Open to opportunities

Davi Mendes

@davimendes

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PhD biomedical scientist specializing in AI model training, scientific reasoning, and rigorous data-driven validation.

Brazil

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for roles applying my PhD-level scientific expertise to train and evaluate AI, with clear communication, scientific rigor, and growth opportunities in AI-driven research.

I am a PhD-trained biomedical scientist with deep expertise in molecular biology, genetics, and rigorous experimental design. I combine academic publication experience with hands-on lab and field research to ensure scientific accuracy and reproducibility.

My professional work spans scientific project management, strategic analysis of science and technology programs, and applied roles in industry supporting next-generation sequencing and genomic product development. I have led quality-control processes and managed large funding portfolios with precise documentation requirements.

In AI training and evaluation, I actively develop and assess training data, verify factual accuracy, document failure modes, and refine prompts to improve LLM reasoning—especially in Portuguese and scientific domains. I translate complex scientific topics into clear, metacognitive communication for diverse audiences.

I seek to leverage my interdisciplinary scientific understanding, meticulous attention to detail, and teaching experience to contribute high-quality training data and scientific oversight that advances AI-driven discovery and education.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Data Annotation Specialist

Current

Freelancer

Apr 2025 - Present (6 months)

Train and evaluate AI models by providing nuanced Portuguese scientific inputs and factuality feedback, improving model reasoning and linguistic accuracy.

Portuguese Prompt Engineering Data Annotation

Current

Analyst, Strategic Analysis

Current

Finep

Aug 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Manage a R$100,000,000 portfolio, overseeing resource allocation, control, and inspection for scientific and technological projects while structuring national calls for proposals.

Portfolio Management Grant Evaluation Scientific Writing Regulatory Compliance Proposal Structuring

Application Scientist

Illumina

Apr 2024 - Jul 2024 (3 months)

Provided technical support to Brazilian and American clients on NGS workflows, translating complex sequencing data into clear guidance and ensuring high-quality, accurate solutions.

NGS Technical Support Troubleshooting Quality Assurance

Research Intern (PhD Candidate)

Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - USP

Dec 2016 - Feb 2024 (7 years 2 months)

Conceived and executed doctoral research on DNA damage and aging, trained undergraduates, authored peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter, and organized courses and lectures.

Molecular Biology Genetics Experimental Design Scientific Writing Mentoring

Senior Research Associate

Galy

Oct 2022 - Aug 2023 (10 months)

Led research projects and new product prospecting, and implemented microbiology quality-control processes within three months to ensure reproducibility and regulatory adherence.

Prospecting Quality Control Documentation Experimental Design Project Management

Project Manager

TauGC Bioinformática

Mar 2021 - Oct 2021 (7 months)

Managed genomic product development projects using Agile methodologies and led corporate communication strategy to deliver clear scientific messaging on LinkedIn.

Project Management Agile)Genomics Corporate Communications Stakeholder Engagement Product Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas - USP

Doctorate in Sciences, Microbiology / Biomedical Sciences

2016 - 2024

Activities and societies: Advisor: Prof. Dr. Carlos Frederico Martins Menck; Newton Freire-Maia Prize (2021); authored peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter; organized courses and congresses; supervised and trained undergraduate interns; teaching assistant roles.

Doctorate research focused on DNA damage in human aging with extensive laboratory work, publications, and teaching responsibilities; expected defense February 2024.

Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences

Activities and societies: Scientific initiation in Microbiology (ICB-USP) 2012-2015; Undergraduate exchange (Ciências sem Fronteiras) at Indiana University Bloomington June 2014–May 2015; Research internship at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center May–August 2015; Teaching assistant in Microbiology (2019, 2020).

Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences with scientific initiation in microbiology and international study and research internships.

Indiana University, Bloomington

Undergraduate Study (Exchange), Human Biology

2014 - 2015

Activities and societies: Exchange program (Ciências sem Fronteiras) June 2014–May 2015.

Undergraduate exchange year as part of the Ciências sem Fronteiras program, contributing to human biology studies and international research experience.