Kalkidan Daniel

Kalkidan Daniel Nationality: Ethiopian Date of birth: 06/01/2001 Gender: Female  Phone number: (-  Email address:- WhatsApp Messenger: -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalkidan-daniel-15a009206  Home: Tafo square, P.O 1000, 1000 Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) ABOUT ME I am an experienced biotechnology researcher with hands-on expertise in molecular biology, agricultural biotechnology, and molecular medicine. With over a year of experience in the field, I have conducted impactful research on DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, and biosynthetic gene clusters for antibiotic resistance, publishing papers in international journals. My background also includes project management in the agricultural sector, overseeing product development and ensuring successful project execution. I am driven by a passion for scientific innovation and sustainable solutions, with a long-term goal of using molecular medicine to combat cancer and improve healthcare outcomes for my community. WORK EXPERIENCE Laboratory technology specialist International Livestock Research Institute [ 08/07/2022 – 13/09/2022 ] City: Addis Ababa | Country: Ethiopia • Perform DNA and RNA extractions from various biological samples. • Conduct Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), including real-time PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription PCR (RTPCR) for gene expression analysis. • Carry out gel electrophoresis, sequencing, and other molecular biology techniques for genetic analysis. • Prepare reagents, solutions, and media for experiments, ensuring quality and sterility. • Maintain laboratory equipment, including calibrating and troubleshooting instruments. • Monitor laboratory inventory and order necessary supplies to ensure the smooth running of experiments. • Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment. • Collaborate with research scientists to design and execute experiments, analyze data, and report findings. • Keep accurate and detailed records of experiments, including sample management and result documentation. Project coordinator Kalkidan, Dagne and Their Friends Dairy Product Processing [ 04/08/2020 – Current ] City: Addis Ababa | Country: Ethiopia • Oversee day-to-day operations of the dairy farm, ensuring optimal productivity and efficiency. • Develop and implement project plans for farm expansion, resource management, and product development. • Manage the budget and financial planning, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and maximization of farm profitability. • Coordinate with suppliers for procurement of feed, veterinary services, and other farm inputs. • Supervise and train farm staff on best practices for animal care, milking procedures, and hygiene standards. • Monitor livestock health, working closely with veterinarians to maintain animal welfare and manage disease prevention. • Plan and execute marketing strategies for dairy products, focusing on increasing sales and expanding market reach. • Ensure compliance with local regulations and quality standards for dairy production. 1/8 • Maintain accurate records of farm operations, including livestock data, production output, and financial performance. • Implement sustainable farming practices, such as waste management and efficient water usage, to reduce environmental impact. • Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure smooth farm operations. • Collaborate with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and suppliers, to achieve farm objectives and foster growth. Educational researcher Addis Ababa Science and Technology University [ 23/09/2023 – Current ] City: Addis Ababa | Country: Ethiopia • Conduct genome mining and bioinformatics analysis to identify potential antibiotic-resistant gene clusters in microbial genomes. • Perform DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing techniques to isolate and analyse genetic material from microbial samples. • Use molecular docking and in silico techniques to study protein-ligand interactions related to antibiotic resistance mechanisms. • Design and execute laboratory experiments to characterize and validate newly discovered antibiotic-resistant genes. • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate data from genomics, proteomics, and microbiology for comprehensive analysis. • Analyses experimental data using statistical and computational tools to assess gene function and resistance pathways. • Maintain detailed records of experiments, data collection, and analysis for publication in scientific journals. • Prepare reports and presentations to communicate research findings to stakeholders, including collaborators and funding agencies. • Stay updated on the latest research trends in antibiotic resistance and related biotechnology fields. • Write and publish scientific papers on the discovery and characterization of antibiotic-resistant genes. • Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and ethical guidelines during experimentation. • Train and mentor junior researchers and students in molecular biology techniques and data analysis. Regulatory Affairs Specialist Kalkidan, Dagne and Their Friend Dairy Processing Company [ 