Imesh De Silva
Colebee,Australia
Summary
My career objective is to leverage my extensive knowledge and experience in academic and corporate research and development (R&D). I am dedicated to contributing to the development of innovative and impactful applications and procedures, with a keen focus on advancing scientific knowledge and fostering breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to drive forward projects that push the boundaries of knowledge and positively impact the fields of academia and industry. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Product Development Scientist
Genetic Signatures (GSS) Ltd
09.2021 - Current
- Designed and developed, 3BaseTM Meningococcal viral PCR panel for meningitis viral infections (CE-IVD and TGA pending); Lead scientist of the project
- Led the design and development of the 3BaseTM Tickborne Disease PCR panel, focusing on the detection of Tickborne pathogens, while serving as the lead scientist for the project
- QPCR assay design (primer design, multiplex qPCRs), Assay validation and clinical trial at multiple trial sites
- Partnered with regulatory team in regulatory submissions for multiple regulatory jurisdictions such as TGA, FDA and CE-IVD
- Played a pivotal role in developing and enhancing sample processing for the Nucleic Acid extraction panel.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for efficient product development, ensuring seamless integration of design, engineering, and manufacturing efforts.
- Identified market opportunities by analyzing industry trends, consumer needs, and competitive landscape to inform product development strategies.
- Increased efficiency in the development process with thorough documentation of project progress, results, and next steps.
- Boosted productivity by providing technical guidance to junior team members and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Presented research findings at industry conferences to showcase company expertise, contributing to brand recognition and potential partnerships.
Product Development Scientist
Genetic Signatures (GSS) Ltd
03.2018 - 09.2021
- Designed and developed, now commercialized 3BaseTM STI PCR panel for sexually transmitted infections (CE-IVD, TGA pending); Lead scientist of the project
- Designed and developed the 3BaseTM Reproductive Health PCR panel, a cutting-edge diagnostic tool aimed at detecting markers associated with reproductive health.
- QPCR assay design (primer design, multiplex qPCRs)
- Assay validation (analytical sensitivity, background positivity, LOD, testing on clinical cohorts)
- Technology transfer and clinical trial and deploying at customer sites.
- Enhanced product performance by optimizing formulation processes and conducting rigorous testing procedures.
- Presented research findings at industry conferences to showcase company expertise, contributing to brand recognition and potential partnerships.
- Spearheaded technology transfer initiatives for successful scale-up from laboratory to commercial production, maintaining optimal product quality throughout the transition process.
- Evaluated equipment capabilities for compatibility with new products or processes to ensure smooth integration into existing systems.
- Conducted risk assessments on new products or processes to identify potential safety concerns early in the development cycle.
- Established strong relationships with regulatory agencies through timely submission of required documentation and adherence to guidelines during all stages of product lifecycles.
- Contributed to company growth by identifying potential areas for expansion within the product portfolio, collaborating with marketing teams to develop strategies that capitalize on these opportunities.
Scientific Officer
Laverty pathology
10.2016 - 03.2018
- Designed and developed an in-house molecular qPCR assay for the detection of Rotavirus and Norovirus
- Enhanced and designed multiplex PCR diagnostic assays for veterinary diseases, encompassing feline, canine, and equine, utilizing a diverse range of clinical specimens
- Proficiently performed multiplex PCR tests for human gastrointestinal, respiratory, and bloodborne diseases, maintaining expertise in both PC1 and PC2 laboratory environments
- Played a key role in preparing the laboratory and actively contributed to NATA accreditation audits, addressing, and resolving CAPAs.
- Analyzed, interpreted, and validated bench-level results to ensure accurate reporting.
- Conducted laboratory Quality Assurance Program (QAP) analysis in compliance with NATA requirements and effectively reported the results.
- Optimized laboratory protocols for improved efficiency and accuracy in scientific experiments.
- Mentored junior scientists, enhancing their professional development and overall lab performance.
- Managed laboratory resources efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of results without compromising quality.
Molecular Genetic Scientist
Genetech Molecular Diagnostics
10.2008 - 03.2016
- Led a small team as a Senior Scientist in the molecular forensic team, actively participating in resolving molecular forensic cases
- Contributed expertise to over 3000 paternity, maternity, and kinship establishment tests utilizing STR-based human DNA typing techniques
- Demonstrated leadership by training, mentoring, and supervising scientific teams, ensuring consistent delivery of high-standard services in time-sensitive environments
- Conducted experiments for mitochondrial-based maternal lineage and Y chromosome-based paternal lineage relationship identification, critical for robust kinship determinations
- Played a key role in ISO audits, actively contributing to the resolution of non-conformities for ISO certification.
