John Daudu

Senior Scientist and Laboratory Team Leader with over eight years of experience across regulated, high-throughput laboratory environments, molecular diagnostics, assay development and protein biochemistry. Experienced in supervising and developing laboratory teams, including direct supervision of 5–8 technicians and coordination of 20–30 scientists. Strong working knowledge of GMP, GLP and quality-system principles, supported by practical experience of SOP compliance, assay validation, analytical troubleshooting, laboratory self-checks, audit readiness, LIMS and Q-Pulse.

Technical capability includes HPLC, ELISA, protein purification, AKTA chromatography, analytical SEC, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Delivered a 20% reduction in overall operating spend through cross-training, risk mitigation and workflow optimisation. Seeking to apply laboratory leadership, biochemistry and quality-system experience within a pharmaceutical QC Team Leader role.

Senior Scientist Laboratory Lead at UK Health Security Agency, Rosalind Franklin Laboratory (2022 – Present)

• Lead day-to-day laboratory operations in a regulated, high-throughput molecular diagnostics environment, balancing testing priorities, quality requirements, safety and turnaround commitments.
• Directly supervise and train 5–8 laboratory technicians and coordinate training, technical capability and operational activity for 20–30 scientists as Variant of Concern Training Lead and Coordinator.
• Develop and deliver technical training materials, define learning objectives and support staff upskilling in line with operational needs and ISO 13485 requirements.
• Maintain SOP adherence and support quality-system compliance through regular laboratory self-checks and audits against ISO 13485, ISO 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015 standards.
• Oversee manual sample preparation and automated liquid-handling workflows, addressing equipment-related issues and implementing process improvements to protect quality and productivity.
• Review analytical and operational data, maintain complex scientific databases and enable accurate reporting, traceability and timely escalation of laboratory issues.
• Support investigation of assay, equipment and process issues through review of workflow steps, technical data and procedural compliance; escalate quality risks and contribute to corrective actions where required.
• Collaborate with compliance, regulatory and internal stakeholders to maintain laboratory standards, resolve operational risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Designed cross-functional training and risk-mitigation strategies that reduced overall operating spend by 20%, improved team agility and strengthened pipeline resilience.

Senior Assay Scientist at UK Biocentre (2020 – 2021)

• Managed and trained laboratory technologists in assay development, validation and pipeline integration within a clinical molecular biology environment.
• Performed high-throughput molecular diagnostic testing using qPCR and ePCR platforms; troubleshot PCR methodology, reviewed assay outputs and supported result interpretation.
• Designed and implemented validation and training procedures aligned with ISO 13485, cGMP, CLIA, CAP and NYSDOH requirements.
• Supported investigation of assay-performance issues by assessing method steps, controls, reagents, equipment performance and analyst practice, contributing to technically sound resolution and escalation.
• Applied protein purification, HPLC, ELISA, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy to support assay development, innovation and analytical work.
• Created monthly self-check protocols aligned with ISO 13485, ISO 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015, strengthening routine compliance monitoring and operational readiness.
• Supported new-assay implementation and workflow improvements, contributing to reduced time-to-market for diagnostic products and improved laboratory efficiency.
• Mentored junior scientists in experimental design, data analysis, technical practice and adherence to controlled laboratory procedures.

Visiting Lecturer, Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Immunology (Part-Time) at University of Hertfordshire (2017 – 2022)

• Delivered undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in molecular biology, microbiology and immunology; supervised research projects and laboratory-based learning.
• Developed practical experience in protein purification, HPLC, ELISA, cell culture, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, RT-PCR, qPCR and ePCR.
• Performed SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, analytical SEC and UV-Vis spectroscopy; used AKTA chromatography platforms for affinity, ion-exchange, hydrophobic-interaction and size-exclusion purification methods.
• Supervised and assessed more than 250 undergraduate laboratory tests and academic assignments, providing structured feedback, coaching and development support.
• Mentored students and interns through objective-setting, performance feedback and individual development planning.

Associate Scientist at Institute of Human Virology (2012 – 2014)

• Coordinated and supported laboratory quality-management training programmes, including African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) training-of-trainers activity.
• Supported planning for CDC training on HIV rapid-test-kit post-market validation and laboratory-equipment maintenance workshops.
• Co-facilitated CD4 estimation training using the PIMA platform and supported visits involving WHO, CDC, FHI-360, APIN and PEPFAR stakeholders.

PhD in Molecular Biology – University of Hertfordshire (2016 – 2021)

MSc in Molecular Biology – University of Hertfordshire (2014 – 2015)