Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOP
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Linda Mwalawa

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
Ireland
12-2025

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry

Egerton University
05.2016

Skills

Technical skills

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
Linda Mwalawa