Donna Byrne

Experience

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  University of Oxford

  Oct 2004 - Jun 2008

  Research Scientist

  Development of high-throughput methodology to facilitate the structural analysis of membrane proteins by x-ray crystallography. • DNA extraction and manipulation techniques.• Protein expression in E. coli using small and large scale bacterial culture.• Protein purification using the ÄKTA™ purification platform of soluble and membrane proteins.• QC analysis of proteins by SDS-PAGE, Native PAGE and Western Blot.• Protein crystallisation screening. • Methodology development. Show less

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  ProImmune

  Sept 2009 - Feb 2010

  Scientist - Protein purification

  Protein synthesis and purification. • Implemented new methods and streamlined processes.• Wrote and edited standard operating procedures.• Worked to ISO:9001 standards.• Responsible for protein purification and QC analysis.• Purification by FPLC using ÄKTA™ and Duoflow hardware using gel filtration, ion exchange and affinity columns.• QC analysis by SDS PAGE.• Troubleshooting and general upkeep of the ÄKTA™ systems and columns.• Excellent organisation and time management skills vital to position. Show less

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  Hologic (Formerly Gen-Probe)

  Jun 2010 - Feb 2011

  Scientist - Quality control & research

  QC scientist• Ensure multiplex PCR kits manufactured by the company functioned within defined parameters.• Stability testing of manufactured kits by PCR and capillary electrophoresis analysis of samples.Research scientist• Development of a multiplex PCR kit testing for causes of pregnancy loss, which was later marketed. • Identification of genetic markers.• Primer design & formulation testing. Primer design had to ensure that unfavourable interactions within the multiplex mix were limited, and that the primers bound with high efficiency to the target site so that no undesired products were formed which could complicate analysis. • Maintaining databases.• Accurate & timely record keeping.The roles were carried out in parallel, so excellent time management and organisation skills were essential to successfully balancing them. Show less

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  Orchid Cellmark

  Sept 2011 - Jul 2015

  Forensic analyst/ Reporting scientist

  Multiple roles within the Identification department which deals with PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984), paternity and immigration contracts.• Quality checks and storage of oral, hair and blood samples and any accompanying documentation, adhering to the Human Tissue Act 2004 and Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.• High-throughput DNA extraction on robotic platforms.• PCR - manual set-up and set-up on a robotic platform.• Capillary electrophoresis using 3130xl capillary analyser. • Basic maintenance of equipment. • Interpretation of results & reports to customers.• Stock check and ordering.• Working to ISO:9001 standards.• Training junior members of staff. Show less

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  Oxford Biotrans Ltd.

  Nov 2015 - Aug 2020

  Research Scientist (Upstream)

  As part of the Molecular Biology group, I was charged with optimising protein expression and enhancing enzyme activity. Due to the small size of the company, I was also involved in the day to day running of the lab including the ordering of stock, maintenance of lab equipment, pipette calibration and liaising with reps. Tasks that I was involved in running include:• E. coli & P. fluorescens cell culture: 48 well plate small scale expression to fermenter scale.• Protein characterisation: SDS-PAGE, determination of P450 concentration by CO differential assay, Bradford assay. Crude purification of enzyme by IMAC & salting out methods.• Genetic engineering: site directed mutagenesis, genome editing by CRISPR-Cas, ligation independent cloning systems, traditional cloning methods.• Assay development: Development of enzyme activity assays, optimisation of commercial assays, development of assays to fit other requirements. Spectrophotometric, fluorescence-based, GC and HPLC analysis were employed.• Biotransformation: Mutant screening against different substrates, and scale-up of reactions. Enzyme immobilisation studies.• Troubleshooting and general upkeep of lab equipment.• Detailed documentation of experiments in laboratory notebooks and presenting reports.• Writing and review of COSHH, SOP and risk assessment documents.Due to the research nature of the role and changing focus of the company as it evolved, there was a requirement to be creative and adaptable. Show less

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  Oxford Biomedica

  Sept 2020 - now

  Senior Scientist - Process Analytics

  Process R&D Analytics.• Analysis of samples from all stages of process development for titre & purity.• Oversee analytics for projects and ensure timely delivery of high-quality data to clients.• Line management.• Author and review SOPs, analysis templates and reports.• ELISA, qPCR, HPLC, flow cytometry, colorimetric & fluorescent plate-based assays.• Mammalian cell culture.• Transfer & optimisation of new technology and assays for routine use.• Training and supporting team.• Member of the H&S team and GMSC.• Assay SME - ensuring assay is robust and troubleshooting any deviations.• Trending control stocks and troubleshooting issues.• Working with Lentiviral and Adenoviral vectors. Show less