09/08/2023 – 22/09/2024 ] City: Addis Ababa | Country: Ethiopia • Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations governing dairy production, food safety, and animal health. • Liaise with government agencies and regulatory bodies to secure necessary permits, licenses, and certifications for the farm's operations. • Stay updated on changes in dairy industry regulations, including environmental, health, and safety standards, and communicate relevant updates to farm management. • Review and develop policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance in all aspects of farm operations, including animal welfare, milk production, and waste management. • Prepare and submit regulatory reports and documentation required by authorities, including environmental impact assessments and health compliance forms. • Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify potential regulatory risks and recommend corrective actions. • Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure dairy products meet food safety standards and labelling requirements. • Develop and implement training programs for farm staff to maintain awareness and adherence to regulatory standards. • Manage product recall processes and liaise with authorities if necessary to ensure regulatory requirements are met in case of a compliance issue. • Advise farm management on regulatory best practices for sustainable farming and waste disposal. • Engage with industry associations and participate in forums or working groups focused on dairy industry regulations and best practices. 2/8 EDUCATION AND TRAINING Bachelors of Science in Biotechnology Addis Ababa Science and Technology University [ 13/10/2019 – 23/08/2023 ] City: Addis Ababa | Country: Ethiopia | Website: http://www.aastu.edu.et/ | Level in EQF: EQF level 6 Masters of Science in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology Addis Ababa Science and Technology University [ 09/11/2021 – 22/01/2025 ] City: Addis Ababa | Country: Ethiopia | Website: http://www.aastu.edu.et/ | Level in EQF: EQF level 7 LANGUAGE SKILLS Mother tongue(s): Amharic Other language(s): English LISTENING C1 READING C2 WRITING C2 SPOKEN PRODUCTION C1 SPOKEN INTERACTION C1 Levels: A1 and A2: Basic user; B1 and B2: Independent user; C1 and C2: Proficient user DIGITAL SKILLS Data Analysis and Visualization R / SPSS Programming Language Python Bioinformatics Tools BLAST / Bioinformatics software such as MEGA / Strong knowledge of CI/CD tools (DevOps) / Docker, Docker compose, Singularity / Devops: Docker, Jenkins / High-Performance-Computing / Pipelining and version control: Snakemake, Nextflow, Conda and git / • SNP and INDEL variant calling by BWA and GATK tools / DevOps: AWS, Git. Molecular Modelling & Docking Software AutoDock / PRISM Genomic & Proteomic Software Geneious Laboratory Information Management Systems Laboratory Information Management Systems Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Analysis SAMtools / GATK Cloud Computing Google Cloud CRISPR Design Tools CRISPRdirect Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN) Electronic Lab Notebooks 3/8 COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Active Listening • Through both online and in-person tutoring sessions, I actively listened to students' questions and concerns to better understand their learning needs, allowing me to tailor my teaching approach effectively. • In a fast-paced molecular biology lab, I honed active listening skills by carefully following detailed instructions from senior researchers and communicating effectively with team members to ensure precise execution of experiments. • Managing projects required me to listen attentively to staff, suppliers, and stakeholders to understand their viewpoints, address concerns, and ensure smooth farm operations and project success. • In collaborative research projects, I developed active listening by engaging with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring that diverse perspectives and expertise were incorporated into research designs and data analysis. • Receiving scholarships during my studies required me to participate in rigorous academic discussions where I actively listened to professors, peers, and mentors to gain valuable insights and improve my academic performance. Verbal Communication • In my role at ILRI, I effectively communicated complex laboratory processes and results to fellow scientists and lab staff, ensuring clarity in project execution and data interpretation. • Managing cross-functional teams in my roles as a Project Manager and Researcher required regular team meetings, where I facilitated discussions, provided clear direction, and ensured team alignment with project objectives. • During my time as a researcher at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and ILRI, I regularly presented my findings to colleagues and supervisors, which honed my ability to communicate scientific data clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. • As a Project Manager at a dairy farm, I regularly communicated with staff, suppliers, and stakeholders, coordinating daily operations, giving clear instructions, and ensuring smooth collaboration between all parties involved. Nonverbal Communication • Gained experience in leading teams where nonverbal cues like maintaining eye contact, positive body language, and active listening helped establish trust and effective communication with farm staff and stakeholders. • Honed nonverbal communication in research settings by working in close-knit teams, where clear visual cues, hand signals, and attentiveness were essential to ensuring smooth workflow and safety in the lab. • Enhanced nonverbal skills through delivering scientific presentations, where maintaining a confident posture, using purposeful movements, and engaging the audience visually were key to conveying complex information effectively. Empathy • While working as a researcher at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, which required me to understand diverse perspectives and appreciate the challenges faced by team members in different fields. • As a Laboratory Technician at ILRI, I interacted with various stakeholders, including researchers, lab staff, and external partners. This experience enhanced my ability to listen to their concerns and understand their needs in a collaborative environment. • In my role as a Project Manager at a dairy farm, I developed empathy by addressing the needs and concerns of farm staff. By understanding their daily challenges and motivations, I was able to foster a supportive work environment and improve team morale. 4/8 Conflict Resolution • During my tenure as a Project Manager at Kalkidan, Dagne, and their friends Dairy Farm, I worked closely with diverse teams. I learned to identify potential conflicts early and facilitated open discussions to address differing viewpoints and achieve consensus. • While working as a Biotechnology Researcher, I collaborated with interdisciplinary teams at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University. I navigated disagreements regarding research methodologies by promoting a collaborative atmosphere where all voices were heard, ultimately enhancing our research outcomes. • My emphasis on active listening and empathy, cultivated through my background in molecular biology, has been instrumental in resolving conflicts. I learned to understand others' perspectives, which helped deescalate tensions in various settings. • articipation in workshops focused on teamwork and communication has equipped me with practical conflict resolution strategies, which I applied in my roles as a researcher and project manager. Teamwork • Worked as part of interdisciplinary teams during my time as a researcher at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, where I collaborated with colleagues from various scientific backgrounds to design and execute experiments. • As a Project Manager at Kalkidan, Dagne, and friends Dairy Farm, I led a team, fostering a collaborative environment where each member contributed their strengths to achieve common goals. • Participated in group projects during my Master’s program, enhancing my ability to work with diverse teams and integrate various perspectives to achieve project objectives. • Coordinated team efforts in planning and executing events during my internship, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members to deliver successful outcomes. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) • I encountered various conflicts among team members. By practicing active listening and facilitating open discussions, I developed my ability to understand differing viewpoints and mediate solutions effectively. • Working in interdisciplinary research teams at ILRI and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University taught me the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, enhancing my ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds. • Engaging in self-reflection throughout my academic and professional journey helped me recognize my strengths and areas for improvement, allowing me to manage my emotions better and respond thoughtfully in challenging situations. • My experience in various roles, including regulatory affairs and project management, required me to adapt my communication style based on the audience, helping me become more attuned to the emotions and needs of others. • Exposure to diverse cultural backgrounds in my educational and professional settings has deepened my understanding of different emotional responses, allowing me to navigate interpersonal interactions with greater sensitivity and respect. Public Speaking • I have presented my research findings at academic conferences and seminars, effectively communicating scientific concepts and data to diverse audiences, which has strengthened my ability to convey information clearly and confidently. • Working as a Project Manager and Biotechnology Researcher required me to lead team meetings and discussions, where I practiced articulating project goals, updates, and strategies to ensure all team members were informed and engaged. 