Rajvi Thakor

• Provides a variety of professional and high-quality technical expertise to the operations of the Biobanking Victoria and Precision Medicine
• Experience in maintaining the database of participants in REDcap and performing the required genetic assays in accordance with the protocol
• Performs experiments, research trials, and/or studies independently by set-up, calibration, installation, testing, maintenance, and servicing of equipment, storing and administering materials and specimens’ samples, chemicals other materials according to standards and protocols, undertaking tests, scientific or technical procedures
• Provides guidance and basic advice to staff, students, and other stakeholders in the area of technical expertise, including the use of scientific equipment and compliance with standard operating procedures
• Contributes in the study design for the various research projects of Biobanking and precision medicine. Undertakes data collection, records results, and performs data analysis/evaluation
• Provide the cell concentration for molecular biomarkers in hematological malignancies during bone marrow transplantation procedures for novel therapeutic approaches
• Provides feedback on and implement continuous improvement activities relating to project, research, and technical procedures
• Record detailed and accurate notes about experimental procedures, observations, and outcomes. Prepare reports summarizing experimental results for internal use
• Identify deviating factors that affect experimental outcomes. Conduct controlled testings under varying conditions to pinpoint issues and gather data. Compare results from different conditions to optimize experimental protocols and reach accurate outcomes.
• Analyse experimental data, interpret results, and draw conclusions that contribute to the ongoing research
• Complies with standard operating procedures and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) instructions, policies, and procedures and takes steps to identify and escalate OHS risks where appropriate Undertake data collection, record results and perform research data analysis/evaluation
• A focus of this position will include biological material (blood, saliva, and stool) handling in corresponds to various research projects

• Experience in optimizing cell-based assay; especially immune cells by using molecular and genetic techniques
• Operated automated machines from Roche, Thermofisher, Tecan, Hologic for molecular sample processing and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments
• Daily practice of performing maintenance on equipments and machines and operating LIMS such as Ultra and Inet
• Selecting and setting up required lab equipment for tests and design experiments by reporting final conclusions significantly
• Conducting lab tests for qualitative and quantitative analyses of various substances and materials
• Training and monitoring other workers involved in molecular and genetic tests
• Interpreting test results and compiling technical reports
• Set up and conduct experiments, tests, and analyses using techniques such as Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and microscopy
• Routine practice of DNA sequencing and study alternations in variants of SARS-COVID
• Monitor product quality to ensure compliance to standards and specifications
• Prepare solutions for products and processes following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas
• Maintain, clean, and sterilize laboratory instruments and equipment
• Maintained strict aseptic fields when collecting biological samples, minimizing staff and patient infection risks
• Knowledge and experience in keeping electronic records of all previous experiment in LabArchives.
• Flexible enough to work overtime, weekends and on public holidays
• Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity
• Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment
• Worked with principal investigators to coordinate qualitative research into tissue culture molecular biology and immunology
• Cataloged data and research into antibiotic toxicity databases
• Developed fact sheets, graphs and tables to analyze and summarize survey data
• Analyzed cultures using molecular-based and biochemical techniques

• Performing routine experiments, including data collection, recording, routine data analysis/evaluation and report writing

• Applying theoretical and technical knowledge to perform a range of tasks to achieve groups’ research objectives

• Processing patient blood and tissue samples collected under ethically approved for clinical research studies

• Performing projects in the ACRF Translational Research Laboratory under GLP conditions

• Maintaining databases of samples processed across various clinical research studies including AMLM22, SAMPLER, AMLM25, TARMAC, DIAAMOND

• Liaise with internal and external collaborators to ensure timely receipt of high-quality correlative samples

• Extraction and preservation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells, Plasma and Serum from patient derived samples as per SOP under GLP conditions

• Contributing to day-to-day operation of the laboratory and research facility, including restocking of supplies, routine sterility testing, cleanliness of the facility and equipment maintenance

• Providing feedback and contribution to continual improvement of activities relating to projects and technical procedures

• Presenting experimental results to key internal and external stakeholders

• Maintaining open and effective channels of communication with colleagues and other stakeholders

• Complying with SOPs and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) instructions, policies and procedures and taking steps to identify and escalate OHS risks where appropriate

• Examining the chimeric DNA concentration from the cancer patient samples using NanoPhotometer technique

• Processing patient derived samples promptly with respect to time-point based research studies. This involves molecular assays such as cell extractions, cryopreservation, reagent preparations and cellular study assays using acridine orange and ethidium homodimer dyes

• Sound organisational and time management skills, including the ability to perform high-volume tasks to meet deadlines, maintaining a high degree of accuracy and consistency

• To observe and study the cell concentration in cancer (leukemia) patient samples during pre and post bone marrow transplantation procedures for novel therapeutic approaches

• Prepare and aliquot samples into chemical buffers for further conducting analyses procedures.
• Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating and noting times of collection.
• Obtained samples for testing following standard protocols.
• Implemented lab procedures to prevent errors and protect staff.
• Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
• Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
• Set up, maintained and verified sterility of lab equipment and tools.

• Set up, maintained and verified sterility of lab equipment and tools.
• Analyzed experiment and test results to validate adherence to standards and specifications.
• Identified microorganisms present in food samples.
• Safely prepared reagents, compounds and lab test solutions.
• Managed specimen sample handling, receiving, storage and inventory.
• Demonstrated competence in collecting lab samples for testing.
• Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.