Melissa Malan Email & Phone Number

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

• Commissioning of Molecular Biology and Serology laboratories (ISO 15189).• Oversight of laboratory operations and laboratory work.• Technical analysis based on a systematic, knowledge-based problem-solving approach and structured.methodologies to investigate risks and opportunities to create effective, value-add technical solutions.• Staff development to obtain skills required by organization to achieve performance objectives.• Oversee and monitor equipment (calibration and maintenance) by laboratory staff to ensure accurate and reliable results.• Manage the correct application of Quality Assurance processes and standard operating procedures to ensure correct actions are taken as required.• Materials Management (Stock control).• Interviewing candidates as part of the recruitment process.• Project Management to apply standards to drive effective delivery of lab activities to gain maximum value.• Supervision of client services and pre-analytical departments.• Health and safety: Identify potential hazards and ensuring compliance with all legislations.

South Africa

- Management of junior staff members, intern medical scientists & work flow.- Identify abnormal or unexpected results and report back and follow up with pathologists.- On-the-job & theoretical training of new employees.- Reviewing standard operating procedures.- Maintaining quality control, good laboratory practice in the laboratory according to ISO 15189.- Develop and evaluate diagnostic assays.- Perform accreditation and quality control related tasks to ensure standards are upheld.- Perform Materials Management related tasks in order to ensure effective control over stock and to ensure sufficient stock levels at all times.- Additional course: Internal Auditing Training

South Africa

- Prioritize workload and perform routine molecular diagnostic testing on a range of biological samples using numerous platforms (DNA/RNA extraction; different chemistry PCR detection; semi-automated and automated PCR systems).- Handle specimens according to laboratory protocols to maximize accuracy and precision of results.- Process patient specimens according to standard operating procedures and document results.- Process patient samples in good time and make sure that turnaround times for reporting results are achieved.- Record, report and post test results using Meditech.- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information to conform to internal and other regulatory standards.- Execute corrective actions when test controls are outside specified limits/invalid runs/instrument breakdown.- Professional knowledge up to date and participate in continuing professional development (CPD).- Additional courses: ISO 15189 course.- Soft skills training: Departmental Purpose (EQ), Accountability & Communication skills workshops

Presenting practical classesMarking test papers

- Leveraged highly effective communication and active listening skills to work effectively with scientists of diverse backgrounds and accomplish common research goals.- Completed synthesis, purification (semi-preparative liquid chromatography) and characterization (HPLC–MS; thin-layer chromatography; infrared spectroscopy) of different inorganic compounds and screened against multiple cancer cell lines (cell toxicity studies).- Methodology and results were reported in a scientific report to the supervisors and a poster presentation was done at the end of the internship.- Additional courses: SHE training: Orientation, Radiation and Chemical worker; Advanced Word and Excel training; Scientific Writing course

Bsc, Biochemistry

Master’S Degree, Biochemistry, Passed With Distinction

Antimicrobial peptide research in the Biotherapeutics research team.

Bsc (Hons), Biochemistry

Research in the Complementary and Alternative research group.

Matric