Munazza Ihtisham
South Launceston,TAS
Summary
Accomplished professional with over 17 years of experience in the government sector, specializing in defense organizations as the Head of an ISO 45001:2017 certified Forensic Toxicology Lab. Expertise includes conducting advanced research on Chemical & Biological threats to strengthen national strategic defense initiatives. Demonstrated success in managing ISO 17025:2018 accredited laboratories, ensuring compliance with international standards while driving innovative solutions. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Forensic Toxicologist/Biochemist/Occupational Health & Safety Officer
Defence Science & Technology Organization (DESTO), National Engineering & Scientific Commission
11.2007 - 05.2025
- General Manager (Technical) & Occupational Health & Safety Officer
- Developed infrastructure for Pakistan’s only toxicology laboratory working on forensic toxicology of Chemical Warfare Agents.
- Working as HoD Forensic Toxicology Laboratory of Defence Science & Technology Organization, Islamabad, Pakistan and conducting research on toxicological exposure biomarkers in biological and biomedical samples. Responsible for planning & executing lethality studies of toxic chemicals. Performing tasks as follows:
- As an active team member, developed infrastructure of lab including designing of lab building, selection of relevant furniture, purchase of right equipment and charting out lab procedures.
- Undertook hematology screenings regarding cholinesterases.
- Designing, planning and undertaking R & D projects based on biochemical and forensics analysis of chemical biomarkers through their metabolic, protein and DNA finger prints.
- Conducted experimental work for extraction and isolation of active ingredients from medicinal plants.
- As a team lead, assigned tasks to other team members.
- Analyzing and interpreting obtained data.
- Evaluation of research projects and team members
- Performing risk assessments
- Assisting in the establishment of regulations to protect workers and the environment.
- Supervision of various biomedical/biological R & D projects.
- Lab management.
- Personnel training and awareness regarding lab protocols.
- Demonstrated experience in the production of quality written reports
- Familiarity with systematic literature review methodology and understanding of the scientific method and recognition of the strengths and weaknesses of different research/study designs.
- As an Occupational Health & Safety Officer of Chemistry/Biochemistry Labs responsible for the following:
- Developing, implementing, and reviewing occupational health and safety plans.
- Preparing and implementing plans and strategies for the safe, economic, and suitable disposal of chemical & biological waste.
- Advising on and enforcing legislation, implementing prevention programs and strategies for communicable diseases, wastewater treatment and disposal system, contaminated and hazardous substances.
- Identifying hazards and assessing and controlling risks in the workplace.
- Developing, implementing, and monitoring programs minimizing workplace and environmental pollution involving chemical and physical hazards.
- Promoting ergonomic principles within the workplace such as matching furniture, equipment and work activities to the needs of employees.
- Inspecting and auditing workplaces, processes and chemical and physical hazards for legislative compliance.
- Training employees in personal protective equipment and safe working procedures.
- Recording and investigating injuries, equipment damage and reporting safety performance.
- Coordinating the return of injured workers into the workplace.
- Implementation of ISO 45001:2017 and conducted necessary audits as an auditee and departmental management representative.
- Developed concepts for waste management of chemical & biological laboratories.
Education
M.Phil - Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Quaid-i-Azam University
Islamabad Pakistan01.2011
M.Sc. - Biochemistry
University of Arid Agriculture
01.2005
B.Sc. - Chemistry, Botany and Zoology
Govt.Post Graduate College for Women
01.2003
F.Sc. - Chemistry, Biology and Physics
Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi
01.2000
S.S.C. - Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics
Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi
01.1997
Skills
- Scientific & Technical Expertise
- Advanced knowledge of protein chemistry, enzymology, and molecular biology
- Skilled in analytical techniques: HPLC, FPLC, ELISA, Western blotting, PCR, spectrophotometry, and mass spectrometry
- Proficient in experimental design, optimization, and troubleshooting
- Experienced in cell-based assays, biomarker analysis, and bioanalytical method development
- Experienced in CBRN domain specially in chemical and biological areas
- Strong command of data analysis software: GraphPad Prism, R, Python, Excel
- Research Leadership & Innovation
- Track record of leading hypothesis-driven research and delivering impactful scientific outcomes
- Authored peer-reviewed publications and contributed to intellectual property (IP)
- Knowledgeable in GLP/GMP and regulatory compliance for research and development
- Experience in translational science and drug discovery pipelines
- Project & People Management
- Led cross-functional teams of scientists and research associates
- Managed complex biotech/pharma projects, timelines, and budgets
- Provided mentorship, technical guidance, and performance evaluation
- Collaborative approach with regulatory, clinical, and manufacturing teams
- Communication & Collaboration
- Strong skills in scientific writing, grant applications, and technical documentation
- Effective at presenting data to scientific audiences and non-specialists
- Experienced in interdisciplinary teamwork and stakeholder communication
- Other including the following:
- Toxicological biomarkers identification techniques including lysis, precipitation, purification, concentration, extractions and analysis through electrophoresis, GCMS and LCMS
- Spectrophotometric Cholinesterase Assays, (Activity, inhibition and reactivation studies)
- Safety Inspections
- Safety Audits
- Risk Assessments
- Incident Reporting & Investigations
- Work well in a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent organization; record keeping, verbal and written English communication skills
- Communicate efficiently and able to teach others
- Work on various instruments used in lab including spectrophotometer, electrophoresis apparatus, blotter, PCR, vacuum concentrator, centrifuges, freeze dryer etc
- Working knowledge of Windows 98/2000/XP/2007/2010 operating systems
- Extensive use of Wiser, Chem Draw, PowerPoint, , Excel, Word, Internet utility etc
- Extensive experience of working with literature search data base
- Motivation to learn from fellows, seniors and juniors
Accomplishments
- Developed novel biochemical measurement of cholinesterase and patented it at IPO, Pakistan.
