Seller 254709 - Bristol, Somerset, UK

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I am highly literate, with excellent communication skills. I hold a degree in biomedicine (1st class) and a PhD in molecular biology. I am an experienced science researcher with teaching experience.

: Hourly rate shown includes a discount of 5% for registered charities.

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CV

LABORATORY RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Centre for Research In Biomedicine (CRIB), University of the West of England.
Mar 2005 – current
Proteomic and peptidomic analysis of red cell membranes and plasma.
As part of Safe Network funding (part time), plasma protein sample complexity reduction was optimised via comparative assessment of several commercial antibody affinity columns using DiGE and free flow electrophoresis technologies as a preparative step for a collaborative project centred around non-invasive pre-natal diagnosis of foetal abnormalities via analysis of maternal blood. As part of National Blood Service funding (full time), the ability to determine blood group antigens from both red cell membranes and surface peptides released via partial digestion of red cells was assessed as a preparative step for future “lab on a chip” technologies. Optimisation included the use of western blotting, centrifugal filtration, free-flow electrophoresis, 2D gel electrophoresis, SELDI and ESI mass spectrometry.

PhD Research
Centre for Research In Biomedicine (CRIB), University of the West of England.
Oct 2003 – Oct 2006
Characterisation of the toxiome in rat liver spheroids using DiGE technology.
The aim of the project was firstly to compare the proteome profile of spheroid tissue cultures, monolayer tissue cultures, freshly isolated liver cells and the originating liver tissue in order to determine which biochemical pathways are retained, lost or enhanced by the two culture methods, and whether any changes might have occurred purely as a result of the isolation method. The second aim of the project was to compare the spheroid proteome response to a range of toxins; the spheroid “toxiome”. Technologies used were mainly centred around fluorescent 2D differential in gel electrophoresis (DiGE), but also included MALDI mass spectrometry, light and electron microscopy, confocal laser imaging, western blotting, ELISA and biochemical assays. Multivariate statistical analyses were applied to the differential proteomic data so that a “systems biology” approach could be made to identify subtle alterations to components of biochemical pathways and thereby identify novel biomarkers of toxicity.

BSc Final Year Project
Centre for Research In Biomedicine (CRIB), University of the West of England.
Sept 2002 – Mar 2003
Isolation and sequencing of cDNA clones for an Rh-associated glycoprotein from Apis mellifera retinal cells.
The aim of the project was to discover whether a Rhesus protein homologue, shown to be involved in ammonium transport in other organisms, is present in A. mellifera tissues. Techniques used included extraction of mRNA from tissues, PCR (including touchdown, nested and temperature gradient), synthesis of cDNA using degenerate primers based on amino acid consensus sequences, ligation of DNA fragments into plasmid vectors, transformation of E. coli, screening/isolation of DNA fragments using agarose gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing. Use of bioinformatics tools such as BLAST algorithm to assess sequence similarities and codon usage tables to design more species specific oligonucleotide primers.

Clinical Placement
Department of Microbiology, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.
Sept 2001 – Sept 2002 and July 2003 – Sept 2003
Trainee Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer.
Working as part of a team identifying microbial pathogens from clinical specimens. Disciplines include differential diagnosis from raw specimens using selective media, antibiotic sensitivity testing, microscopy (including phase contrast and fluorescent), enzyme immunoassays such as ELISA, serological diagnoses and cell counts using a haemocytometer.

Vacation Bursary
Centre for Research in Plant Science (CRIPS), University of the West of England.
July 2001 – Sept 2001
NMR micro-imaging of wheat grains infected by spoilage fungi.
The research involved micro-inoculation of wheat grains with three fungal pathogens, monitoring of the process of colonisation using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and conventional light microscopy (LM) to allow evaluation of the value of NMR for non-invasive imaging. Techniques used included wax embedding, micro-sectioning and differential staining of wheat grains, dissection for light microscopy and freeze-fracturing for ESEM. In collaboration with the University of Nottingham, use of NMR spectroscopy to visualise real time alterations to grain hydration states during the infection process.

Undergraduate experience
Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England.
Sept 1999 – June 2001
Applied Biology (Biomedical Science) Undergraduate Modules.
The practical nature of the applied degree allowed experience of many widely used molecular techniques such as immunoassays (including immunoelectrophoresis, immunodiffusion, agglutination reactions and ELISA), affinity chromatography, analysis and purification of proteins using mass spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Other techniques included organ bath analysis of agonist/antagonist dose response and evaluation of enzyme kinetics.

Pre-Undergraduate Experience
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Langford, Bristol.
Jun 1987 – Mar 1989
Assistant Scientific Officer.
Working as part of a team handling pathological and other biological specimens for veterinary diagnostic services. Disciplines included bacteriology, handling and post-mortem sampling of BSE infected cattle, collection and post-mortem monitoring of badgers for tuberculosis infection, preparation of samples for LM, EM and fluorescent microscopy and establishment of cell lines for viral cultures.

EMPLOYMENT

Sept 2004 – present Researcher, FAS, UWE
Sept 2003 – present Self employed GCSE/A Level Tutor
Sept 2006 – July 2007 AS Biology teacher (P/T), City of Bristol College, Bristol
Sept 2003 – Sept 2006 Laboratory Demonstrator, FAS, UWE
Sept 2001 – Sept 2003 Trainee MLSO, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.
Mar 2000 – Jan 2001 Colleague, Select Service Ptnrs, Temple Meads, Bristol.
Apr 1995 - Sept 1997 Administration Clerk, Richard Lawson Motor Co, Portbury Dock.
Oct 1993 - Nov 1994 Secretary, Lucy Bristow Appointments, Bristol.
Aug 1992 - Dec 1993 Administration Clerk, Autocar Transporters, Portbury Dock.
Sep 1990 - Mar 1992 Sole Proprietor of Taxi Business, Portishead.
Mar 1989 - Sep 1990 Financial Consultant, Cannon Lincoln, Bristol.
Jun 1987 - Mar 1989 Assistant Scientific Officer, MAFF, Langford House.

Employment History

(Sep 2003 & ongoing)

GCSE/A Level Tutor

Bristol

(Sep 2003 & ongoing)

Research Associate

Bristol

Primary research into liver cell toxicology, red cell membrane antigens and plasma pregnancy biomarkers. Mainly in the field of proteomics, but also biochemistry and genetics.

(Sep 2006 to Jul 2007)

AS Biology Teacher (part time)

Bristol

(Sep 2001 to Sep 2003)

Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer

UBHT, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol

Education

(Oct 2003 to Oct 2007)

University of the West of England

PhD in "Characterisation of the toxiome in rat liver spheroids"

(Oct 1999 to Jun 2003)

University of the West of England

First Class Honours Degree in Biomedical Science

(Sep 1997 to Sep 1999)

Weston Super Mare Technical College

GCE 'A' levels: Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Art (D), Maths (C)

(Sep 1992 to Sep 1998)

Weston Super Mare Technical College (part-time)

GCE ‘A’ level Physics (E), English Literature (D), Computer Literacy and Information Technology, RSA Typing Stage 1 (Distinction)

(Sep 1983 to Sep 1985)

Wyvern Comprehensive School

GCE 'O' levels: Maths(A), English Lang(B), English Lit(A), Geography(B), French(B), Physics(B), Biology(B), Chemistry(B), Statistics(C), Mathematics 'A/O' Level (C)