Ryljay

Research Technologist

Sep 2013 - Jul 2020 • 6 yrs 10 mos

Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Served as Research Technologist at KALRO Non-Ruminant Research Institute, Kakamega, for 7 years, contributing to nationally and internationally funded agricultural research programmes including collaboration with CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) on maize genomics and molecular breeding. Key responsibilities and achievements included: • Implemented and monitored laboratory quality and environmental safety procedures, achieving 95% adherence to established GLP and ISO 17025 protocols across all research activities. • Conducted soil, plant tissue, and microbial analyses for contamination assessment, including organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pH profiling for agricultural research trials. • Participated in the IMAS and CIMMYT international maize research projects, applying molecular marker-assisted breeding and genomic selection techniques to improve drought and disease resistance in Kenyan maize varieties. • Performed banana tissue culture, plantlet hardening, and maize pathogen inoculation and disease monitoring across multiple field trial seasons. • Isolated and characterised plant pathogens using molecular and culture-based techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and culture media preparation. • Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laboratory operations, ensuring 100% process consistency and regulatory compliance. • Supervised and mentored over 50 university industrial attachment students on laboratory safety, quality assurance procedures, and scientific methodology. • Authored technical reports and research documentation for internal institutional review and external stakeholder and donor reporting. • Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment including UV-Vis spectrophotometers, AAS, pH meters, PCR machines, and electrophoresis systems.

Bioanalytical Research Fellow

Apr 2016 - Sep 2016 • 5 mos

CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN THERAPEUTIC STUDIES (STARTHMORE UNIVERSITY) Conducted bioanalytical testing of pharmaceutical compounds under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines as part of an internationally funded research programme supported by the Consortium for National Health Research (CNHR). Key responsibilities and achievements included: • Performed drug potency, purity, and stability testing for pharmaceutical compounds under development for clinical application. • Supported pharmacokinetic analysis of antibiotic compounds for ongoing clinical trials, contributing to data that informed dosage and efficacy assessments. • Executed PCR, RNA quantification, and PBMC extraction techniques for immunological research studies. • Developed and validated analytical methods for precision, accuracy, and reproducibility in pharmaceutical research settings. • Maintained full biosafety compliance and meticulous laboratory documentation throughout the internship period. • Received the Bioanalytical Research Internship Award from the Consortium for National Health Research upon successful completion — one of a small cohort of interns selected nationally for this recognition.