Avneet Virk

● Perform assay design(&DOE), data analysis, troubleshooting, and validation for LAMP and qPCR-ensuring accurate pathogen detection in dynamic settings and sources, including samples from Toronto international Airport, Public Health Ontario, etc.

● Carry out DNA/RNA manual extractions using qiagen kits, biobasic kits as well as sample quantification using Nanodrop.

● Use Midnight library protocol: Perform library preparation, pooling primers, and cleanup of samples using magnetic beads.

● Expert knowledge of LAMP, qPCR, ELISA, primer-probe designing, and Lyophilization.

● Lead the lyophilization of reagents, extending their shelf life and streamlining the rigorous validation processes at each deliverable.

● Experience in synthesizing in-lab master mixes and lysis buffers, wash solutions for molecular assays.

● Lead investigations for process and formulation deviations and perform problem-solving tests.

● Conduct clinical trial patient blood sample processing for isolating human serum blood samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC’s).

● Assist in first stage clinical trials to detect SV40 gene in HEK 293T/HEK293 cells using western blot, protein extraction, BCA assay.

● Carry out aseptic techniques to perform cell culture maintenance, subculture, reactivation and cryopreservation (using MRC-5, HFF cell lines).

● Developing and optimizing clinical grade assays to analyze drug (Retuximab) effect in clinical patient samples.

● Carry out manual nucleic acid isolation, quantification (Qubit assay), primer designing, real time PCR and digital droplet PCR absolute analysis.

● Perform quality control, troubleshooting of experiments & assays to optimize results.

● Maintain well-organized records/inventory and documentation, data entry and analysis

● SARS-COV-2 next generation sequencing sample analysis.

● Initiate manual or partially-automated setup of real- time PCR including preparation of primer and probes stocks, buffer, and Sanger Sequencing.

● Carry out manual or automated extraction of nucleic acids for various clinical significant virus samples such as: Herpes Virus Test (HSV_VZV), Cytomegalovirus Test(CMV), Fluvid Test, Mumps and Measles Test, Gastrointestinal Virus Test (GI), Covid-19 Test,Respiratory Virus Multiplex PCR panel Test(MPX),Variant Of Concern(VOC) on high throughput platforms as assigned.

● Work on Altona kit optimization and validation for Adeno virus F41 and C2 strains from 100 negative blood samples using 7500 real time PCR.

● Operate real-time thermocycler, extraction platforms, Sanger Sequencing, Illumina library preparation, and automated liquid handling platforms.

● Process human blood, tissue, oral swab, urine, stool, BAL, CSF, skin lesions, NPS samples with focus on accuracy, priority and documented results.

● Perform Microbes Enumeration & Identification, Gram Staining, Biochemical testing, pH, bio-burden, temperature, growth and oxygen requirement tests, antibiotic susceptibility tests including MIC, MBC.

● Prepare reagents, standards controls and samples for analysis in GLP compliant Biosafety level containment level 2 laboratory.

● Work on probiotic bacteria, cholera, listeria sp. present in foods, and bacteria present in human faeces, urine and blood samples.

● Manufacture beer, yoghurt, tofu using lactobacilli, and tested product quality and stability for 2 weeks;

● Operate/maintain, and sterilize lab equipment, including microscopes, automated analyzers, centrifuges, rotator, and incubators to ensure accurate and timely test results.

● Collect, examine, process, and log data for microbial samples on a Weekly basis.

● Report any out of specification test results to management and investigation of find a root cause.

• Worked on “Microbial Genome Sequencing and Bioinformatics” conducted by Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Environment, USA.
• Performed DNA extraction of Alium Sativum using Qiagen kits, amplification of genomic sequence using PCR,Quantification using agarose gel electrophoresis & UV spectrophotometer (260nm,280 nm).
• Compared unknown query DNA sequence/protein sequence with databases such as PDB,NCBI,BLAST,FASTA,ORF Finder .
• Carried out capillary gel electrophoresis (Sanger Sequencing) for detection/Quantification of E.coli sequence and; RFLP and metagenomics.

• Trained over 10 members on workflow processed such as creating batches, querying sample information using Lab information management System(Labware) and sample preparation for RNA extraction/PCR setup.
• Solved problems such as mismatched samples, issues with prepared media to maintain turn around time.
• Analyzed Real-time PCR results of around 96 samples using vendor thermocycling software for Virology Assays.
• Maintained strict aseptic fields when collecting biological samples, and keep track of them by initialing, dating and noting time of collection.
• Assisted in processing and testing Virus Culture through ELVIS assay using Fluorescence Microscope.

• Gained wet -lab cellular / molecular biology scientific research, using Bioinformatics tools, PCR, Flow Cytometry (CD4 /CD8 analysis in HIV samples) , ELISA, cloning, Tissue culture, primer designing and Site-Directed Mutagenesis.
• Assisted in preparing tissue for Staining(H& E) using fixation, grossing, embedding,sectioning(microtome/crytostat).
• Cell Culturing: Handled cell lines such as Hela,CHO,RAW 26.7 (adherent epithelial cell culture) using fibronectin, trypsinization, PBS washing, cell plating and Staining as well as cells passaging of suspension cell culture.
• Performed protein analysis using technique such as SDS PAGE, western blotting.
• Designed and conducted molecular experiments by preparing recombinant plasmid DNA preparation/isolation and expression in host cells; restriction enzyme mapping.