David Smyth

Assistant Scientific Officer - DNA Laboratory: • Extraction/Quantification/Amplification/ Separation of DNA from crime stains (Hair/Semen/blood) and buccal swabs. Incorporated use of Qiagen/Mini-Qiagen kits, chelex, Real-Time PCR, Capillary Electrophoresis and Pico-Green. • Organisation and retrieval of archived samples from Northern Ireland DNA database (deep freeze cold storage). • Routine laboratory tasks (equipment maintenance/pipette calibration/cleaning).

• Microbiological testing of all raw materials and final products including sugar, water, carbonated beverage, mineral water, and environmental monitoring samples. Site hygiene auditing and reporting directly to production and quality management teams to improve site hygiene and ensure adherence to production guidelines. • Writing ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ • Presenting weekly/monthly hygiene audit and microbiology monitoring reports to management and recommending corrective actions.

• Microbiological testing of fresh/sea water samples in accordance with EU Bathing waters directive. Results contributed to ‘Blue Flag’ accreditation of beaches for public bathing. Non-compliance with directive would result in losses for local economy and fines imposed by EU government. • Testing of water samples for coliform/total viable counts/faecal streptococci/salmonella and other water-borne pathogens. • Routine laboratory tasks (equipment maintenance/cleaning)

• Microbiological testing of fresh/sea water samples in accordance with EU Bathing waters directive. Results contributed to ‘Blue Flag’ accreditation of beaches for public bathing. Non-compliance with directive would result in losses for local economy and fines imposed by EU government. • Testing of water samples for coliform/total viable counts/faecal streptococci/salmonella and other water-borne pathogens. • Routine laboratory tasks (equipment maintenance/cleaning)

Modules include: Genetics and Molecular Biology Microorganisms Skills in Biosciences Applied and Environmental Microbiology Cell Biology Virology Microbial Metabolism and Physiology Molecular Genetics The Immune System Food Microbiology Parasitology