Syed Zain Ul Abdin Shah
I am a Researcher at National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology (NIGAB), NARC, Islamabad, with a background in both agricultural research and clinical diagnostics, alongside prior experience as a Medical Lab Technologist at GreenLab, Mirpur. Through these roles, I’ve developed strong hands-on skills in handling lab equipment, following strict SOPs, and ensuring accurate, reliable results. I am actively looking for opportunities in QA/QC and R&D where I can apply my laboratory experience, analytical mindset, and focus on quality standards.
- Optimized micropropagation and tissue culture protocols for high-value crops including potato, banana, ginger, orchid, and lilium to improve in vitro multiplication rates and plantlet survival.
- Investigated the effects of diverse explant sources and genotypes on morpho-physiological development and certified seed potato production within aeroponic systems.
- Oversaw Hydroponic and Aeroponic production facilities, managing automated nutrient delivery, growth parameters, and routine system maintenance.
- Performed nucleic acid extractions (DNA/RNA), PCR, RT-PCR, and DAS-ELISA assays for pathogen screening and virus indexing in accordance with strict QA/QC standards.
- Conducted genetic fidelity testing and germplasm characterization using molecular markers, including SSR and ISSR DNA fingerprinting techniques.
- Mentored and trained incoming laboratory interns and technical trainees on aseptic handling, molecular assays, and soilless cultivation practices.
- Authored detailed laboratory reports, standardized operating procedures (SOPs), and peer-reviewed research manuscripts documenting experimental workflows and analytical findings.
- Prepared growth media, executed strict aseptic sterilization routines, and carried out subculturing and inoculation procedures in accordance with laboratory SOPs.
- Collected, accessioned, and prepared patient clinical specimens (blood, body fluids, and swabs) following standardized phlebotomy and biosafety protocols.
- Operated and calibrated automated, semi-automated, and manual clinical analyzers across hematology, clinical chemistry, and serology platforms.
- Performed routine and specialized diagnostic assays in hematology, routine biochemistry, clinical pathology, and general diagnostics with high accuracy.
- Maintained laboratory internal quality control (IQC) and compliance, upholding strict laboratory SOPs, contamination control, and biosafety guidelines.
- Analyzed diagnostic test findings, flagged abnormal or critical values, and compiled comprehensive laboratory reports for clinical review and verification.
- Carried out daily equipment maintenance, reagent inventory management, and troubleshooting to minimize instrument downtime and ensure testing turnaround times.
Conducted master’s research as part of the Pak-Korea joint venture project Potato Nucleus Seed Production Through Tissue Culture and Aeroponic Technology. Optimized an end-to-end nucleus seed production pipeline by generating virus-free in vitro potato plantlets from meristem and minituber explants, standardizing hydroponic acclimatization, and cultivating them in an aeroponic greenhouse. Evaluated the influence of explant source and genotype on gene expression, growth dynamics, and minituber yield across periodic intervals (30, 60, 90, 120 DAT and harvest), followed by comprehensive statistical modeling to assess performance and production efficiency.
Conducted undergraduate thesis research evaluating the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) leaf extracts against environmental bacterial isolates. Executed plant material processing and solvent-based phytochemical extractions using two distinct solvents to isolate active secondary metabolites. Isolated and cultured pure bacterial strains from environmental soil and water samples using aseptic plating and serial subculturing techniques. Screened and quantified antibacterial potency via the agar well diffusion method on nutrient agar plates, analyzing zones of inhibition to evaluate the comparative antimicrobial spectrum of each solvent extract.