Elliot Whittard Email & Phone Number

Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service (SIHMDS)

Northampton, England, United Kingdom

Royal Leamington Spa, England, United Kingdom

Management and oversight of multiple teams (circa 50 staff) conducting the end-to-end COVID-19 patient testing process across the lab line, from sample receipt, accessioning, sample preparation, RNA extraction, through to delivery of PCR data.Accountable for all science on the lab line, working closely with the Shift Manager and Principal Scientist to deliver the lab line output. Ensuring performance quality KPIs across lab lines are met and responsible for proactive engagement in project initiatives to improve turnaround time and cost effectivenessResponsible for performing lab quality assurance, requiring a strong focus on data driven decision making, critical thinking and problem-solving to guarantee processes are carried out according to the lab’s Standard Operating Procedures. Act as an initial escalation point for any scientific issues, including equipment issues, and determine correct means of resolution by effectively identifying, resolving and/or escalating any risks and issues that occur during a set shift as necessary. Ensuring that Non-Conformances (NC) and Audit points are raised, investigated and corrective and preventative actions are completed in a timely manner.Manage relationships, discuss and propose resolutions to a wide variety of complex issues with key stakeholders, senior management, and support teams with varying levels of scientific understanding. Responsible for performance management across the lab team, ensuring appropriate team building and engagement with the team, including probation and appraisals processes. I became APS for the Training Academy, where I played a vital role in our training operation throughout the extensive recruitment drive at the RFL. The Training Academy delivered a three-week training programme to each cohort (of up to 30 new staff) that focused on educating and improving awareness of biosafety and aseptic techniques, as well as test processing and data management prior to starting their roles.

Addlestone, England, United Kingdom

To support national and OIE reference laboratories for Avian Influenza, Swine Influenza and Newcastle disease virus and assisting with disease emergency responses. As a reference laboratory scientist, I regularly perform whole genome sequencing for global submissions, providing in-depth phylogenetic analysis of results for inclusion in reports, presentations and publications across the global scientific community. This would include analysing raw outputs generated using Illumina sequencing platforms, script writing and adapting published scripts, collation of data, sequence analysis and interpretation. I also assist with diagnostic testing for notifiable avian diseases, conduct experimental studies involving a number of viral diseases and assist with the maintenance and management of the test portfolio.

Manchester, United Kingdom

My PhD project focuses on understanding the host/pathogen interactions of Staphylococcus aureus infecting bacteriophage and their genomes. I was able to successfully isolate and sequence the genomes of 22 novel bacteriophage, of which, some members belong to a completely new genus. Alongside working with these phage genomes, I investigated the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of globally distributed, multi-drug resistant and highly prevalent clones of S. aureus (ST22 and ST36) and their ability to produce biolfilms.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Molecular Biology And Microbiology

Bachelor Of Science (Bsc), Microbiology, General

Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Activities and Societies: Exchange Student