Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Fellowships and Awards
Publications
Skills
Timeline
Azaz Ahmad

Azaz Ahmad

Kilkenny

Summary

SUMMARY: Over 7 years of research experience in immunology, molecular biology, cancer biology, including assay development and project management. Robust technical, project management and leadership experience. Strong work ethic, adaptive personality and extremely detail-oriented coupled with excellent communication, planning, problem solving and time management skills.

QUALIFICATIONS: Expert knowledge in Immunological and Molecular biology assay, in-vitro assays, ligand binding studies, FACS analysis, cell culture and transfection, qPCR, RNAseq, DNA sequencing and primer design. Extensive knowledge in understanding and analyzing molecular targets and signaling events in response to infectious agents. Extensive knowledge of equipment and laboratory techniques. Excellent people management and team leadership for strategic planning to achieve goals.

OBJECTIVE: Looking for challenging opportunity to leverage my skills and knowledge to drive significant advancements in healthcare.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Clinical Scientist

Afimmune
Dublin
06.2023 - 08.2023
  • Internship focused on gaining comprehensive exposure to the process of new drug development and writing scientific content for industry.
  • Prepared scientific summaries and slides on potential rare disease indications.
  • Conducted extensive literature reviews, prepared manuscripts for scientific articles and research papers to support drug development.
  • Collaborated closely with a diverse team of researchers, clinicians, and regulatory experts to establish and implement preclinical and clinical study protocols.
  • Prepared written summarised content about FDA and EMA scientific advice to internal stakeholders, effectively communicating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Post Doctorate Research Fellow

Royal College Of Surgeons In Ireland (RCSI)
Dublin
03.2020 - 05.2023
  • Conducted comprehensive research project that defined mechanism of endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory responses in sickle cell disease and COVID19 patients.
  • Analyzed RNAseq data that led to Identification of molecular targets modulating macrophages activating state (M1/M2) in response to stimulation by Von Willibrand Factor (VWF).
  • Performed Cell based assays, molecular biology techniques, FACS, ELISA, Flow adhesion experiment to address research project questions.
  • Isolated PBMC from whole blood and culture them to differentiate into macrophages Isolated PBMC from whole blood and culture them to Macrophages (M1/M2 state) in order to determine their immune responses.
  • Trained project students focusing on innate immune responses and mechanism of anti or proinflammatory signals in response to stimulation.
  • Supervised and mentored three undergraduate in their research work and projects over the course of two years.
  • Attending and presenting at multiple scientific departments and conferences.
  • Accomplished and demonstrated cross collaboration with multiple groups on different projects resulting in publications.

Analyst III -Molecular Cell Biology

Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing Ireland Ltd
Waterford
08.2019 - 03.2020
  • Demonstrated expertise in completing assigned technological projects, ensuring accurate, confidential, and timely reporting of project results for clients
  • Authored comprehensive laboratory reports, SOPs, protocols, investigation reports, and other pertinent documentation

Research Technician

University Of Nottingham
Nottingham
07.2017 - 03.2018
  • Performed a variety of experiments in the lab, including high throughput assay, recombinant assay, cell culture, and Multiplex procedures.
  • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and record-keeping skills by accurately maintaining regulatory records, clinical patients database, and ensuring compliance with the human tissue act requirements for the UK.

Resident Tutor

University Of Nottingham
Nottingham
01.2013 - 07.2015
  • Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
  • Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
  • Foster an inclusive community through weekly group discussions with group of students


Education

Ph.D. - Molecular Biology

University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
07.2017

Biomolecular Sciences (Cancer stem cell)

Master of Science - Molecular Diagnostics

University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
12.2012

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology

University of Peshawar, Pesh, PK
07.2009

Completed comprehensive coursework in genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, chemistry, cancer biology, and bioinformatics.

Fellowships and Awards

  • Developing Solution Master Studies Scholarship 2010 (University of Nottingham)
  • Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for Research Excellence (International) 2012 to fund PhD Studies for 3 years (University of Nottingham)
  • Graduate School travel prize (Medicine School, University of Nottingham) To participate in Stem cell Epigenetics meeting in Sept 2015, Barcelona Spain.

Publications

  • Ahmad, A., Strohbuecker, S., Tufarelli, C., & Sottile, V. (2017). Expression of a SOX1 overlapping transcript in neural differentiation and cancer models. Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, 74(22), 4245–4258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-017-2580-3
  • Ahmad, A., Strohbuecker, S., Scotti, C., Tufarelli, C., & Sottile, V. (2020). In Silico Identification of SOX1 Post-Translational Modifications Highlights a Shared Protein Motif. Cells, 9(11), 2471. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9112471
  • Shrine, N., Portelli, M. A., John, C., Ahmad, A.,et al (2019). Moderate-to-severe asthma in individuals of European ancestry: a genome-wide association study. The Lancet. Respiratory medicine, 7(1), 20–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(18)30389-8
  • Fogarty, H., Townsend, L., Morrin, H., Ahmad, A et al., (2021). Persistent endotheliopathy in the pathogenesis of long COVID syndrome. Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH, 19(10), 2546–2553. https://doi.org/10.1111/jth.15490
  • Drakeford, C., Aguila, S., Roche, F. Ahmad, A et al. von Willebrand factor links primary hemostasis to innate immunity. Nat Commun 13, 6320 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33796-7
  • Blood transfusion ameliorates free haem-induced loss of thrombomodulin and endothelial cell activation in paediatric sickle cell anaemia (In press)
  • Helen Fogarty1, 2, 3, Azaz Ahmad1, Soracha Ward1, Ellie Karampini1, , Gemma Leon1, Aisling Rehill1, Rosena Geoghegan2, Helena Conroy2, Noel Ngwenya4, Mary Byrne5, Ulrich Budde6, Sonja Schneppenheim6, Emma Tuohy4, Corrina McMahon2, 3, James S. O’Donnell1,3,5.

Skills

Excel, Microsoft Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, presenting, Prism, publications, Research, scientific, teaching

Timeline

Clinical Scientist - Afimmune
06.2023 - 08.2023
Post Doctorate Research Fellow - Royal College Of Surgeons In Ireland (RCSI)
03.2020 - 05.2023
Analyst III -Molecular Cell Biology - Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing Ireland Ltd
08.2019 - 03.2020
Research Technician - University Of Nottingham
07.2017 - 03.2018
Resident Tutor - University Of Nottingham
01.2013 - 07.2015
University of Nottingham - Ph.D., Molecular Biology
University of Nottingham - Master of Science, Molecular Diagnostics
University of Peshawar - Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology
Azaz Ahmad