Theckla Selwyn Kazimoto

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to advance infectious disease and global health research through scientific discussions, project planning, and strategic partnerships. • Contribute to the preparation, writing, and submission of peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts for publication in international journals. • Support the development of competitive grant proposals and contribute to the implementation of nationally and internationally funded research projects. • Provide scientific and techni

Performed DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, ELISA, molecular typing, and DNA microarray-based analyses. Conducted mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and flow cytometry. Performed molecular and phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus. Prepared samples, reagents, buffers, and laboratory materials. Optimized experimental procedures and troubleshot laboratory methods. Maintained accurate laboratory records and scientific documentation. Maintained laboratory quality standards and scient

• Participated in the DFG-funded African–German multicentre consortium, "Infection Biology and Epidemiology of Staphylococci and Staphylococcal Diseases in sub-Saharan Africa," by conducting translational research on Staphylococcus aureus to investigate strain diversity, pathogenicity, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), colonization, transmission dynamics, and clinical disease patterns in sub-Saharan Africa compared with Germany. • Contributed to advancing knowledge of S. aureus epidemiology and

• Led microbiology diagnostic activities supporting infectious disease research and high-throughput laboratory operations. • Performed molecular and microbiological diagnostics, including PCR, microbial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, ELISA, lateral flow immunoassays, and pathogen characterization. • Supported tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics, AMR surveillance, and research on bacterial and other infectious diseases. • Designed and implemented laboratory quality management systems, including SOP

· Supported the national COVID-19 outbreak response by performing high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR diagnostic testing. ·  Optimized laboratory workflows and testing processes to increase diagnostic capacity and reduce turnaround times during the pandemic response. ·  Ensured compliance with quality assurance, biosafety, and laboratory quality management standards while maintaining accurate and timely diagnostic reporting. ·  Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to strengthen laboratory operations and

·  Provided laboratory technical expertise to support implementation of Liberia's National AMR Strategy under the Post-Ebola Health System Strengthening and Epidemic Prevention (PEGSS) Programme. ·  Supported strengthening of laboratory systems and diagnostic capacity for AMR detection and surveillance. ·  Advised national stakeholders on laboratory quality management, microbiology diagnostics, AST, and AMR surveillance. ·  Contributed to laboratory capacity building to improve preparedness for infectious d

·  Developed project proposals, baseline assessment tools, and laboratory assessment frameworks for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM)-supported Fleming Fund One Health AMR Surveillance Project to strengthening national one health- AMR surveillance systems initiatives.

• Performed reference-level tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics using smear microscopy, mycobacterial culture, identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing (DST), supporting national TB diagnosis, patient management, and surveillance • Conducted anti-TB drug susceptibility testing (DST) to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect drug-resistant TB in Tanzania. • Participated in Tanzania’s first National Anti-TB Drug Resistance Survey by supporting laboratory p

Performed bacterial culture, pathogen identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Processed clinical and research specimens. Implemented laboratory SOPs and quality management procedures. Prepared laboratory media and reagents. Maintained laboratory equipment and documentation. Supported laboratory procurement, inventory management, and staff training.

·  Performed diagnostic and research investigations for tuberculosis and other infectious diseases using acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and fluorescence microscopy, mycobacterial culture, species identification, and drug susceptibility testing (DST) to support clinical diagnosis, disease surveillance, and research. · Processed and analysed clinical specimens using standardized microbiological methods, generating accurate laboratory results that supported reference laboratory and tuberculosis research activities. ·