Open to opportunities

Karen Jordaan

@karenjordaan

Environmental microbiologist specializing in soil and freshwater microbial ecology, molecular methods, and bioinformatics.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek research roles applying molecular and omics methods to soil/freshwater microbial ecology, with collaborative, publication-focused teams and mentoring opportunities.

I am an environmental microbiologist with a Ph.D. focused on molecular profiling of microbial population dynamics in environmental water. My work spans soil, freshwater and extreme environments where I use molecular and omics approaches to decode microbial and viral diversity.

As a postdoctoral researcher I led field sampling campaigns across South Africa, Chile and Australia, extracted nucleic acids and virus-like particles, and applied Illumina amplicon, metagenome and metatranscriptome sequencing to address ecological questions.

I perform statistical and bioinformatics analyses (Mothur, QIIME, R) to link environmental drivers to microbial community structure and function, and I have authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters arising from these projects.

I also provide freelance academic editing, helping authors improve grammar, structure, coherence and adherence to journal styles, and I mentor postgraduate students in analysis and reporting.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Freelance Academic Editor

Current

Freelance

Apr 2022 - Present (3 years 7 months)

Provide academic and medical manuscript editing and formatting to improve grammar, clarity, flow, and adherence to journal style guidelines for clients including Enago and Charlesworth Group.

Scientific Writing Copy Editing Attention To Detail

Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Pretoria

Oct 2021 - Feb 2024 (2 years 4 months)

Led field sampling and laboratory processing of soils, litter and greenhouse gas samples across South Africa, applying qPCR and Illumina amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics to characterize microbial diversity and gene abundances.

Bioinformatics Statistical Analysis Microbial Ecology R Mothur Qiime

Postdoctoral Fellow

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Aug 2019 - Oct 2021 (2 years 2 months)

Collected Atacama Desert soils, extracted DNA/RNA and virus-like particles, and applied metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and amplicon sequencing with bioinformatics and microcosm experiments to study microbial and viral diversity.

Metagenomics Metatranscriptomics Amplicon Sequencing VLP Extraction Bioinformatics Microcosm Experiments Statistical Analysis

Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Pretoria

Jan 2015 - Aug 2019 (4 years 7 months)

Conducted soil sampling in Australian drylands and microcosm and biochemical assays to investigate hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, carbon fixation, and atmospheric hydrogen utilization in dryland soils.

Microcosm Studies Gas Chromatography Carbon Fixation Assays H2 Utilization

Lecturer

Vaal University of Technology

Jan 2009 - Dec 2009 (11 months)

Taught undergraduate courses in Microbiology and Microbial Biochemistry, developing course materials and delivering lectures to science students.

Teaching Curriculum Development Biochemistry Lecture Delivery

Environmental Graduate

BHP Billiton Energy Coal

Jul 2008 - Jan 2009 (6 months)

Completed introductory training across company departments and supported Environmental Impact Assessment processes related to coal mining at the Witbank site.

Impact Assessments Environmental Monitoring Reporting Stakeholder Engagement Fieldwork

Research Assistant

Sasol Water Recovery Unit

Jan 2007 - Jan 2008 (1 year)

Supported molecular research and microscopy for the wastewater treatment plant, cultivated anaerobic microorganisms and measured ATP levels in WWTP flocs.

Anaerobic Culture ATP Assays Wastewater Microbiology

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

North-West University, Potchefstroom campus

Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Sciences

Completed a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences with a dissertation on molecular profiling of microbial population dynamics in environmental water.

North-West University, Potchefstroom campus

Master of Environmental Science, Environmental Sciences and Management

Earned a Master of Environmental Science in Environmental Sciences and Management; thesis evaluated multiplex PCR and DNA profiling methods for detection of mycotoxigenic Fusarium species.