Mutsa Takundwa, Phd (Pr.Sci.Nat) (She) Email & Phone Number

South Africa

Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine-Project and resource management-Knowledge generation and dissemination-Human Capital Development-Attracting funding-Research Project activities (wet lab experiments)-SHEQ

Research collaboration in drug sensitivity testing for cancer in African patients

• Conducted reagent quality research and analysis in the Operations Function of the company in the Quality Control team providing scientific and technical support as part of an interdisciplinary translational organization. • Discovered and developed innovative tools to improve the health status and quality of life of the population through the generation of new knowledge and applied diagnostics aimed at reducing incidence and prevalence by diagnosing and treating… Show more • Conducted reagent quality research and analysis in the Operations Function of the company in the Quality Control team providing scientific and technical support as part of an interdisciplinary translational organization. • Discovered and developed innovative tools to improve the health status and quality of life of the population through the generation of new knowledge and applied diagnostics aimed at reducing incidence and prevalence by diagnosing and treating appropriately.• Performed relevant laboratory benchwork experiments in day-to-day management of product investigations, liaising with collaborators, data analysis paying attention to detail and the preparation and writing of reports. • PCR, DNA/RNA processing for NGS workflows, nucleic acid extractions, qualitative and quantitative real-time and standard PCR, serial dilutions, handling various specimens in a Molecular environment using automated platforms.• Conducted basic troubleshooting on instruments and assays with an understanding in maintaining good laboratory practice and safety management in the lab and maintaining ISO standards for Quality Management Systems (QMS). Show less

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

• Established the Molecular lab for PCR COVID testing within Hamadi Clinical Laboratories operations as a response by the practise to extend services to the need for ramped up testing in the 1st and 2nd wave of the pandemic in South Africa ensuring timely and efficient release of results serving the major provinces and rural area clinics of South Africa from the Cape Town site.• Sample reception, RNA extraction, qPCR, results analysis and interpretation as well as results release and… Show more • Established the Molecular lab for PCR COVID testing within Hamadi Clinical Laboratories operations as a response by the practise to extend services to the need for ramped up testing in the 1st and 2nd wave of the pandemic in South Africa ensuring timely and efficient release of results serving the major provinces and rural area clinics of South Africa from the Cape Town site.• Sample reception, RNA extraction, qPCR, results analysis and interpretation as well as results release and quality control and quality assurance supervisor.• Molecular laboratory Team lead- Overseeing technicians in the Molecular laboratory PCR Covid 19 diagnostic and testing samples. Reviewing of protocol procedures and optimizing results, inspection of samples and data capturing,• Ensuring the laboratory complies with code of practices such as good laboratory practice (GLP), good clinical practice (GCP) and HAACP.• Liaising with suppliers to ensure that they provide kits meeting specifications• Participating in trials and new product development or validation for new kits.• Stock check and ordering. • Upholding standards and initiating continued improvements in service. Communication between team and management to ensure customer satisfaction and implementing necessary corrective actions according to company standards. Show less

Cape Town Area, South Africa

• EDCTP-IMARI Africa Project- Genomics of Immune Mediated Adverse Drug Reactions (IM-ADR) by -HLA Typing in African TB-HIV endemic settings: • Analysis of variation in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes as a potential pre prescription screening strategy for the prevention of previously unpredictable IM-ADRs. The study sought to identify genetic biomarkers for SCAR in HIV/TB endemic settings in Africa by determining the link of HLA and other pharmacogenomic risks that underpin IM-ADRs in… Show more • EDCTP-IMARI Africa Project- Genomics of Immune Mediated Adverse Drug Reactions (IM-ADR) by -HLA Typing in African TB-HIV endemic settings: • Analysis of variation in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes as a potential pre prescription screening strategy for the prevention of previously unpredictable IM-ADRs. The study sought to identify genetic biomarkers for SCAR in HIV/TB endemic settings in Africa by determining the link of HLA and other pharmacogenomic risks that underpin IM-ADRs in African populations in TB-HIV endemic settings.• Secured NRF funding while co-ordinating the Afri-SCAR network by developing the initiated network to define SCAR epidemiology across the African region including at least six countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho for studies on SJS TEN and DRESS in diverse African populations• PBMC processing, ELISPots, DNA/RNA processing and Biorepository day to day management using REDCap and internal databases• Clinical Trial Recruiter- recruitment of patients for any clinical trials running in the unit and Groote Schuur Hospital Show less

Mafikeng

Laboratory management of D. Phil, MSc and Honours projects working on adenyl cyclase and kinase genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Gene amplifictaion from RNA, cloning and transformation into E.coli systems, expression and biochemical characterisation of recombinant proteins. Also exploring similar genetics in soybean and marama bean. Expanding on PhD work in marama bean mycological studies,

Chinhoyi

Developing and delivering lecture materials for Neurobiology +Cell and Molecular Biology courses.Setting tests and examsRunning practicals and research projectsAssisting and overall running of the Biology Department

Developed molecular markers linked to traits of agronomic interest in Marama bean, a candidate leguminous crop for Sub-Saharan in the face of climate change. Thesis titled- "Towards domestication in marama bean (Tylosema esculentum): Agronomy, Phenotypic and Molecular characterization for its improvement"

Mmabatho, North West Rsa

Windhoek,Namibia & New Jersey, Usa

Co-instructor in training other Namibian scientists with the Global Institute of Bioexploration (GIBEX).The GIBEX training covered Preserving and Evaluating Biodiversity through Screens to Nature (STN) technology. Assays for antibacterial, antifungal,protozoa, flatworm and roundworm lethality, protease and protease inhibition, antioxidant, glucosidase and glucosidase inhibition were taught.

Training on a travel grant awarded by the Kirkhouse Trust. Research laboratory activities towards my PhD objectives were carried out and I was a teaching assistant to Professor Cullis for the course Biotechnology laboratory (301): Genes and Genetic Engineering. Specific skills learnt and refreshed included: Chromosome counts by the Schiff method, DNA extractions from plant embryonic axis, DNA quantification by electrophoresis, DNA extractions from plasmids, Cloning PCR fragments into TOPO TA… Show more Training on a travel grant awarded by the Kirkhouse Trust. Research laboratory activities towards my PhD objectives were carried out and I was a teaching assistant to Professor Cullis for the course Biotechnology laboratory (301): Genes and Genetic Engineering. Specific skills learnt and refreshed included: Chromosome counts by the Schiff method, DNA extractions from plant embryonic axis, DNA quantification by electrophoresis, DNA extractions from plasmids, Cloning PCR fragments into TOPO TA, Restriction digestion of DNA, Culturing E. coli for selection of positive clones, SSR screening for potential association markers, hPAGE electrophoresis, gradient PCR and qPCR with the 18s gene. Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Molecular Biology, Cum Laude

DISSERTATION: DOMESTICATION IN MARAMA BEAN (TYLOSEMA ESCULENTUM): AGRONOMY, PHENOTYPIC AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION FOR ITS IMPROVEMENT.

Msc, Applied Molecular Biology, Cum Laude

Bsc, Chemistry And Molecular & Physiological Biology, Cum Laude