Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Lawrence Mapunda

Dar es Salaam,Kinondoni

Summary

As a molecular laboratory scientist with seven years of experience, I specialize in developing and verifying standard operating procedures for molecular diagnosis, conducting advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, and implementing quality management systems in laboratories. My expertise extends to library preparation for sequencing pathogenic organisms and providing pivotal support in outbreak detection and response, coupled with proficient bioinformatics analysis. I am seasoned in mentoring and supervising both laboratory and non-laboratory staff, training healthcare workers in biosafety and biosecurity, and playing a key role in establishing molecular diagnosis sections in regional hospital laboratories. My strong management skills are evident in my ability to strategize and execute laboratory initiatives, encompassing strategic planning, budgeting, and personnel development. I excel in building collaborations and coordinating projects, ensuring progress towards strategic goals with a focus on monitoring and evaluating advancements. Additionally, I am adept at reproducible quantitative data analysis, encompassing everything from data collection to visualization and dissemination. Demonstrated success in public health project and team management, including epidemiology, statistical analysis and literature reviews. Skilled in technical writing, surveillance and field research. Results-driven and proactive with a diligent, responsive and resourceful nature.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Laboratory scientist-genotyping and sequencing

NPHL
07.2019
  • Conduct nucleotide sequencing for viral and bacterial pathogens to ensure precise and reliable results
  • Conduct bioinformatics analyses of viral and bacterial genomic data, translating complex genetic information into actionable insights
  • Manage sample processing and storage, maintaining high standards of integrity and organisation.
  • Certified in safe shipping of infectious substances and meticulously preparing and transporting materials in compliance with IATA guidelines
  • Validate and verify sequencing methods to ensure consistent reliability and compliance with scientific standards
  • Oversee inventory management, ensuring optimal resource allocation and stock availability
  • Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs), guaranteeing procedural excellence and safety compliance
  • Verify and authorise laboratory results to ensure their reliability for effective patient management and care decisions
  • Build capacity for junior staff through training, mentoring, and supervising them on laboratory technical procedures
  • Liaise with external laboratories for technical collaborations in troubleshooting and inter-laboratory comparisons, ensuring highest quality and accuracy of laboratory results
  • Expertly draft and present comprehensive technical reports on pathogen sequencing, interpreting complex results for clear decision-making, these reports are crucial in guiding laboratory management during outbreaks and shaping Ministry of Health’s strategic response initiatives.
  • Evaluated and implemented new technologies and laboratory techniques to improve quality and robustness of sample analysis

Field epidemiologist

MOH-tfeltp
10.2020 - 12.2022
  • Conduct epidemiological data collection and analysis by employing rigorous methods to track and interpret disease patterns
  • Engage in active COVID-19 disease surveillance, monitoring health trends to identify and respond to emerging threats
  • Evaluate surveillance systems to ensure effectiveness and improvements for optimal functioning
  • Train and mentor regional health management teams on disease surveillance systems and alert management, enhancing regional response capabilities
  • Design epidemiological studies and create robust frameworks for investigating health issues
  • Lead outbreak investigations, including contact tracing, to swiftly identify and mitigate disease spread
  • Develop and manage data dashboards that provide real-time insights for informed decision making
  • Headed the cerebral spinal meningitis outbreak investigation team in Katavi region, demonstrating leadership in crisis response
  • Create and refine epidemiological data collection tools to ensure precision and reliability in data collection
  • Develop outbreak case definitions and establish clear criteria for efficient and accurate disease identification.

Laboratory scientist-emerging and re-emerging diseases

NPHL
06.2016 - 07.2019
  • Performed qualitative RT-PCR to detect viral and bacterial pathogens, ensuring accurate and timely identification
  • Analyze and interpret PCR results, providing critical insights into pathogen characteristics and implications
  • Manage samples effectively while maintaining integrity and organization throughout testing process
  • Validate and verify assays, ensuring their reliability and adherence to scientific standards
  • Prepare comprehensive monthly reports documenting laboratory activities and findings for review and record keeping
  • Monitor and report laboratory quality indicators, continually assessing and improving laboratory performance
  • Maintain laboratory instruments, ensuring that they are in optimal condition for precise and reliable testing.

Education

Master of Science - Epidemiology And Laboratory Management

Muhimbili University of Health And Allied Sciences
12.2022

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnolgy And Laboratory Sciences

Sokoine University of Agriculture
11.2016

Skills

  • PCR applications
  • Nucleotide sequencing
  • Handling of highly pathogenic organisms
  • Shipping of infectious substances
  • Supervision and Mentoring
  • Bioinformatics analysis
  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiological study design
  • Teaching
  • Window operating system
  • Linux operating system
  • Microsoft package
  • Bash scripting
  • Workflow management
  • Fluent in swahili and English
  • Problem-Solving
  • Organizational Skills
  • Organization and Time Management
  • Calm Under Pressure
  • Flexible and Adaptable
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • PPE use
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • MS Office
  • Active Listening
  • Self-Directed
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Troubleshooting
  • Cultural Awareness
  • Dependable and Responsible
  • Organization
  • R-packages and STATA

Timeline

Field epidemiologist

MOH-tfeltp
10.2020 - 12.2022

Laboratory scientist-genotyping and sequencing

NPHL
07.2019

Laboratory scientist-emerging and re-emerging diseases

NPHL
06.2016 - 07.2019

Master of Science - Epidemiology And Laboratory Management

Muhimbili University of Health And Allied Sciences

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnolgy And Laboratory Sciences

Sokoine University of Agriculture
Lawrence Mapunda