Akbar Kanji

Senior Instructor and Postdoctoral Fellow with 15+ years of experience in molecular microbiology and infectious disease research, including SARS-CoV-2, Dengue, Chikungunya, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi). Demonstrated expertise in wet-lab experimentation, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) using the Illumina MiniSeq platform, and PCR-based diagnostics.

Proficient in advanced data analysis using SPSS and GraphPad Prism. Skilled in protocol development, biosafety practices, and cross-departmental collaboration. With 5 years of experienced in supervising and mentoring M.Phil., PhD, and medical students in laboratory techniques, thesis development, manuscript writing, and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Senior Instructor (Research) - Aga Khan University - Karachi, Pakistan

(2020-01 - 2025-12)

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

• Supervision in conducting transformation of plexGFP, psPAX2, and spike plasmids in E. coli HB101 vector, DNA extraction, and restriction digestion with gel electrophoresis
• Produced SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses via CaCl₂ method, followed by transfection and infection assays using HEK 293T and HEK 293T-ACE2 cell lines; performed neutralization assays to evaluate viral inhibition.
• Managed and curated the SARS-CoV-2 database ensuring accuracy and accessibility for ongoing projects.
• Oversaw sample biobanking and aliquoting of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza H1N1 and INFb specimens; performed RNA and DNA extractions for downstream analyses
• Contributed to scientific writing and publication efforts, including manuscripts on Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants
• Performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of SARS-CoV-2, MTB, and Salmonella typhi using the Illumina Miniseq platform
• Conducted RNA extraction and viral detection by real-time PCR (Quant 5 and Bio-Rad CFX systems), determining cycle threshold (CT) values in accordance with established protocols.
• Executed plaque reduction neutralization assay (PRNT) for Dengue and Chikungunya viruses using HEK cell lines to assess antibody-mediated viral inhibition.
• Managed and curated genomic databases for MTB and S. typhi WGS projects, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for ongoing research.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Aga Khan University - Karachi, Pakistan

(2018-01 - 2019-12)

Department of Pediatrics and Child Health

• Developed organoids (intestinal enteroids) in a three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel culture system using Matrigel from Pakistani Children with Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED)
• Coordinated procurement and inventory management of molecular biology and cell culture reagents, ensuring timely availability for research projects.
• Maintaining and curated database of intestinal biopsy samples and cultured enteroids, supporting translational research in pediatric health.
• Performed Adenovirus 5 (ADV5) infection assays with HEK cells; optimized Hexon gene detection by SYBR green PCR methodology for enhanced assay sensitivity and reproducibility.

Senior Technologist/Research Coordinator - Aga Khan University - Karachi, Pakistan

(2000-01 - 2017-12)

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

• Facilitated laboratory sessions in microbiology, parasitology and molecular biology, supporting medical residents and graduate students in hands-on training.
• Coordinated procurement and inventory management of molecular biology and cell culture buffers, reagents, and consumables to ensure smooth laboratory operations.
• Guided medical residents in extramural and intramural grant application processes.
• Prepared and processed clinical isolates including MTB, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, and MRSA; performed acid-fast and Gram staining for diagnostic and teaching purposes
• Completed a six-month rotation in the clinical laboratory, gaining hands-on experience in diagnostic workflows and laboratory operations
• Investigated mRNA expression levels of efflux genes (Rv2688c, Rv1634, drrA, and drrB) demonstrating upregulation extensively drug-resistant MTB (XDR-MTB) strains compared with drug-resistant (DR) MTB strains.
• Studied MAPK and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in MTB and BCG by conducting infection assays with THP-1 monocytic cell lines; analyzed protein expression via SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

Quality Control Officer (Microbiology section) - Reckitt and Colman Pharmaceuticals - Karachi, Pakistan

(1994-01 - 1997-12)

• Performed sterility testing of Gentamicin eye drops, eye ointments and Injections according to British Pharmacopeia standards
• Pyrogenic testing of Gentamicin injections using Albino rabbits according to British Pharmacopeia standards
• Physical inspection of Gentamicin injections for glass and black particles
• Environmental swab testing of sterile and syrup preparation areas
• Physical inspection of Disprol Syrup (Pediatric paracetamol suspension)
• Paracetamol tablet dissolution and hardness testing according to British Pharmacopeia standards

Post doctoral Fellow - Pediatrics and Child Health - The Aga Khan University (2019-01 - 2019-12)

Ph.D.

• Health Sciences - The Aga Khan University (2013-01 - 2013-12)

M.Sc.

• Microbiology - University of Karachi (1994-01 - 1994-12)

B.Sc.

• Microbiology, Chemistry, Zoology - University of Karachi (1991-01 - 1991-12)