5/8 • Participating in community outreach initiatives has provided opportunities to speak publicly about scientific topics and the importance of biotechnology, enhancing my ability to communicate effectively with non-expert audiences. • Actively seeking feedback on my presentation style from peers and mentors has allowed me to refine my public speaking techniques, ensuring I address areas for improvement and adapt my delivery based on audience response. Cultural Sensitivity • Worked in various settings that involved collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds, enhancing my understanding of diverse perspectives and practices. • Attended institutions that emphasized diversity and inclusion, allowing me to engage with peers from various cultural backgrounds and learn about their traditions, values, and communication styles. Networking • Engaged in interdisciplinary research collaborations at ILRI and Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, connecting with fellow researchers, scientists, and industry experts, which expanded my professional network in the biotechnology field. • Joined professional organizations related to biotechnology and molecular medicine, allowing me to access resources, attend networking events, and connect with peers and mentors in my field. • Attended and participated in national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops, where I met professionals from various sectors, shared knowledge, and established valuable connections in the scientific community Negotiation • In my role as a Project Manager at Kalkidan, Dagne, and my friends Dairy Farm, I regularly negotiated project timelines and resource allocation with team members to achieve shared goals efficiently. • During my time as a Biotechnology Researcher, I engaged with various stakeholders, including suppliers and collaborators, to negotiate terms for research materials and agreements, ensuring favorable outcomes for all parties involved. • I have handled conflicts within teams by mediating discussions and negotiating solutions that addressed the concerns of all parties, promoting a collaborative and productive work environment. Adaptability and Flexibility • Worked in various research settings, including molecular biology and biotechnology, where I learned to quickly adapt to new techniques, methodologies, and technologies. • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams at ILRI and other institutions, which required me to adjust my communication and working style to effectively engage with professionals from different fields. • Managed multiple roles as a Project Manager and Product Development Manager at Kalkidan, Dagne, and Friends Dairy Farm, which necessitated flexibility in prioritizing tasks and responding to changing project requirements. HOBBIES AND INTERESTS Reading • I enjoy reading a wide range of genres, including science fiction, biographies, and academic journals. This hobby keeps me informed about new ideas and developments in my field. 6/8 Traveling • I love exploring new cultures and environments through travel, which broadens my perspective and enhances my adaptability to different situations and people. Fitness and Sports • I engage in regular fitness activities, including running and yoga. Staying active helps me maintain physical health and reduces stress, promoting a balanced lifestyle. Gardening • I have an interest in gardening, where I cultivate various plants and herbs. This hobby fosters patience and a connection to nature while providing a sense of accomplishment. Music • I enjoy listening to a variety of music genres and playing instruments. Music inspires creativity and serves as a way to relax and unwind. Movie • I have a passion for watching films across various genres, including drama, science fiction, and documentaries. This hobby allows me to explore diverse storytelling techniques, cultural perspectives, and artistic expressions, enhancing my appreciation for the film industry and inspiring my creativity. HONOURS AND AWARDS [ 10/10/2021 ] Addis Ababa Science and Technology University Fast Track Masters Study Scholarship • Received the Fast Track Masters Study Scholarship, enabling me to pursue my master’s degree while completing my bachelor’s degree. This opportunity allowed me to accelerate my academic journey and gain advanced knowledge in biotechnology. [ 08/08/2016 ] Kotebe Metropolitan University Science Shared Campus Science Shared Campus High School Program Scholarship • Awarded a scholarship for the Science Shared Campus program, which provided me with a strong foundation in STEM subjects and fostered my interest in pursuing a career in science and technology. DRIVING LICENCE Driving Licence: B PROJECTS [ 08/11/2021 – Current ] Genome Mining approach for Identification and Characterization of Antibiotics • This project focuses on utilizing genome mining techniques to identify and characterize novel antibiotics from microbial sources. With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, discovering new antimicrobial agents is crucial for public health. This study aims to leverage bioinformatics tools and genomic data to enhance antibiotic discovery and characterization. 7/8 [ 15/11/2023 – 18/01/2024 ] Molecular Docking techniques for Drug Discovery Conducted a two-month project focusing on molecular docking techniques to identify potential drug candidates. This involved analyzing molecular interactions and optimizing lead compounds, contributing to the understanding of drug-receptor dynamics and potential therapeutic applications. 8/8