John Daudu

I am a reliable, agile, and dynamic senior scientist researcher with over eight years of extensive experience in my field of research. I possess exceptional multitasking abilities and can efficiently and accurately handle multiple projects, including grant writing. As an effective independent worker and dynamic team leader, I facilitate cross-functional collaboration with other internal and external stakeholders.

I have a wealth of experience in Quality/Performance Management and IVD, and I possess a deep understanding of the principles of good clinical practices (GCP) and their application in a research environment. I am also aware of GMP and GLP regulations for R&D and production. Furthermore, I am highly proficient in LIMS and Q-Pulse systems, data analysis and statistics, bioinformatics, recombinant DNA technology, molecular cloning, NGS, GS, protein biochemistry, protein expression, and purification.

Senior Scientist Laboratory Lead - UK Health Security Agency Rosalind Franklin Laboratory - Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

(2022)

• Supervised and trained 5–8 lab technicians on a primary basis and extensively managed 20–30 scientists as the Variant of Concern Training Lead and Coordinator.
• Spearheaded technical training initiatives to ensure upskilling and compliance with ISO 13485 standards in a high-throughput molecular diagnostics environment.
• Conducted screening and molecular diagnostic assays to detect COVID-19 variants of concern, including the integration of new assays into the diagnostic pipeline.
• Defined technical learning objectives and championed the creation of training materials, utilizing innovative learning approaches tailored to a diverse workforce.
• Ensured productivity, quality control, and compliance in sample preparation laboratories while overseeing the seamless operation of automated liquid handling systems.
• Planned and directed manual sample preparation, addressing equipment-related issues, and implementing process improvements to optimize efficiency.
• Maintained adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring compliance with ISO 13485, ISO 17025:2017, and ISO 9001:2015 laboratory standards through regular self-checks and audits.
• Mentored junior scientists, fostering their technical growth and supporting their professional development.
• Collaborated with regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and drive process improvements.
• Designed and maintained complex databases of scientific data, enabling accurate analysis and timely reporting.
• Key Achievement: Developed and implemented cross-functional training programs and risk mitigation strategies that resulted in a 20% reduction in overall spending while improving efficiency and maintaining quality. Successfully integrated innovative approaches for workforce cross-training, increasing team engagement and operational agility, and enhancing the resilience of production pipelines.

Senior Assay Scientist - UK Biocentre - Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

(2020 - 2021)

• Managed and trained laboratory technologists, focusing on assay development, validation, and pipeline integration in a clinical molecular biology setting.
• Conducted molecular diagnostic testing for COVID-19, including qPCR and ePCR systems, while troubleshooting PCR methodologies and interpreting results.
• Designed and implemented robust validation and training procedures, ensuring compliance with ISO 13485, cGMP, CLIA, CAP, and NYSDOH standards.
• Leveraged expertise in molecular biology techniques, including DNA cloning, recombinant DNA technology, RNA transcription, and high-throughput assays.
• Conducted protein purification, HPLC, ELISA, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy to support assay development and innovation.
• Collaborated on pipeline integration projects, successfully reducing time-to-market for new diagnostic products.
• Acted as a compliance champion, creating monthly self-check protocols for ISO 13485, ISO 17025:2017, and ISO 9001:2015, ensuring operational excellence.
• Provided mentorship to junior scientists, supporting their growth in experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory techniques.
• Key Achievement: Played a pivotal role in assay development and validation, streamlining laboratory workflows and contributing to the successful deployment of innovative molecular diagnostic solutions.

Visiting Lecturer Part-time - University of Hertfordshire - Hatfield, Hertfordshire

(2017 - 2022)

• Experienced and dedicated lead lecturer in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Immunology for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Conducted high-through assays and applied a variety of laboratory techniques such as protein purification, Gene cloning and DNA plasmid preparation, RT-PCR, qPCR, ePCR, fluorescence microscopy, HPLC, Cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, RNA in vitro transcription and QC.
• Conducted SDS-PAGE, Western blot, analytical SEC, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Independently conducted protein purification techniques (affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, analytical SEC, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and protein refolding techniques) and experience working with AKTA purification platforms and associated software.
• Successfully supervised and graded over 250 undergraduate laboratory tests and academic assignments.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop students and interns, including setting objectives, coaching, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Highly skilled in providing focused feedback and creating individual development plans for direct reports.
• Effective supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
• Successfully managed International Mentorship programs for students from China, France, and the United States.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, fostering productive working relationships with students and colleagues.

Associate Scientist - Institute of Human Virology

(2012 - 2014)

• Logistics, Coordinating and planning of African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) Training on (laboratory Quality Management Systems ToT)
• Provision of planning for CDC Training on (HIV Rapid Test Kit Post Market Validation).
• Co-facilitated and Coordinated for the Strength Health Resources Nigeria Group (SHARING project) IHVN in the ToT workshop on (Laboratory Equipment maintenance).
• Co-facilitated, coordinated with minimal supervision and Participated in the CD+4 Estimation Training using the PIMA platform.
• Co-facilitated the visitation from WHO, CDC, Family Health International (FHI-360), AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria (APIN), President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

PhD - Molecular Biology - University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (2016 - 2021)

MSc - Molecular Biology - University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (2014 - 2015)