Open to opportunities

Erastus Kirwa

@erastuskirwa

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Medical laboratory scientist specializing in molecular and immunology research with strong laboratory leadership.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role where I can lead laboratory operations, build team capacity, implement quality systems, and apply molecular/immunology expertise in research or clinical diagnostics.

I am a driven medical laboratory scientist with extensive experience in molecular diagnostics, immunology, and research laboratory management. I prioritize accuracy, adherence to protocols, and continuous improvement to deliver reliable results.

Over the past several years I have led laboratory operations, developed and updated SOPs, trained staff, and maintained GCLP and biosafety standards across multi-site research programs. I have hands-on expertise in DNA/RNA workflows, PBMC cryopreservation, multicolor flow cytometry, ELISA, Luminex, and sample shipment under IATA regulations.

I have coordinated collaborations between Kenyan research institutes and international partners, supported clinical research activities including clinical-site monitoring training, and contributed to publications on improving diagnostic capacity for pediatric Burkitt lymphoma and immunogenetics studies.

I am committed to capacity building, troubleshooting complex lab procedures, and implementing quality systems to support impactful translational and clinical research.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Medical Scientist I

Current

AMPATH

Sep 2023 - Present (2 years 3 months)

Lead development and troubleshooting of DNA/RNA protocols for detecting sporozoites, managed sample handling and cryopreservation of PBMCs, and implemented SOPs and training to improve lab capacity and compliance.

Molecular Biology PBMC Cryopreservation SOP Development Troubleshooting

Research Lab Manager

Kenya Medical Research Institute

Jun 2017 - Aug 2023 (6 years 2 months)

Managed research laboratory operations, training, logistics, and biospecimen processing; optimized multi-parameter flow cytometry and molecular assays while ensuring GCLP compliance and coordinating international sample shipments.

Luminex IATA Sample Shipping Inventory Management REDCap

Research Assistant

AMPATH

Mar 2022 - Mar 2023 (1 year)

Collected and processed clinical samples for Burkitt’s lymphoma studies, performed multicolor flow cytometry and FISH, established B cell lines, and maintained LIMS and sample inventories across sites.

FISH Cell Culture LIMS Biobanking

Visiting Research Scholar

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Oct 2019 - Mar 2020 (5 months)

Processed Tfh samples on high-parameter flow cytometers and performed cell sorting and Luminex assays while advancing skills in panel design, data analysis, and immunology techniques.

Luminex FlowJo R Data Analysis

Laboratory Intern

Kenya Medical Research Institute

Mar 2016 - Jun 2017 (1 year 3 months)

Supported molecular and serological techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, ELISA, PBMC cryopreservation, and maintained laboratory quality systems and inventory controls.

PCR PBMC Cryopreservation Cell Culture Inventory Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Maseno University

Master of Science, Medical Immunology

2020 - 2026

Grade: 3.8

Activities and societies: Thesis degree.

Pursuing Master of Science in Medical Immunology with coursework and a thesis assessing heterogeneous antibody reactivity to Anopheles gambiae salivary antigen and malaria antigens in a longitudinal cohort in Western Kenya.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences

2012 - 2015

Grade: Second Class Honours - Upper Division

Completed Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, graduating with Second Class Honours - Upper Division; undergraduate project on antimicrobial activities of Capsicum annuum.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

PhD, Molecular Medicine

2025 -

Grade: 3.8

Activities and societies: Student

I am currently pursuing a doctor of philosophy degree in molecular medicine, where I am focusing on severe malaria and cytomegalovirus interplay in immunity.