Skilled molecular biologist with 6 six years of work experience obtained from different laboratories. Experienced with genetics related protocols and methods like DNA/RNA isolation and nucleic acid quantification. Extensive experience using RT-qPCR for research and diagnostic gained during my PhD research and from a COVID test laboratory. More than half a year of work record in a high throughput processing environment as a PCR Data Analyst.
PCR Data Analyst
Enfer Group Unlimited, Naas
05/05/2020 - 28/11/2020
Applied quality control pipelines to ensure the integrity of RT-qPCR results from COVID-19 mass testing. Wrote PowerShell scripts to quickly retrieve certain data from qPCR generated text files. Wrote end of day reports summarizing positive, negative, invalid, and total tested samples. Handled special data retrieving requests from Data Analyst Lead and from Line Managers. Created and maintained SQL databases. Communicated between PCR and Data Analysis teams about failed plates. Assisted in writing SOPs. Trained new team members. Interacted with eLIMS: data upload, retrieval, report creation, identified and reported software issues.
Postdoctoral Researcher
National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin
03/10/2019 - 31/03/2020
Programmed the hardware of a Liquid handling robot performed glycan sample preparation on it. Successfully glycoprofiled 581 individuals for immunoglobulin G with UPLC. Analyzed the results, with advanced statistics, identified biomarkers. Wrote SOPs for analysis workflow. Liaised with project partners and PIs. Wrote a research article.
Assistant Research Fellow
Laboratory of Bioseparation Sciences, University of Debrecen
14/12/2018 - 05/09/2019
Performed separation of glycans using capillary electrophoresis. Adapted machine learning multivariate statistics and applied on data. Created figures and wrote a manuscript. Identified glyco-biomarkers for myeloma diagnosis.
PhD in Animal Science
University of Debrecen, Hungary
08/09/2014 - 14/12/2018 (graded Summa Cum Laude)
Thesis: Gene expression analysis of chicken under ad libitum and restricted feeding
Investigated the gene expression changes of peptide encoding genes in the chicken hypothalamus under different feeding states (fed-fasted-refed). Did basic research to identify potential feed intake regulator genes in order to further increase the genetic capacity of broiler chickens. Also investigated chicken small intestine proteomics changes during fasting. Published four articles in journals with impact factor regarding the topic. In addition to this, investigated the proteomics changes to performance traits in chicken and sheep, too.MSc in Molecular Biology
University of Debrecen, Hungary
09/09/2012 - 14/06/2014 (graded excellent, 96.2%)
Thesis: Detection of cattle melanocortin-1 receptor gene SNPs with PCR-SSCP method
BSc in Biology
University of Debrecen, Hungary
09/09/2008 - 16/06/2011 (graded good, 80%)
Thesis: Micropropagation of an endangered Crocus species from the Carpathian basin
Able to program and perform sample preparation with liquid handling robots
DNA, RNA and protein isolation from different matrices
Immunohistochemistry, creating tissue dissections, antibody labelling, fluorescent microscopy
Inducing and maintaining plant cell cultures, creating media stocks, ability to work under aseptic conditions
Proteomics using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)
Quantification of proteins (using ELISA and WB)
Relative quantification of nucleic acids using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Separation of nucleic acid with capillary electrophoresis (CE)
Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) separation of N-glycans
FELASA accredited certificate (level B) in Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare (2016)
Radioisotope handling certificate (2015)
Full driver’s license (2009)
Advanced Time Management skills - NIBRT (2020)
HPLC course - Budapest University of Technology and Economics (2019)
RStudio for biostatistics - Software Carpentry Workshop, University of Debrecen (2018)
Summer School of poultry health and nutrition - University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna (2018)
Proteomics workshop - University of Debrecen (2017)
Demonstrated practical laboratory skills of Molecular Genetics and Proteomics for Food Science MSc and Biotechnology MSc students
Ensured students followed health and safety guidelines
Explained theoretical reasoning behind practical skills and protocols
Supervised the laboratory part of BSc students theis work
Have given lectures outside academia on science popularizing eventss
Person responsible for managing laboratory consumables in different research groups, ensured that the chemicals/plasticware are compatible with the instruments, ordered on time and within the budget
Person responsible for selecting and ordering laboratory equipment and instruments for animal science projects
Writing ethical approvals for animal experiments
Commemorative Medal, Contribution to National Covid-19 testing - Enfer Labs (2020)
Predoctoral Award - National Excellence Programme (2017)
Students’ Scientific Association Award for MSc thesis (2013)
Undergrad Student Award for BSs thesis - Universitas Foundation (2011)
Regular blood plasma donation - Plasmapheresis station at the University of Debrecen, Faculty of Medicine (2009-2014)
Simon A, O’Flaherty R, Gonzalez-Quintela A, Gude F, Fahey R. Serum N-glycans can aid the classical biomarkers to differentiate between abstainers and heavy drinkers. 2020. In preparation.
Gebri E, Kovacs Z, Meszaros B, Toth F, Simon A, Jankovics H, Vonderviszt F, Kiss A, Guttman A, Hortobagyi T. N-Glycosylation Alteration of Serum and Salivary Immunoglobulin a Is a Possible Biomarker in Oral Mucositis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(6):1747.
Simon A, Gulyas G, Meszar Z, Bhide M, Olah J, Bai P, Csosz E, Javor A, Komlosi I, Remenyik J, Czegledi L. Proteomics alterations in chicken jejunum caused by 24 h fasting. PeerJ. 2019;7:e6588.
Simon A, Nemeth J, Javor A, Komlosi I, Bai P, Olah J, Juhasz B, Kiss R, Szilvassy Z, Czegledi L. Feeding state and age dependent changes in melanin-concentrating hormone expression in the hypothalamus of broiler chickens. Acta Biochim Pol. 2018;65(2):251-8.
Simon A, Javor A, Bai P, Olah J, Czegledi L. Reference gene selection for reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in chicken hypothalamus under different feeding status. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 2018;102(1):286-96.
Are available on request