Open to opportunities

Petronela Letlonkane

@petronelaletlonkane

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Staff Scientist in molecular diagnostics specializing in virology and clinical laboratory workflows.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I seek a hands-on role in molecular diagnostics or virology research where I can apply NGS/PCR expertise, drive quality systems, collaborate cross-functionally, and support patient-focused clinical decision-making.

I am a results-driven Staff Scientist with a strong academic foundation in Microbiology, Medical Microbiology (Hons) and an MSc in Medical Virology, focused on Cytomegalovirus diversity and drug resistance. Over five years I have developed advanced molecular diagnostics expertise, performing high-throughput nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-PCR, sequencing workflows and rigorous quality assurance in clinical laboratory settings.

I consistently streamline processes to meet urgent diagnostic demands (e.g., processing thousands of COVID-19 samples), troubleshoot complex assays, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate genomic and diagnostic data into actionable clinical results. I bring additional client-facing experience in technical sales, strong communication skills, and certified training in GLP/GCLP, sequencing, and clinical laboratory management.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Staff Scientist

Current

Lancet Laboratories

Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 8 months)

Processed high-volume clinical specimens and molecular diagnostics, handling up to 3,000 samples per 12-hour shift during COVID-19; maintained instrument QC, performed nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and genotyping to support patient care and research.

Nucleic Acid Extraction PCR

Salesperson

Biodx Biological Chemicals Technologies

Jan 2020 - Dec 2020 (11 months)

Drove product promotion and client engagement, delivering virtual demonstrations and targeted email campaigns that expanded customer reach and improved sales within a short tenure.

Sales Product Demonstrations Client Relationship Management Email Marketing Lead Generation Communication CRM

ICT Student Assistant

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Jan 2019 - Dec 2020 (1 year 11 months)

Provided technical support and maintained a study-hall computer laboratory, troubleshooting access and network issues and supporting students and lecturers with resources and communications.

Technical Support Technical Troubleshooting Computer Lab Maintenance Customer Service Communication

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of the Witwatersrand

Master of Science in Medicine, Medical Virology

Master of Science in Medicine (Medical Virology) with a dissertation on cytomegalovirus diversity and drug resistance from patients in Johannesburg (2022–2023); currently completing examiner corrections.

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours), Medical Microbiology

Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) in Medical Microbiology with coursework in microbiology, virology and molecular biology and a dissertation evaluating a real-time PCR kit for Treponema pallidum detection.

North-West University

Bachelor of Science, Microbiology and Chemistry

2015 - 2018

Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Chemistry with core modules in virology, immunology, biotechnology and analytical/physical/inorganic chemistry.