Rachna Patel

Experience

• 

  Genesis Research & Development Corp, Ltd

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2009

  Scientist

  I was involved in the Cancer RNAi Program, since accepting the position in 2006 till 2009. As part of the in vitro group, initial work comprised of medium throughput cell-based growth assays to screen 60 targets, with 3 siRNAs per target in 3 cell lines, in order to identify candidate gene targets for siRNA based therapeutics. Further to this, we screened siRNAs in combination with several tumour specific drugs to determine any sensitizing effects through their interaction. Following target selection, functional studies were carried out employing various molecular biology, cell culture techniques and flow cytometry to study the relationship between siRNA structure and its activity. This work focused particularly on looking at activity of siRNA of different chemistries and mismatched siRNAs. Show less

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  The University of Auckland

  May 2009 - Aug 2022

  I was responsible for the day-to-day management of experimental projects undertaken by the NETwork research programme, and investigating the role of specific genes in cancer, as well as global genomic profiles of tumours. In doing so, I have gained experience in genomic sequencing using the Thermo Fisher Ion Torrent platform. In order to better my understanding of the data generated from different sequencing technologies I have attended Software and Data Carpentry workshops, commenced online bioinformatics courses and working alongside Bioinformaticians within the group. Show less At the Liggins Institute, I was employed as a research technician with the Developmental Programming group which focusses on the role of early life nutrition on the growth and development of offspring. Specifically, my role involved assisting in carrying out various molecular biology techniques to investigate how early life nutrition affects offspring obesity, regulation of metabolic hormones like insulin, leptin and reproductive function. During this time, I gained extensive experience with the following experimental techniques: standard and real-time PCR, RNA, DNA and protein extraction and quantification, ELISAs, western blotting, agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis and some experience with miRNA PCR array assays. In addition, I was involved in the preparation of large scale animal studies, as well as teaching and assisting postgraduate students with key laboratory work and experimental techniques. Show less

  • Research Technician

    May 2019 - Aug 2022

  • Research Technician

    May 2009 - Aug 2019
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  Grafton Clinical Genomics/ Precision Medicine Initiative, University of Auckland

  Aug 2020 - now

  Medical Laboratory Scientist
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  Auckland DHB

  Sept 2021 - Aug 2022

  Medical Laboratory Scientist

  In March 2020, when Covid-19 was first identified in New Zealand, I was seconded to assist with both the setting up and day to day operation of a Covid testing laboratory at the University of Auckland. During this time, I received a full Medical Laboratory Scientist certification, I was involved in all parts of the testing, including training, clinical validation of changes and carrying out sample lysis, viral RNA extraction and quantification. In August 2021, following the Delta Covid outbreak, I was able to offer support to the Covid testing team at LabPlus (Auckland City Hospital) on a casual basis. During this time, I was fortunate enough to gain experience working on every aspect of their clinical diagnostic workflow, handling of infectious samples and use different automated extraction robots. This work also included a full understanding of following strict clinical procedures and protocols, working with confidential patient data and ensuring that vital clinical tests are performed and results delivered in a timely manner. Show less