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Afreen Najeeb

@afreennajeeb

Microbiologist focused on molecular and food microbiology, translating lab experiments into reliable, safe research outcomes.

India

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for an entry-level lab role where I can apply microbiology and molecular methods, follow strict safety and protocol standards, and grow into reliable researcher or diagnostic support while contributing clear analysis and reporting.

I’m a microbiology graduate interested in cell biology, molecular biology, and food microbiology. I enjoy conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing results, and presenting findings with a strong commitment to research protocol, quality, and safety.

In my Master’s work at the University of Aberdeen, I investigated protein interactions involved in sister chromatid separation during anaphase, using molecular cloning and mutagenesis with PCR, sequencing, and gel electrophoresis. I also applied BPA crosslinking and performed cohesin immunoprecipitation followed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting to observe and confirm protein interactions and expression levels.

During my industrial microbiology background, I gained experience with microbial detection and identification in clinical-style workflows, including BacT/ALERT blood culture detection, Gram staining, culture on selective media, and biochemical tests for identification. I conducted disc diffusion direct sensitivity testing and compared it with VITEK automated results to assess concordance and diagnostic accuracy.

My internship in microbial analysis of food and water strengthened my ability to enumerate microbes (including Total Plate Count, E. coli via MPN, coliforms, and yeast/mold), carry out pathogen detection, and use selective media for isolation and enumeration. I bring HACCP training and a practical, detail-oriented mindset—ready to contribute to a lab that values accuracy, consistency, and continuous learning.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Barista

Current

Bubble CiTea

Sep 2024 - Present (1 year 9 months)

Maintained a clean, sanitized workspace by following hygiene procedures and organizing workstations. Prepared beverages according to standard operating procedures, accurately measured ingredients, and supported fast-paced daily service with strong customer focus.

Customer Service Team Collaboration Fast Paced

Food & Water Microbiology Intern

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India

Jul 2023 - Aug 2023 (1 month)

Conducted microbial analysis of food and water, including total plate counts, coliforms/E. coli (MPN), and yeast & mold. Performed pathogen detection and enumeration using selective media and biochemical identification workflows.

Total Plate Count (TPC)MPN (Most Probable Number)Yeast And Mold Enumeration Selective Media Use Pathogen Detection (Salmonella Clostridia)Water Microbiology Testing Gram Staining Biochemical Identification Disc Diffusion Susceptibility

Fish Processing & Microbiology Trainee

NIFPHATT

Oct 2022 - Present (3 years 8 months)

Completed hands-on training in fish filleting, freezing, and packing while applying microbiological testing to canned fish and water samples. Developed value-added tuna products with a focus on safety and quality standards.

Freezing And Packing Microbiological Analysis Canned Food Quality Testing

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Aberdeen

Master’s Degree in Microbiology, Microbiology

2024 - 2025

Activities and societies: Investigation of Protein Interactions (Cohesin and WAPL) in sister chromatid separation; PCR and gel electrophoresis for cloning/construct validation; E. coli and yeast transformation and DNA sequencing; BPA crosslinking; immunoprecipitation followed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting.

Master’s degree in Microbiology with a focus on molecular and protein interaction research. Conducted laboratory work including cloning, mutagenesis, protein crosslinking, and protein interaction assays.

St. Berchmans College

Bachelor’s Degree, Industrial Microbiology and Zoology

2020 - 2023

Activities and societies: Blood culture detection using BacT/ALERT; Gram staining; culture on Blood, MacConkey, and Chocolate agar; biochemical identification (Indole, MR, VP, TSI, Citrate, Catalase, Urease, Oxidase); disc diffusion direct sensitivity testing and comparison to VITEK results.

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Microbiology and Zoology with applied clinical microbiology laboratory training. Completed project work comparing direct sensitivity testing with the VITEK system for blood culture isolates.

National Institute of Fisheries Post Harvest Technology and Training (NIFPHATT)

Short-term training programme, Fish post-harvest technology and microbiological analysis

2022 -

Activities and societies: Fish filleting, freezing and packing; microbiological analysis of canned fish and water; preparation of value-added tuna products to improve quality and market appeal.

Short-term training programme focused on fish post-harvest practices and microbiological safety/quality. Included laboratory work on canned fish and water microbiological analysis.