Nurul Naimah

Motivated science graduate currently pursuing an MPhil, seeking opportunities in biomedical or microbiology laboratory settings, with hands-on experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, and eager to contribute strong laboratory, analytical, and research skills to the team

Graduate Research Assistant at Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Malaya (2022/09 – Present)

Laboratory: Tick Cell Biobank Asia Outpost, Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), University of Malaya.

• Conducted maintenance of cell lines (Vero, tick and mosquito cell lines)
• Executed routine passaging, trypsinisation, cryopreservation, and thawing protocols for adherence and suspension cells using rigorous aseptic techniques
• Prepared specialised media and buffers under sterile conditions following standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Performed inventory of cell culture reagents and plasticware
• Maintained high standards of biosafety, sterility, and good laboratory practice while conducting cell culture work involving pathogenic bacteria (Rickettsial) and virus (DENV-2) in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory
• Performed a real-time PCR assay & quantified bacteria and viruses in tick and mosquito cell lines by using qPCR and RT-PCR
• Familiar with standard molecular biology workflows involving nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and downstream analysis
• Performed microscopy work necessary for bacterial and cell culture work
• Experienced in ethical animal handling and vector collection procedures, including the handling of wild rodents and stray cats for flea and tick collection used in bacterial isolation and cell culture work
• Experienced in drafting scientific reports and facilitating communication within international collaborative projects

Research Assistant, Temporary at Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), University of Malaya (2021/11 – 2022/09)

Project focusing on a molecular detection of pathogens affecting the farm animals in Peninsular Malaysia

• Conducted molecular work consisting of DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and gel electrophoresis for the detection of pathogens in animal organ and blood samples

Master of Philosophy (MPhil.) – Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya (2022/09 – 2026/12)

BSc Biology (Honours) in Biology – Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2017- 2021)