract as an Analytical Lab Analyst, whereby I carried out Wet Chemistry Analytical testing alongside Microbiological testing, strictly adhering to GLP, GMP, QMS, and ISO standards. I gained hands-on experience using various wet chemistry techniques such as UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Spectrophotometers, chemiluminescent and enzymatic methods, refractometers, and density meters. I published a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and completed a validation plan for a spectrophotometer that was implemented to the testing schedule to measure spectral data for beverage can color. I also worked on various projects and troubleshooting jobs put forward to me that required critical thinking and ability to work under pressure. I assisted in the Microbiology lab, performing techniques including gel electrophoresis, PCR, DNA extraction, MALDI-TOF, membrane filtration, serial dilutions, microscopy, plating agar, colony counting, etcOther duties performed during this role include:- Performing maintenance and calibration on laboratory instrumentation.- Making up control stocks, control solutions, and spikes prior to testing.- Diluting viscous samples prior to analysis.- Proficiency testing to evaluate testing performance.- Utilising Excel on a daily basis and I-MR/SPC charts to monitor parameters such as pH, Brix,and Density.- Using SampleManager LIMS 12.3 ThermoFisher Scientific to log sample information and test data.- Working closely with other analysts to interpret results, conduct peer reviews and perform audits.- Measuring Sulfur Dioxide, Ethanol, and Maltodexterin levels in beverages using chemiluminescent enzymatic methods.- Determining Carbon Dioxide and dissolved Oxygen levels in carbonated beverages using multiple volume expansion methods.- Performing frequent troubleshooting and root cause analysis of issues that presented during testing.- Training and instructing new analysts.

During my research project at the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, I carried out research on the dynamic nature of the nucleolus, the sites of ribosome biogenesis. To conduct this research, I endogenously tagged a key nucleolar protein, Upstream Binding Factor (UBF), using Fluorescent Protein and Halo-tagging to visualise nucleolar dynamics. I performed electroporation of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing software to successfully integrate both of these fluorescent markers, allowing me to visualise nucleolus behaviour via microscopy. The findings from these experiments resulted in a greater understanding of nucleolar dynamics and has aided in developing therapeutics to treat ribosomopathies. As a result of this research project, I was able to gain valuable experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. My findings contribute to the broader understanding of nucleolar dynamics and the role of UBF in ribosome biogenesis.