Sania Shahbaz

Molecular Biologist with 3.5 years' hands-on experience running PCR, RT-PCR, digital PCR (dPCR), Cycle Sequencing, ELISA and next-generation sequencing (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore MinION) workflows across WHO- and NIH-affiliated virology and public health laboratories. Builds and validates high-throughput molecular assays to strict QA/QC and BSL-2/BSL-3 standards, with additional grounding in SDS-PAGE/Western blotting, microscopy and biochemical analysis from postgraduate research. Now targeting a translational molecular diagnostics role where assay development, data integrity and audit-ready compliance directly move the needle. 300+ samples/week | 22,000+ samples tested | 0 cross-contamination incidents | 3.5+ yrs WHO / NIH molecular diagnostics

Scientific Laboratory Technician at World Health Organization (2025-03 – 2026-05)

Executed RT-PCR and ELISA (measles serology) protocols for detection and characterisation of viral targets, maintaining rigorous standards that ensured reliable, reproducible, contamination-free results across 300+ samples processed weekly. Performed high-throughput nucleic acid extraction by manual (Qiagen) and automated (Chemagic, EZ1) methods, consistently delivering high-purity yields for downstream molecular applications. Purified PCR products and managed the full Cycle Sequencing workflow — reaction setup, post-sequencing purification and operation of Applied Biosystems ABI 3500/3730 — analysing resulting data to identify viral strains and mutations for national Polio surveillance.

Used a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for sample tracking, data entry and records management, ensuring accurate, audit-ready laboratory documentation at all times. Applied light microscopy to assess cell line health and confluency, supporting reliable virus isolation and culture-based assay results. Maintained strict adherence to BSL-2/BSL-3 safety protocols and QA standards in a clinical diagnostic laboratory, while maintaining full lab equipment validation and inventory records.

Research Technologist at National Institute of Health (NIH) (2024-07 – 2024-12)

Ran the Oxford Nanopore MinION workflow end-to-end — library preparation through real-time data acquisition — enabling rapid long-read sequencing and portable genomic surveillance. Optimised poliovirus quantification by plaque assay and whole-genome sequencing of poliovirus from environmental samples using Illumina NGS, improving overall assay performance. Isolated poliovirus from environmental sewage using cell culture techniques and performed enterovirus isolation from environmental samples.

Built and maintained equipment inventories and certification records across the poliovirus laboratory, supporting continuous audit readiness.

Scientific Laboratory Technician at National Institute of Health (NIH) (2023-01 – 2024-06)

Delivered accurate testing across 22,000+ serum samples via microneutralization assay for polio antibody titers, supported by robust inventory management and collaborative teamwork. Processed blood samples to obtain serum and conducted quality control testing for cell line sensitivity to support assay reliability. Carried out virus culture and titration to determine sample viability and inform downstream testing decisions.

Finance & Operations Manager (Remote) at SK Residence (2025-01 – 2025-12)

Managed budgeting, financial auditing and daily operations remotely alongside full-time lab work, evidencing strong organisational capacity and cross-functional coordination.

MSc in Microbiology – COMSATS University Islamabad (2019 – 2021)

BSc in Biotechnology – University of Gujrat (2013 – 2017)