Experience

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  Centre for Proteomics and Genomics Research

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Director, DIPLOMICS

    • Apr 2020 - Present
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa

    I am the Director of DIPLOMICS (DIstributed PLatforms in OMICS), a project funded by the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap program, an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation. DILOMICS links high-performance labs and platforms through a virtual network to provide best-in-class genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics services. DIPLOMICS enables access to Omics technology and expertise and contributes to growth in South Africa's Bioeconomy.

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  Technology Innovation Agency

  • South Africa
  • Government Relations Services
  • 200 - 300 Employee

  • Business Development Manager

    • Aug 2017 - Mar 2020

    I was responsible for developing strategic business partnerships for the Technology Innovation Agency's Technology Platforms Programme. The purpose of the Platforms program is to provide access to infrastructure and expertise in support of technology innovation, and for supporting the Department of Science and Innovation's Bio-economy strategy. From February 2018, I was seconded to the Center for Proteomic and Genomic Research to direct and manage the DIPLOMICS program, where I am now currently employed.

  • Acting Manager: National Genomics Platform

    • Jun 2016 - Jul 2017

    I presided over the wind-up of the National Genomics Platform and helped establish a new genomics sequencing service facility at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. Called KRISP (Kwa-Zulu Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform), it is a DIPLOMICS partner lab and one of the Technology Innovation Agency's national biotechnology platforms.

  • Senior Investment Specialist, Health Biotechnology

    • Apr 2010 - Jun 2016

    1) Manage portfolio of investments; 2) Manage review process for new investments; 3) Stakeholder engagement; 4) Identify and cultivate new investment opportunities in Medical Devices, Diagnostics and other sub-sectors in Health Biotechnology

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  Cape Biotech Trust

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Human Capital Development Programme

    • Jan 2009 - Mar 2010
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa

    Bioinformatics Unit - Developed training programmes, short courses and workshops in bioinformatics

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  National Bioinformatics Network

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Director; Functional Genomics

    • Feb 2007 - Dec 2008
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa

    Responsible for designing genomics projects in support of student training; annual review of grant proposals for network participants; engagement with biotechnology industry stakeholders for bioinformatics support.

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  Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town

  • Cape Town Area, South Africa

  • Associate Professor

    • Aug 2006 - Jan 2007
    • Cape Town Area, South Africa

    Project Manager for the Brain Behavior Initiative

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  National Institutes of Health

  • Rockville, Maryland, USA

  • Intramural Research Training Fellow in neurogenetics and clinical and translational primate studies

    • 2001 - 2006
    • Rockville, Maryland, USA

    Neurogenetics, human psychiatric genetics, comparative primate genomics, primate behavior.

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  Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research

  • San Antonio, Texas Area

  • Post-doctoral Scientist, Department of Genetics

    • 1996 - 2001
    • San Antonio, Texas Area

    Genome mapping and phylogenetics in baboons, behavioral genetics in vervet monkeys.