Saima Noor

Plant genetics and molecular biology researcher with 7+ years of experience in plant genetics, molecular characterization, tissue culture, plant transformation, and crop improvement. Experienced in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR/qPCR, molecular genotyping, genetic diversity analysis, plant regeneration, and genotype–phenotype evaluation. Research experience at NARC/PARC includes potato improvement, tissue culture, aeroponics, molecular diagnostics, and plant evaluation.

International training further strengthened expertise in CRISPR/prime editing, gene silencing, RNA-seq, and Linux/R-based data analysis. Interested in plant genetics, developmental biology, and functional genomics.

Assistant Scientific Officer (SPS-07) at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) (2023-05 – Present)

• Conduct plant genetics and molecular biology research including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, genotyping and molecular characterization.
• Contribute to potato improvement through MAS, speed breeding, germplasm evaluation and genotype–phenotype analysis.
• Maintain plant material using tissue culture and aeroponic systems for virus-free seed production.
• Perform ELISA and RT-PCR for plant virus detection and indexing.

Scientific Officer (PPS-08) at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) (2022-04 – 2023-05)

• Conducted SSR-based genetic characterization and molecular evaluation of crop germplasm.
• Contributed to tetraploid potato breeding, selection and phenotypic evaluation.
• Performed tissue culture, micropropagation, callus induction and plant regeneration.
• Supported disease-free germplasm production through molecular and tissue-culture approaches.

Research Assistant at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) (2016-12 – 2022-04)

• Established micropropagation systems for disease-free banana planting material.
• Conducted DNA extraction, PCR, genetic diversity analysis and molecular characterization.
• Detected TR4 and BBTV using molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Maintained in vitro cultures and supported disease-free germplasm production.
• Established micropropagation systems for large-scale production of disease-free banana planting material.

M.Phil. in Plant Genomics and Biotechnology – Quaid-i-Azam University (2017-12 – 2020-02)

B.S. in Biotechnology – University of Lahore (2012-09 – 2016-08)

International Training in Crop Breeding and Genomics – Southwest University of Science and Technology (2025-07 – 2026-01)