Rae Smith

Experience

• 

  Old Mutual

  Nov 2008 - Feb 2009

  Data Capturer
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  Institute of Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics (IMBM)

  Jul 2010 - Dec 2010

  Volunteer- Lab assistant

  I carried out routine lab tasks such as media preparation, agar overlay, and microbiology techniques in assistance to a Post-doctoral researcher working on the isolation of bacteriophages from extreme environments. At this time I worked also worked on my own project of testing wastewater for coliform bacteria using standard microbial assays.

• 

  Basil Adriaanse Physiotherapy

  Mar 2012 - Mar 2012

  Part time Administration assistant

  basic administration concerning the day to day running of the physiotherapy practice.

• 

  Isilumko Staffing

  Mar 2012 - Jan 2013

  Promoter

  Promoting brands, products, and services to the general public. Also, carrying out surveys, working as temporary staff for tasks such as data capturing.

• 

  Agricultural Research Council

  Jan 2013 - Mar 2016

  Jnr Research Scientist

  Here, I contributed to the development of a next-generation DNA vaccine, to protect sheep from Heartwater disease. This work primarily involved screening oligopeptides derived from candidate antigenic proteins for their ability to elicit an immune response in Peripheral Blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). This was done using an array of molecular biology tools as well as immunology assays, such as qPCR, Protein expression and purification, PBMC extraction from whole blood, sterile techniques, cell staining and electroporation, Flow-cytometry techniques and more. This work was published together with that of my colleagues. This work was used to complete a Masters of Science in Veterinary Science. Show less

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  National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

  May 2016 - Apr 2019

  In-Service Doctoral Fellow

  In this role I conducted research, investigating genetic diversity and variation in genes of the Cape mountain zebra. I also studied the prevalence of pathogenic protozoa in Cape mountain zebra reserves. I used various molecular biology techniques, including Sanger Sequencing and Microsatellite analysis. I also compiled manuscripts and published Two Scientific articles. This work is being used to inform conservation management strategies that will be implemented through the Biodiversity management plan of Cape mountain zebra. Show less

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  South African National Biodiversity Institute

  Jun 2019 - Nov 2021

  Postdoctoral Fellow - Conservaton genomics

  My role involves the design and implementation of molecular genetic research projects pertaining to wildlife biodiversity and conservation. I am responsible for the acquisition and supervision of postgraduate students, publishing research findings in ISI accredited journals, and working toward collaboration with international and national groups in line with the goals of SANBI.

• 

  University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika

  Dec 2021 - now

  My role consists of carrying out teaching activities, conducting research and developing projects in a number of sub-disciplines of genomics. An important role is also to engage with communities through contributing my insights, and sharing resources. I am also tasked with contributing to the university and the broader science community through active participation in administrative tasks. This role is in-line with the Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) Higher education model. My role consists of carrying out teaching and learning activities, conducting research in animal health, participating in community engagement and academic citizenship. This role will be in line with the Open and Distance E-Learning (ODeL) Higher education model. My role is to develop and implement research projects related to animal health, using molecular biology approaches. In addition, it is to supervise and support students in their pursuit of their postgraduate degrees.

  • Senior Lecturer

    Dec 2023 - now

  • Lecturer

    Jun 2022 - Nov 2023

  • Postdoctoral Fellow

    Dec 2021 - May 2022