Nelum Dilushi

Life sciences professional with hands-on experience in molecular biology, assay development, and laboratory operations across research and clinical settings. Experienced in supporting R&D activities, following SOP-compliant workflows, and managing sample handling and laboratory organization. Motivated to contribute to upstream biopharmaceutical development.

Laboratory Experience Research Assistant (Part-time) at Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute (2026-02 – 2026-06)

• Supported daily laboratory operations through structured clinical sample processing, handling, and documentation in compliance with established workflows.
• Coordinated sample preparation and workflow execution for long-read sequencing, ensuring adherence to protocol and quality requirements.
• Maintained organized electronic laboratory records and contributed to accurate documentation and data traceability.
• Supported smooth laboratory operations in a multidisciplinary research environment through structured sample management and coordination.

Master's Thesis Intern at Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute (2025-11 – 2026-06)

Project: Development and characterization of an mRNA-LNP vaccine candidate against the Hepatitis D virus

• Optimized in vitro mRNA transcription, purification, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation workflows in a pre-GMP environment to improve yield, reproducibility, and antigen expression in vitro.
• Developed and validated immunoassays for product quality assessment and stability monitoring of mRNA/LNP formulations.
• Analyzed experimental data to support iterative process optimization and improve workflow performance.
• Communicated results through presentations and collaborative discussions to support experimental planning and decision-making.

Project Intern at Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institute (2025-09 – 2025-11)

Project: Improved molecular tools for Candida auris: DNA extraction optimization and whole genome sequencing analysis pipeline development

• Performed fungal DNA extraction and sequencing library preparation for whole genome sequencing workflows.
• Optimized nucleic acid extraction methods to improve yield, consistency, and reproducibility.
• Developed a structured bioinformatics pipeline for reproducible genomic data analysis and interpretation.
• Conducted sequencing data analysis, strain characterization, and functional interpretation linked to microbiological relevance.
• Independently managed experimental workflows and maintained structured and traceable documentation.

Research Intern at Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute (2025-06 – 2025-08)

Project: Investigating the impact of varying linker lengths in nanobody fusions on complement activation for SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins

• Performed molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, and recombinant protein expression in E. coli.
• Conducted protein purification using affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
• Supported assay optimization and functional evaluation of recombinant proteins.
• Analyzed experimental results to assess protein functionality and experimental performance.

Biomedical Laboratory Analyst at Medical Research Institute (2020-01 – 2024-12)

• Performed PCR-based molecular diagnostics, fungal culture, microscopy, serological assays, and nucleic acid extraction in accredited clinical laboratories.
• Followed SOPs, GMP/GLP principles, and biosafety regulations in routine laboratory operations.
• Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment including PCR systems, biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, autoclaves, and microscopes.
• Collaborated with clinicians and laboratory teams in routine diagnostics and operational improvements.

Master's in Infection Biology – Uppsala University (2024-01 – 2026-12)

Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Medical Laboratory Sciences – University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2015-01 – 2019-12)