Open to opportunities

Naa Kulsum

@naakulsum

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Biomedical scientist with lab management and molecular biology expertise focused on research and QC.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek lab-based roles where I can apply molecular biology and QC skills, lead operations, mentor staff, and contribute to translational research in a collaborative, safety-focused environment.

I am a biomedical scientist trained in molecular techniques with experience in mito-nuclear research, DNA extraction, PCR, and quality control testing for diagnostic kits. I have worked as a lab manager and postbaccalaureate researcher, supporting projects from sample prep through data recording and analysis.

In industry I performed QC testing on Bio-Rad, COVID, exonuclease, and CRISPR kits and contributed to efficient sample handling in team environments. In academia I led lab operations, ordered inventory, calibrated equipment, and trained undergraduates while assisting graduate researchers.

I bring strong clinical-sample handling experience from phlebotomy and caregiving roles, a commitment to community service through mental-health and food-security volunteering, and a collaborative, safety-focused work ethic.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Custom Quality Control Technician II

Integrated DNA Technologies

Apr 2022 - Mar 2024 (1 year 11 months)

Performed QC testing on Bio-Rad, COVID, exonuclease, and CRISPR kits, recorded and analyzed results to ensure product quality and supported team workflows for efficient sample handling.

Quality Control PCR Test Kits Team Collaboration

Lab Manager

Neiman Evolutionary Biology Lab

Jun 2021 - Jul 2023 (2 years 1 month)

Managed lab inventory and equipment calibration, performed DNA extractions and PCR, and trained undergraduates while assisting graduate and PhD students with research projects.

Inventory Control Equipment Calibration PCR Training

Postbaccalaureate Researcher

The University of Iowa

Jun 2021 - Jul 2023 (2 years 1 month)

Performed laboratory and literature research on mito-nuclear interactions using Potamopyrgus antipodarum, contributing to evolutionary biology projects and supporting publication-quality data collection.

PCR Mitochondrial Genetics Data Analysis

Volunteer

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Jan 2016 - May 2023 (7 years 4 months)

Assisted community members in navigating mental health resources, organized outreach events, provided clerical support, and helped train local police on mental-health response.

Community Education Volunteer coordination Clerical Support

Service Manager

Caring Hands and More

May 2015 - Mar 2022 (6 years 10 months)

Coordinated office team efforts to promote clients' living conditions, assisted with personal care and medication administration, and responded to after-hours emergencies to support client wellbeing.

client support Emergency Response Team Coordination Communication

Phlebotomist

Veteran Hospital

Oct 2019 - May 2021 (1 year 7 months)

Collected blood, urine, and fecal samples from patients, trained new phlebotomists, and assisted colleagues with venipuncture to maintain high standards of patient care and safety.

Phlebotomy Patient Care Training Venipuncture Patient Safety

Volunteer

Coralville Food Pantry

Apr 2018 - Jan 2021 (2 years 9 months)

Served and distributed food to community members, supported drive-through and delivery services during COVID-19, and assisted with outreach on food insecurity.

Community Outreach Community Service

Direct Care Provider

Major Youth Employment

May 2018 - Nov 2020 (2 years 6 months)

Provided in-home care for individuals with physical and mental challenges, supporting activities of daily living, meal prep, and medication administration; earned CPR certification.

Direct Care CPR Patient Support

Care Provider

Reach for Your Potential

Jun 2015 - May 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Assisted clients with personal care and medication, collaborated with office staff to accommodate client needs, and provided supportive interpersonal communication to improve client comfort.

Personal Care Medication Passing Client Communication Care Coordination Interpersonal Skills