Sania Nisar

Highly qualified science educator and molecular biologist with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and extensive research experience in transcriptomics, functional genomics, and bioinformatics. Brings a unique combination of advanced scientific knowledge and practical classroom experience, having taught science at The City School and mentored graduate-level students in molecular biology and data analysis. Committed to inspiring scientific curiosity in students through evidence-based, inquiry-led teaching methods.

Skilled at translating complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging lessons appropriate for secondary-level learners.

Science Teacher (Grades 5–7) - The City School — Mardan Campus - Mardan, Pakistan

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

Taught General Science to students in Grades 5, 6, and 7, covering biology, environmental science, and scientific inquiry.

• Designed interactive lesson plans, class activities, laboratory demonstrations, and student assessments aligned with curriculum standards.
• Used inquiry-based and hands-on teaching methods to encourage student participation and develop scientific thinking skills.
• Evaluated student performance through quizzes, assignments, and examinations; maintained detailed records of academic progress.
• Collaborated with colleagues to improve teaching materials and foster a positive, stimulating learning environment.

Graduate Student Mentor - Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi - Rawalpindi, Pakistan

(2021-01)

Mentored undergraduate and master's students in molecular biology laboratory techniques, experimental design, and bioinformatics data analysis.

• Delivered training sessions on RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, transcriptome analysis, and scientific writing.
• Guided students in interpreting complex biological datasets and preparing research presentations.

Ph.D. Research Scholar — Plant Molecular Biology - NIGAB, NARC Islamabad - Islamabad, Pakistan

(2021-01 - 2025-12)

Project: Transcriptome Analysis of NARC-G1 Garlic to Identify Potential Markers for Yield Enhancement

• Performed de novo transcriptome assembly of three garlic varieties (NARC-G1, Chinese, Desi Gulabi) using Trinity and advanced bioinformatics pipelines.
• Conducted complete RNA-seq analysis: raw data QC (FastQC), read trimming (Trimmomatic), alignment-free assembly, and transcript quantification (Salmon).
• Executed comprehensive functional annotation pipelines (BLASTP, SwissProt, Pfam, GO, KEGG, COG, eggNOG-mapper).
• Identified over 6,200 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using DESeq2; performed GO and KEGG enrichment analyses across multiple variety comparisons.
• Led wet-lab validation of candidate genes using qPCR; prepared high-quality scientific figures using R, Python, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Secured a competitive research grant from ORIC for procurement of advanced sequencing technology.
• Presented findings at three international conferences; developed and optimized RNA extraction protocols, reducing processing time by 30%.

Research Associate — Plant Molecular Biology - NIGAB, NARC Islamabad / Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University - Islamabad / Rawalpindi, Pakistan

(2021-01)

National Project: Pilot Manufacturing of Bioproducts using Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering Technologies

• Designed and implemented experimental protocols for RNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatics data analysis.
• Utilized HISAT2, DESeq2, WGCNA, and functional annotation tools for transcriptome assembly and differential expression analysis.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams including geneticists, bioinformaticians, and agricultural scientists.
• Prepared detailed research reports, funding applications, and ethical compliance documentation.

M.Phil Research Scholar — Genetics - Hazara University Dhodial, Pakistan - Dhodial, Pakistan

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

Research Topic: Physiological Characteristics of Grain Quality and Yield Attributing Traits of Advanced Rice Lines (Oryza sativa L.)

• Evaluated 16 advanced rice lines for physical grain quality traits, yield attributes, aroma, and gelatinization temperature.
• Identified 11 aromatic rice lines carrying the fgr gene using molecular marker analysis; classified lines for future breeding programs.
• Conducted detailed correlation studies between cooking time and gelatinization temperature, contributing to rice line classification.

Regional Education Coordinator - Human Development Foundation (HDF) - Pakistan

(2015-01 - 2021-12)

• Managed recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation of teaching and support staff across multiple regional sites.
• Coordinated staff professional development programs, duty schedules, and workload distribution.
• Acted as liaison between management and field employees; ensured compliance with organizational policies.

Education Officer — Staff Coordination & HR Support - Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) - Pakistan

(2010-01 - 2015-12)

• Coordinated hiring and supervision of field staff and teachers in education programs.
• Organized staff training workshops, performance evaluations, and maintained employee records and reporting documentation.

Ph.D.

• Biotechnology - NIGAB, NARC Islamabad / Pir Mahr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (2021-01 - 2025-12)

M.Phil.

• Genetics - Hazara University Dhodial, Pakistan (2013-01 - 2015-12)

B.S. (Hons) - Biotechnology - Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar (2004-01 - 2008-12)