- Applied troubleshooting techniques on facility equipment which alleviated potential issues and maintenance costs.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, delivering each one on time and within budgetary parameters.
- Applied key troubleshooting methods and principles to an issue-laden project, remedying all problems.
- Achieved by completing task with accuracy and efficiency.
- Collaborated with team members in the development of projects.
- Supervised team of ten to twelve staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved issues which led to results.
Hobbies and Interests
R & D, CBRN (Chemical & Biological), OH & S, House hold, Singing, Travelling
Awards
Good Academic Record, Bronze Medalist in M.Sc Biochemistry, Merit Scholarship holder in M.Sc Biochemistry, PGS Scholarship holder from DESTO, Inventor of patent Titled as Detection System for Butyrylcholinesterase Estimation, Patent in process - Process for Detection of Acetylcholinesterase
Publications
- HPLC-DAD analysis and free radical scavenging potential of Quercus dilatata L. Pakistan J. of Botany 2013.
- Determination of Essential Oil Content of Wild Olive and Its Comparison With Olive Oil, Ethnobotanical Leaflets 2006.
- Determination of Essential Oil Content of Wild Olive and Its Comparison With Olive Oil, Ethnobotanical leaflets 2006.
Training
- Joint Services Basic Course on Assistance & Protection against Chemical Weapons at DESTO, Islamabad (04-08 Mar 2013).
- Short Training Course on Enzyme Inhibition Assays at QAU, Islamabad (15-25 Jul 2013).
- OPCW International Course on Assistance & Protection,Islamabad (28 Oct - 01 Nov 2013).
- Hands on Training on Biological Specimen Handling including Liquid Liquid Extraction & Solid Phase Extraction Techniques along with Sample Processing & Programming LCMS QQQ at AFIP, CMH Rawalpindi (22 Feb - 06 Mar 2016).
- Professional Training Course on Occupation Health & Safety at NESCOM, Islamabad (21-23 Nov 2016).
- Biological & Toxins Weapons Convention Familiarization Course at DESTO, Islamabad (27-31 Mar 2017).
- Training on Advanced Bioassays from Department of Biological Sciences, LUMS Lahore (Mar 2018).
- Hands on Training on Animal Handling & Sample Collection Techniques at NIH, Islamabad (03-14 Sep 2019).
Bronze Medalist
Bronze Medalist in Masters Biochemistry
Languages
English
Full Professional
Urdu
Native or Bilingual
Arabic
Limited Working
Punjabi
Full Professional
Timeline
Forensic Toxicologist/Biochemist/Occupational Health & Safety Officer
Defence Science & Technology Organization (DESTO), National Engineering & Scientific Commission
11.2007 - 05.2025
M.Sc. - Biochemistry
University of Arid Agriculture
B.Sc. - Chemistry, Botany and Zoology
Govt.Post Graduate College for Women
F.Sc. - Chemistry, Biology and Physics
Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi
S.S.C. - Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics
Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Rawalpindi
M.Phil - Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Quaid-i-Azam University
Similar Profiles
Basit Ali AnjumBasit Ali Anjum
Senior Project Manager at National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM)Senior Project Manager at National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM)
Anjali Krishna P. K.Anjali Krishna P. K.
Research Fellow at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST)Research Fellow at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST)
Anna KandjekeAnna Kandjeke
Intern Office Of The Chief Executive Officer/Assistant Receptionist at National Commission On Research Science And TechnologyIntern Office Of The Chief Executive Officer/Assistant Receptionist at National Commission On Research Science And Technology
JOMON GEORGEJOMON GEORGE
Registered Nurse at Calvary St Luke HospitalRegistered Nurse at Calvary St Luke Hospital
Jordan VanderveldeJordan Vandervelde
Full Time Concrete Labourer at Bosveld ConcretingFull Time Concrete Labourer at Bosveld Concreting