- Published multiple peer-reviewed articles, establishing expertise in the field of scientific study.
- Led cross-functional team collaborations to drive innovation and solve complex scientific problems.
- Trained staff members on proper laboratory procedures, fostering a culture of safety within the workplace environment.
Research Fellow
Genetech Research institute
10.2008 - 03.2016
- Developed and implemented in-house molecular test methods for diagnosing infectious diseases, including test method validation and external clinical trials in collaboration with a medical research institute (MRI)
- Served as a Scientist in a synthetic biology project, focusing on the expression of commercially important protein-encoding genes in a prokaryotic system; demonstrated extensive expertise in molecular cloning and gene expression.
- Contributed as a scientist in a plant biotechnology project, employing recombinant DNA technology to design a novel signaling short circuit in the plant stress signal transduction network; involved in extensive work in molecular cloning and gene expression.
- Participated in a pediatric dengue surveillance project as a research scientist, with a primary focus on dengue serotyping and cell culture.
- Provided training and supervision to graduate and undergraduate students involved in collaborative research projects; delivered lectures in the School of Gene Technology
- Possesses extensive experience in serological assays, including ELISA, Sandwich ELISA, HPLC, and hands-on experience in diagnosing serotypes of Dengue virus using PCR and real-time PCR-based assays; adept in handling cell cultures.
- Managed and supervised Masters and Graduate students as part of the international collaborative research program, serving as the lead scientist.
- Served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, where I conducted a comprehensive two-unit course on experimental plant biotechnology.
- This role involved delivering lectures, designing course content, and guiding students through hands-on experiments in the field of plant biotechnology.
Education
PhD - Biotechnology (Molecular Biology & Biotechnology)
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo Sri Lanka04.2016
Bachelor of Science - Biology (molecular biology)
University Of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Kandy, Sri Lanka03.2008
Skills
- Genomics and Transgenic
- QPCR assay design, RNA/DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, Molecular cloning and gene expressions
- Biochemical assay development, ELISA, HPLC, proteomics and Metabolomics
- Project lead and management
- Quality management skills and excellent record keeping (ISO & NATA)
- Excellent communication skills
- Product Design, Experimental Design & Process optimization
- Critical thinking & Attention to details
- Statistical analysis
- Decision making
- Data analysis & Problem solving
- Adaptability
- Analytical thinking & Innovation management
- Conflict resolution
- Technical expertise
- Time management & Work Planning and Prioritization
- Computer Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Prize for best PhD research.
- Promoted to Senior Scientist due to recognition by management of Genetic Signatures following development of new product line and rolling it out at customer sites.
- Designed & developed multiple new commercial PCR based diagnostic panels and, which have been regulatory approved and commercially rolled out.
Collaborative Research Efforts
- Associate scientist in pediatric dengue vaccine initiative project funded by LIAI: Responsible for carrying out RT-PCR based diagnostic testing in both acute and convalescent patient samples, isolation of human neutrophils, cell culturing and culture maintenance.
- Associate scientist in collaborative research effort in early breast cancer detection in women based on BRCA gene mutations.
- Worked as the lead research scientist in transgenic rice project which was aiming to study the cellular stress signal transduction within plant cells the utilization of which in modifying cellular stress level tolerance.
Publications
- De Silva W S I, Jayasekera A, Fernandopulle N, Hettiarachchi C. 2014. Identification, cloning and in-silico characterization of drought inducible OsDREB2A transcription factor from indica rice variety. IJABR 15: 117-125
- De Silva, W. S. I., Perera, M. M. N., Perera, K., Wickramasuriya, A. M., and Jayasekera, G. A. U. (2017). In silico analysis of osr40c1 promoter sequence isolated from Indica variety Pokkali. Rice Sci. 24, 228–234. doi: 10.1016/j.rsci.2016.11.002
- Varghese, J.; De Silva, I.; Millar, D.S. Latest Advances in Arbovirus Diagnostics. Microorganisms 2023, 11, 1159. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051159
References
Can be provided upon request
Timeline
Senior Product Development Scientist
Genetic Signatures (GSS) Ltd
09.2021 - Current
Product Development Scientist
Genetic Signatures (GSS) Ltd
03.2018 - 09.2021
Scientific Officer
Laverty pathology
10.2016 - 03.2018
Molecular Genetic Scientist
Genetech Molecular Diagnostics
10.2008 - 03.2016
Research Fellow
Genetech Research institute
10.2008 - 03.2016
PhD - Biotechnology (Molecular Biology & Biotechnology)
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Bachelor of Science - Biology (molecular biology)
University Of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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