Bebela Kalala

Biomedical science degree, passionate about extending my scientific knowledge and using this to make a difference in people’s lives. As a biomedical scientist, I believe I would have a great opportunity to contribute to the understanding and accurate diagnosis of disease, and so more broadly support public health and wellbeing.

I am looking for a trainee biomedical science position.

Throughout my course, I have particularly enjoyed microbiology, immunology and pathology, and have been fascinated by the mechanisms through which microorganisms cause disease and the ways in which the body responds to combat their impact.

I am aware of the important role of a biomedical scientist in promoting public health generally and more specifically in investigating to support the delivery of effective diagnosis and prevent harmful disease. The current climate has highlighted this role and the world-leading scientific expertise on topics including epidemiology, microbiology, virology and immunisation has been key in supporting the national response to Covid 19.

By undertaking this role, I would have a unique opportunity to learn from experts and clinical researchers. In addition, I would potentially have the chance to gain experience of using the equipment and exposure to different clinical techniques. Another key attraction is the opportunity to complete the IBMS registration portfolio, providing me with a direct path to HCPC registration and my career as a biomedical scientist on graduation.

In relation to what I bring to the role, I have both through my course and my work experience as a medical laboratory assistant (histopathology) used a range of laboratory equipment including centrifuges, hot air ovens, incubators, water baths, autoclaves and microscopes. In this role I carried out regular equipment checks and routine maintenance. Accuracy and attention to detail were key to providing a quality service to patients, and I consistently followed instructions and procedures with care.

This experience has also been invaluable in helping me appreciate the role of the biomedical scientist in storing, processing, and managing specimens, as well as the accurate reporting and interpretation of results.

My ability to work within a team was demonstrated in this context as I was part of a team of eight responsible for conducting investigations on patients’ biopsy and blood samples, blood gas and ECG​.Here I worked in a co-operative manner, supporting colleagues during busy periods by managing my tasks effectively, ensuring that I performed all housekeeping duties diligently thereby contributing fully to team goals.

My strengths include the ability to communicate information and instructions clearly and concisely and this is shown in my current position as a dental nurse. Patients are sometimes anxious, and so I carefully convey health-related information with patience and clarity, checking understanding to ensure quality care is delivered.

In conclusion I believe I offer strong work values, ethics and professional standards and I am committed to working extremely hard within this role to further my own knowledge as well as the goals of the organisation.

Please find attached to this email my CV.

Research data manager 08/2021-present

•  Process blood sample in the laboratory to test for prestine protein blood
• Manage data collection, data entry and data cleansing for patient recruitment data and case report forms for commercial and non-commercial NIHR CRN Portfolio adopted studies in ENT, Hearing and Balance conducted at the RNENT & EDH;
• Monitor recruitment of NIHR CRN Portfolio adopted studies and escalate over or under recruitment accordingly to senior team members;
• Manage data upload onto NIHR CRN Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS);
• Act to resolve issues with source data and anomalous data at the time of reporting, reviewing against previously reported data as well as local and national normal ranges;
• Prioritise workload to ensure all data queries/returns are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner escalating issues to senior team members;
• Develop systems for improving the collection of accurate and timely source data;
• Maintain list/database of up-coming, current and recently closed clinical trials;
• Work with research team to ensure all data is accurately input to the hospitals EPIC Research system and transferred accurately to the UCL/H JRO EDGE system and keep self-up to date with new versions of the software;
• Create and maintain SOP’s, electronic and paper Investigator Site File (ISF) and up to date personal training records including CV and GCP’s.

Eastman and ENT UCLH, Dental Nurse 11/2020 -08/2021

• Preparing dental instruments, materials and equipment for each clinical session 
• Adhering to current Department of Health decontamination guidelines, responsible for the decontamination and sterilisation of instruments and safe segregation and disposal of waste following COSHH regulations. 
• Maintaining a regular testing schedule, eg monthly checks of legionella in the water lines.
• Assisting dental staff in the full range of dental treatment and procedures, supporting colleagues and adapting to the demands and expectations of a professional healthcare setting 
• Maintaining accurate confidential patient records, ensuring that relevant information is reported to the dentist, checking patients' fitness for discharge after extractions/sedation.
• Actively engage with continuous professional development, ensuring training in areas such as infection control, manual handling and information governance is up to date. 

Whittington Health Care, Dental Nurse 03/2017 – 11/2020

• Preparing dental instruments, materials and equipment for each clinical session 
• Adhering to current Department of Health decontamination guidelines, responsible for the decontamination and sterilisation of instruments and safe segregation and disposal of waste following COSHH regulations.
• Maintaining a regular testing schedule, eg monthly checks of legionella in the water lines.
• Assisting dental staff in the full range of dental treatment and procedures, supporting colleagues and adapting to the demands and expectations of a professional healthcare setting 

Forest Dental Care, Dental Nurse 11/2014-03/2017

• Adhered to cross-infection and health and safety protocols to the highest standard.
• Ensured appropriate disinfection and decontamination of all equipment after each consultation. 
• Accurately prepared and mixed materials, monitored stock levels. 
• Recorded patient notes correctly and efficiently as dictated by the dentist.

Whittington Health Care, Medical Laboratory Assistant in Histopathology

04/2018-09/2018

• Accurate preparation of lab solutions such as agar and gram stain
• Conducted regular checks on dry ice levels, maintained levels of liquid nitrogen in cell storage vessels. 
• Routine maintenance of lab equipment such as microscope, centrifuge, autoclave, fridge, thermocycle
• Recorded any equipment breakdown and informed the management team.
• Uploaded chemical safety data sheets to the database, maintained high levels of accuracy.
• Followed all safety procedures, including checking and labelling chemical waste bottles ready for collection.
• Monitored stock levels of laboratory consumables, re-ordering as necessary. Reviewed progress of orders, chasing as needed, providing feedback to users.
• Accepted delivery of goods, logged receipt and distributed to end-user.
• Glassware collection, washing and redistribution to the laboratories.

BSc Biomedical Science (IBMS accredited), London Metropolitan University 09/2018-05/2022

(This course incorporated a foundation year, completed 2018/19)

Relevant modules include Microbiology and Immunology (grade 84%), Cell and Molecular Biology of the Immune System (grade 88.5%), Infection Science, Tissue Science, Fundamentals of Medicinal Chemistry (grade 72%), Laboratory Science (grade 92%), Blood Science, Parasitology, Immunology of Health and Disease.

• Completed practical laboratory sessions related to genetic analysis, including modifying and analysing recombinant plasmids, bacterial transformation, restriction enzyme cloning, PCR and electrophoresis.
• Performed lab techniques such as ELISA and spectrophotometry.
• Methodically solved statistical and mathematical problems, such as calculating serial dilutions, concentrations, transformation efficiency and plotting and interpreting standard curves.
• Researched, analysed and wrote up the results of a research project on the Epstein Barr virus. Presented my findings, confidently handling questions from academics and peers.
• Used both liquid and solid culture media of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens,

  Staphylococcus epidermidis with a wire inoculating loop to subculture microorganisms then examined the streak plate cultures.

• Prepared a heat-fixed smear and determined the gram morphology and arrangement of the above-named bacteria. Obtained a valid estimate of the Total Viable Count by identifying a dilution that produced between 30 and 300 visible colonies on the agar surface, counted the exact number of colonies on each plate.
• Separated a mixture using the solvent extraction technique.
• Measured both intrinsic and extrinsic properties of cells while in a moving fluid stream using a flow cytometer device.
• Adopted good laboratory practice, following standard procedures, health and safety protocols and all written and verbal instructions with care.