Ruth Kiome

Company Overview: Africa’s Cancer Research Company leveraging cutting edge immunogenomics, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence to accelerate the development of cancer detection and cure strategies, ultimately with the goal of lowering the economic burden of cancer on the African continent

• Constructing high quality NGS libraries for Whole genome and exome sequencing for both short-read and long-read sequencing platforms
• Work with the supervisor to develop and implement novel NGS-based assays, new NGS library preparation methods, and in assay optimization and troubleshooting
• Conduct quality checks such as DNA integrity estimation, DNA quantification, and DNA purity assessment to ensure minimal quality criteria are met for individual sequencing protocols
• Planning and executing standard molecular biology laboratory procedures including but not limited to nucleic acid extraction, related PCR and gel electrophoresis
• Maintaining clear and accurate electronic laboratory assay records and data including day to day activities
• Developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and other related lab documents as needed
• Inventory management and tracking on designated company software
• Assist in Research Assistant duties such as ensuring proper sample and sample documentation collection and transportation from the study site to the research centre
• Carrying out routine equipment maintenance
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment for laboratory staff
• Train other laboratory staff on various laboratory techniques
• Interpretation of results and communication of data to stakeholders through oral presentations and written reports
• Assistance with other related duties as assigned

Company Overview: 54gene was a health biotechnology company that is focused on building diverse genomic datasets to unlock scientific discoveries within Africa and the world

• Reception, preparation and analysis of oncology samples using DNA extraction, DNA Quantification and Q-PCR techniques
• Analysis of oncology FFPE curls using Genexus Integrated Sequencer using the Oncomine Precision Assay panel
• Also participated in validation of the assay
• Trained on using the Novaseq6000 for whole genome sequencing
• Trained on Paternity Testing and SMA analysis using the ABI 3500 genetic analyzer
• Trained on Whole Genome Genotyping using Illumina Infinium Workflow
• Standard Operating Procedure creation, review and maintenance
• Preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Participate in essential and critical trainings offered during the course of employment
• Training other junior scientists on laboratory procedures

Company Overview: Pathcare Kenya Limited is a private and internationally accredited diagnostic laboratory offering a wide range of medical tests across Kenya

• Reception and Analysis of suspected COVID-19 samples using Viral RNA extraction and RT-PCR techniques, and rapid immunochromatographic techniques
• Results interpretation and presentation
• General maintenance of laboratory equipment

• Running ELISA assays specifically QFT assays testing for latent Tuberculosis on selected patient blood samples
• HIV viral load assay using Real-Time PCR on HIV blood samples
• HIV Drug resistance testing using cycle sequencing technology on suspected HIV blood samples with high viral titre
• Sample nucleic acid extraction, cPCR and gel electrophoresis
• Training on NGS using Oxford Nanopore Technology
• General maintenance of laboratory equipment

• Running of ELISA, PCR, and multiplex bead assays
• Collecting, organizing and initial collation of laboratory data
• Assisting in sorting, organizing and management of the samples
• Assist in preparation of sample's storage records and inventory
• Assist in regular maintenance of laboratory equipment and environment
• Involvement in development and review of laboratory documents and/or procedures
• Support laboratory quality management systems strengthening activities toward ISO 15189:2012 standard accreditation

• General laboratory procedures:
• Biosafety and handling of class II / III pathogens
• Fire safety and Hazard communication
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• Receiving, documentation and storing of samples
• Molecular techniques:
• Extraction of nucleic acids from nasopharyngeal swab specimen
• Molecular diagnosis of viruses using Real Time RT-PCR
• Conventional PCR and Gel electrophoresis
• Introduction to sequencing and pre sequencing techniques
• Virology:
• Cell culture (e.g
• MDCK cell lines)
• Isolation of respiratory viruses e.g
• Influenza viruses and Adenoviruses