Mariska Laubscher Email & Phone Number

Cape Town, Wc, Za

Western Cape, South Africa

Greenhill Laboratories is an ISO-accredited facility specializing in molecular diagnostics and microbiological testing across two operational sites.• Head of Molecular Department, overseeing daily operations across two sites, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and maintaining quality control.• Collaborate with the Managing Director on operational and strategic initiatives, contributing to business growth and process improvements.• Serve as Laboratory Manager, responsible for method validation planning, SOP development, and implementation of new molecular testing methods.• Designed and validated custom primers and probes for unique molecular testing requirements.• Established and now oversee the operations of the Molecular Division, managing routine sample processing, data analysis, and report writing.• Review microbiological and molecular test results, advising clients on test requirements and assisting with project and test schedule planning.• Manage client accounts, acting as the first point of contact for new clients and ensuring strong customer relationships.• Engage with suppliers for sourcing equipment, reagents, and consumables, while providing input on the company budget and business growth strategies.• Developed new business opportunities and maintained strong client relationships to expand the company’s service offerings.

Western Cape, South Africa

Microsens Medtech, trading as Rapitrade 615, is a medical technology company focused on innovation and validation of diagnostic tools in healthcare solutions.• Served as a Strategic Advisor, providing insights and guidance on management decisions to support the company’s growth and direction.• Advised on scientific research requirements to align with accreditation standards and enhance business growth opportunities.• Contributed to key management decisions, offering expertise on research strategies and market positioning for long-term success.

Western Cape, South Africa

Lancet Laboratories is a leading pathology laboratory specializing in diagnostic testing, molecular diagnostics, and clinical pathology services.• Led the COVID-19 diagnostics team as head scientist, responsible for the initial set-up of the laboratory, sourced equipment, developed the workflows, responsible for assay validations and implementing new assays. I was also involved in interviews to recruit new staff during the peak seasons of COVID, and trained new staff, and overseen COVID laboratory operations. This involved 4 different teams over multiple shifts covering 18 operational hours a day.• ISO 15189 standards in the laboratory, ensuring compliance with international quality standards for molecular diagnostics.• Established and managed the COVID diagnostics molecular department, handling equipment sourcing, laboratory design, SOP development, and assay validation for reliable COVID-19 testing.• Trained and supervised the qPCR team, ensuring the delivery of quality pathology services in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) standards.• Optimized staff rosters and workflows for operational efficiency, and conducted weekly inventory checks to prevent shortages.• Founded and managed the Animal Health Department, responsible for molecular assay design for pathogen detection, assay validation, staff training, and sourcing equipment and reagents. The establishment of the animal health department was to increase revenue by utilising existing equipment, and by managing marketing, client relations, and service delivery. • Performed RNA/DNA extractions and PCR assays, analyzed data, and ensured accurate reporting with excellent customer service to meet client expectations.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

As a Project Leader and Principal Investigator of a Water Research Commission (WRC) funded project, I led groundbreaking research focused on molecular diagnostic tool development for aquatic health monitoring.• Led the project titled "Development of an eDNA approach as a novel technique for the early detection of aquatic fungal disease-causing agents in the environment", utilizing qPCR technology.• Supervised capacity building, mentoring post-graduate students and overseeing their research progress.• Managed the procurement process by sourcing quotes for project-related consumables and equipment.• Acted as laboratory manager, supporting fieldwork, sampling, and laboratory analyses for multiple research projects.• Processed routine samples, including DNA extractions, molecular analyses, results interpretation, and report writing.• Attended international conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed scientific journals by publishing research manuscripts.• Monitored laboratory equipment to ensure accurate functioning and research reliability.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Two Oceans Aquarium is a leading marine research and conservation facility dedicated to the health and preservation of aquatic life.• Contributed to microbial research projects, providing expertise and support in aquatic health and marine biology.• Assisted in animal health research projects and veterinary procedures, ensuring the well-being of aquatic species.• Collaborated with post-graduate students, offering guidance on laboratory work and research methodologies.• Presented research findings at local and international conferences, sharing insights on aquatic health and microbial studies.• Published relevant research findings in scientific journals, contributing to the field of aquatic health.

Western Cape, South Africa

AQUAVET AFRICA is a specialized veterinary clinic focused on aquatic animal health and aquaculture services.• Served as the initial point of contact for clients, managing queries and providing expert advice on animal health and aquaculture practices.• Supported day-to-day operations of the clinic and assisted the director with personal assistant tasks.• Managed client queries and order fulfilment, while educating clients on achieving optimal aquaculture results.• Conducted gill health and parasite burden assessments to evaluate fish farm performance and provided data on environmental factors to enhance productivity.• Assisted with environmental modelling, and ongoing aquaculture research projects.• Provided expertise in microbial cultures and advised on new and ongoing research initiatives.Key Skills: Aquaculture Health, Client Relations, Gill Health Assessments, Environmental Modelling, Research Support, Microbial Cultures.

Cape Town Area, South Africa

Microsens Medtech is a medical technology company focused on developing and validating innovative diagnostic tools and solutions.• Conducted Research and Development on the T-SPOT.TB test, utilizing ELISA SPOT assays to diagnose tuberculosis in blood.• Reviewed relevant scientific literature and provided informed recommendations for new research strategies and projects.• Designed and performed analytical and clinical experiments and trials, including the collection, analysis, reporting, and presentation of experimental data.• Collaborated with external, international partners to collect clinical samples and data for diagnostic testing and research projects.• Performed diagnostic testing and conducted laboratory assistant functions, including preparing reagents, washing and calibrating equipment.• Monitored equipment and ensured accurate results by maintaining detailed records of data and observations.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Microbiology, General

Bachelor'S Degree, Environmental Science

Copleted a Baccalaureus Scientiae degree in Microbiology and Zoology

Master'S Degree, Biodiversity And Conservation Biology

I’ve developed and optimized DNA based molecular methods to diagnose Abalone Tubercle Mycosis caused by Halioticida noduliformans in South.

Honneurs Baccalaureus Scientiae, Water Science

Performed research on treatment of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Amphibian Chytrid), on two different frog species. I’ve done in vitro.

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Animal Health - Molecular Diagnostics (Environmental Science)