Linda Mwalawa
Donnybrook
Summary
A passionate professional with comprehensive background in laboratory techniques and methodologies. Known for exceptional accuracy and reliability in conducting tests and experiments. Prioritizes team collaboration and adapts seamlessly to dynamic environments. Proficient in data analysis and laboratory safety protocols, valued for meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Laboratory Technician
One Acre Fund
02.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed experimental protocols for a pioneering accreditation process leading to 90% increase in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements
- Monitored seedling establishment and early growth traits, linking phenotypic data to field performance and resilience
- Performed routine lab and department maintenance to keep area clean and orderly.
- Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
- Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.
- Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
- Collected and performed analytical testing on in-process product.
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and evaporator.
- Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
- Kept laboratory supplies prepared by inventorying stock, placing orders and verifying receipt.
Laboratory Analyst (Analytical Chemistry and Food Safety Laboratory)
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
03.2019 - 01.2024
- Applied chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC-MS/MS) to ensure food safety by detecting and quantifying pesticide residues and aflatoxins in agricultural produce.
- Prepared and maintained culture media for various agricultural produce ensuring sterile conditions and compliance with laboratory protocols
- Maintained and propagated bacterial cultures for plasmid DNA preparations
- Performed DNA and RNA extraction from a diverse plant samples
- Executed PCR, qRT-PCR, and Southern blotting to determine genetic modification in imported products
- Maintained meticulous records of experimental procedures, results, and consumables, adhering to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards
- Supported laboratory audits and quality assurance processes, drawing on experience in implementing ISO/IEC 17025 protocols
- Handled sample management activities, including registration, processing, and shipping
- Maintained laboratory hygiene and safety protocols, ensuring compliance with GLP and biosafety standards
Quality Control Intern
Cosmos Limited
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Reviewed and maintained labelling standards ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Implemented proper storage conditions to ensure sample integrity for future reference
- Participated in validation processes by assisting in cleaning verification (HPLC, TOC, UV-Vis, pH/conductivity meters) and media fills to ensure contamination-free vial filling, lyophilization, and sterilization
- Assisted in regulatory inspections and audits, preparing documentation and supporting compliance with Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board standards
- Communicated daily compliance walkthrough findings to QC and production teams, fostering effective collaboration and clear reporting
Education
Master of Science - Plant Biology and Biotechnology
University College Dublin
Ireland12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Egerton University
05.2016
Skills
Technical skills
Molecular Biology techniques (DNA, RNA extraction, qRT-PCR)
Quality assurance & validation (ISO/IEC 17025, GMP, GLP)
Aseptic techniques
Data analysis (R, Excel)
Analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS)
Method validation and optimization
Soft skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem solving and critical thinking
Excellent communication
Attention to detail
Sample preparation
Lab equipment maintenance
Reagent preparation
Instrument Calibration
References
- Jared O., Nyang'au, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, Jn@agro.au.dk, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Blichers Alle 20, Tjele, Denmark
- Stephen, Ahenda, Principal Analytical Chemist, sahenda@kephis.org, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Oloolua Ridge, Nairobi, Kenya
- Hesborn, Omwandho, PhD Researcher, hesborn.oburah@ucdconnect.ie, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOP
April to June 2025: Introduction to Bioinformatics - AfriGenD
Certification
Governance in International Food Chains, Wageningen University Research
Timeline
Governance in International Food Chains, Wageningen University Research
05-2025
Laboratory Technician
One Acre Fund
02.2024 - 08.2024
Laboratory Analyst (Analytical Chemistry and Food Safety Laboratory)
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service
03.2019 - 01.2024
Quality Control Intern
Cosmos Limited
01.2018 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Egerton University
Master of Science - Plant Biology and Biotechnology
University College Dublin