Profile
I possess a wealth of expertise encompassing laboratory practices, diagnostic troubleshooting, and a steadfast commitment to customer service excellence spanning across an array of industries.
I assumed a pivotal role in overseeing aspects of the implementation of the AFIS forensic service at the Angolan police force extending my professional experience to international horizons. Adapting to challenging and high-pressure business environments, I have adeptly steered change initiatives, ushering in modern management practices that encompass personnel, IT, and customer-supplier relations.
My technical prowess includes proficient handling of high-caliber lab equipment, clinical analyzers such as VIDAS, PANTHER, DS2, MDS, ELISA, AKTA and various molecular and gel electrophoresis platforms. I am well-versed in diagnostic software and hardware, with a comprehensive understanding of software packages like MS-DOS, OS X, Windows, MS Office, PIMS, LIMS and SQL server.
Additionally, I possess programming acumen, including Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and skills encompassing VBA, SQL, HTML, CSS and basic Java. My understanding of LAN/WAN architecture further underscores my IT capabilities.
In summary, my extensive experience and versatile skill set make me a valuable asset with a proven track record in diverse industries and a fondness for effective management, technical prowess, and project success.
Work Experience
Locum - Therapeutic Drug Monitoring-Unit
UK Epilepsy Society - TDM Unit, Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, UK
20May 2024- Current
Deals with aspects of smoothly running the therapeutic drug monitoring service performing toxicology analysis on TDM samples utilizing LC/MS instruments.
Locum (25ph)- Human Papilloma Virus-Unit
UK Security Health Agency - Virology Reference Department, Colindale, UK
16Nov 2020-30Jun 2023
Dealt with aspects of developing a new serological Chlamydia Trachomatis surveillance assay (see publications).
Key Contributions:
- Purified recombinant bacterial and mammalian proteins utilising manual and AKTA methods.
- Collaborated to the Serological Chlamydia trachomatis Project for Surveillance assay development and validation
- Responsible for generating high-quality data for international studies (NCI,IARC).
- Developed a MS Access® database for better data management
- Cleaned, QA, uploaded and maintained quality and integrity of uploaded/downloaded data from database
- Operated to ISO 151589 quality standards.
Locum (22ph)- NHS - PCR-Covid19
Basildon University Hospital (NHS) - Histopathology Department, Basildon, UK
05Oct 2020-13Nov 2020
Part of the COVID19 response team.
Key Contributions:
- Performed and reported COVID19 POC testing utilising VITA PCR rapid test machine
- Received, booked, tested and reported sample results on LIMS (WinPath)
- Dealt with telephone enquiries.
Locum (22ph)- Public Health England - (PCR-Covid19)
Addenbrookes University Hospital - Microbiology Department - Cambridge - UK
20Jan 2020-01Oct 2020
Part of the COVID19 response team.
Key Contributions:
- Performed and reported on LIMS (EPIC) COVID19 and other Respiratory Virus utilising in-house assays. Instruments used EasyMag, EZ1, KingFisher for sample extraction, QIAGEN liquid Handlers, Rotorgenes and Panther for in-house PCR and TMA assays respectively.
Oversaw the management and operations of the AFIS Department within the Police Force Forensic Services (SIC), ensuring efficient fingerprint identification, forensic accuracy, and seamless integration with law enforcement investigations.
Laboratório Central de Criminalística (LCC) - Luanda
01Ago 2017-01Jan 2020
Managed database administration for the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) from IDEMIA (formerly SAFRAN Morpho), overseeing SQL operations on Windows Server while executing fundamental Oracle Database commands on Linux to ensure seamless data management and system performance.
Key Contributions:
- Designed and implemented a C# solution to efficiently read and process XML information files, transforming complex data into a user-friendly format for streamlined forensic analysis at the Police Force Forensic Lab.
- Developed and implemented a standardized national form for fingerprint and palm print collection, ensuring seamless integration with the new system and enhancing forensic data accuracy.
- Compiled and delivered detailed weekly productivity reports for all police stations enrolled in the system, ensuring the directors of the Serviço de Investigação Criminal (SIC) had accurate and up-to-date performance insights.
- Ensured the timely and accurate updating of system upload and download directories, maintaining data integrity and optimizing workflow efficiency.
- Directly managed a team of 10 people
Toxicology Analyst - Forensic Services (MININT)
Laboratório Central de Criminalística (LCC) - Luanda
07Apr 2014-31Jul 2017
Employed for Technical forensic toxicology services but, provided a business case for Pre Implementation of the Lab Accreditation Project (LMIS & LIMS) as the opportunity arose
Key Contributions:
- Actively provided insight and collaborated to the LIMS (StarLIMS) implementation.
- Performed toxicology analysis on samples utilizing GC/MS-GC/HS and LC/MS-MS instruments.
Analyst Programmer - Health Services (Intelligence Dept.)
Care Quality Commission (CQC) - Old Street, UK
11Feb 2013 - 21Mar 2014
Responsibilities included, maintaining and updating programs and databases that support the CQC's information and analysis activities.
Key Contributions:
- Improved tasks management by adding functionality to MS Access tasks manager database.
- Scripted SQL programs for data retrieval for quantitative analysis of NHS and social care data.
- Collaborated with Information Technology and statisticians to improve analytical methods.
- Contributed to quality assurance checks and continuous process improvement.
- Supported CQC's data collection, analysis, and customer service goals.
Education
Birkbeck College, University of London - London
Bachelor of Science with honors, 2004-2008
Biomedicine
Online LinkedIn training
Data Strategy, HTML, CSS - currently studying-, 2025
University of Singapore - Coursera Online
Introduction to Forensic Science, 2017
South African Police - South Africa
Administrating Morpho's Automated Fingerprint Identification System, 2017
Health Protection Agency - London
Lab Auditor, 2009
Health Protection Agency - London
Update virology, 2004
Public Health Laboratory Services - London
Basic virology, 2003
Public Health Laboratory Services - London
Basic people management, 2002
Barnet College - London
Information Technology Systems Support Technician, 2002
City & Guilds - UK
Pro & Pro Academy - London
Advanced PC Engineering, 2002
Pro & Pro advanced diploma.
Other training and CPD seminars attended in the UK
Various Clinical Pathology Accreditation (CPA) standards for medical laboratory operation and most recent UKAS seminars