Leny Jane Pame
East Brisbane,QLD
Summary
Experienced science professional with a strong background in molecular biology, plant pathology, and crop breeding research. Skilled with hands-on expertise in laboratory plant disease diagnostics, tissue culture, molecular biology techniques and field trial support. Proven ability to supervise teams, research collaborations, manage resources, and contribute to high-quality research outcomes in both laboratory and field environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Casual Senior Research Assistant
The University of Queensland
06.2025 - Current
- Design and conduct laboratory experiments related to molecular biology work, e.g. RNA interference.
- Conduct plant bioassays and disease assessment
- Carry out molecular biology work, e.g PCR, DNA and RNA isolation, Northern Blot
- Collect data and analyse datasets from plant bioassays; and interpret experimental results and troubleshoot technical issues.
- Assisted in literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
Casual Technical Officer
AWX Pty Ltd
07.2024 - Current
- Assist routine plant disease diagnostics tests at Grow Help Australia, Department of Primary Industries, e.g. triaging, microscopy tests
- Assist in plant pathogen morphological assessment with the Senior Mycologist/Plant Pathologist, e.g. plating samples, subculturing, etc
- Assist in molecular disease diagnostics via PCR techniques
- Assist in writing reports (e.g writing factsheets)
Industry Placement (Part-time, Unpaid)
Department Of Primary Industries
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Assisted with day-to-day operations in plant disease diagnostics laboratory at Grow Help Australia, working efficiently and productively with all team members (e.g. sample plating, subculturing, and plant pathogen morphology assessment)
- Learned the basic plant disease diagnostic protocols, basic laboratory procedures and equipment
Plant Breeding Group Supervisor
Del Monte Phils., Inc.
03.2019 - 04.2020
- Managed various papaya and pineapple breeding programs, field trials, and evaluation of papaya and pineapple crops, papaya growing and harvesting operations with Papaya Breeding group
- Managed the mass propagation of pineapple and papaya for commercial release from the In vitro Laboratory and handling more than 20 workers in both field and laboratory
- Led team to optimize workflow efficiency and improve productivity
- Handled budget/cost of the group and monitored the cost efficiency and productivity.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and teamwork
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing operational effectiveness
- Overseen daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols
- Managed the greenhouse for both papaya and pineapple released from tissue culture laboratory
- Prepared project proposal, data analysis, and writing final reports
Supervisor, Tissue Culture Laboratory
Del Monte Phils., Inc.
07.2013 - 02.2019
- Supervised mass propagation of pineapple and papaya for commercial release from the In vitro laboratory
- Conducted preliminary experiments/trials in vitro for papaya and pineapple variety improvement
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and quality standards.
- Streamlined workflows, enhancing productivity and reducing operational delays.
- Mentored team members, fostering skill development and improving overall performance.
- 2 years study paid leave within this work timeframe
Research Assistant (Part-time)
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Uinversitaet Hannover
11.2016 - 08.2017
- Assisted in molecular biology laboratory experiments, e.g. PCR, DNA and RNA isolation
- Assisted in tissue culture laboratory work, e.g. nutrient media preparation, plant mass propagation and conservation
Education
Ph.D. - Molecular Biosciences
The University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland12-2025
Master of Science - International Horticulture
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Hannover, Germany09-2017
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
Visayas State University
Philippines04-2011
Skills
- Plant Disease Diagnostics & Laboratory Skills
- Molecular Biology & Plant Pathology Techniques and Expertise
- Research skills both laboratory and field
- Teamwork & Supervision; Research collaboration
Affiliations
Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Member
Timeline
Casual Senior Research Assistant
The University of Queensland
06.2025 - Current
Casual Technical Officer
AWX Pty Ltd
07.2024 - Current
Industry Placement (Part-time, Unpaid)
Department Of Primary Industries
09.2023 - 05.2024
Plant Breeding Group Supervisor
Del Monte Phils., Inc.
03.2019 - 04.2020
Research Assistant (Part-time)
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Uinversitaet Hannover
11.2016 - 08.2017
Supervisor, Tissue Culture Laboratory
Del Monte Phils., Inc.
07.2013 - 02.2019
Ph.D. - Molecular Biosciences
The University of Queensland
Master of Science - International Horticulture
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
Visayas State University