Akilan Ganeshram
Edinburgh
Summary
Final-year BSc (Hons) Pharmacology student due to graduate in June 2026, with experience across university, healthcare, and customer-facing environments. Demonstrates strong organisational, communication, and analytical skills developed through academic study, work placements, and part-time employment. Reliable and detail-oriented, with the ability to work accurately under pressure, manage information effectively, and handle sensitive data with professionalism and confidentiality. Motivated to contribute to administrative and operational processes within a higher education setting.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work history
Retail assistant
Sainsburys
Edinburgh
2025.09 - 2026.01
- Provided customer service in a busy retail environment, assisting with enquiries and ensuring a positive shopping experience.
- Maintained shop floor standards through organising displays, restocking, and ensuring accurate product presentation.
- Worked efficiently as part of a team while managing multiple tasks during busy periods.
- Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and strong communication skills in a fast-paced setting.
Laboratory Assistant
Biochemistry Lab, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
2022.05 - 2022.08
- Supported biochemical experiments involving protein assays, enzyme activity measurements, and sample preparation.
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers and centrifuges.
- Prepared reagents and buffers following precise protocols to ensure experiment accuracy.
- Followed stringent health and safety procedures to ensure a contamination-free environment.
Stock room associate
Avenue Store
Edinburgh
2020.03 - 2021.12
- Assisted with stock management, including receiving deliveries, restocking shelves, and organising products.
- Maintained a clean and organised shop floor while ensuring stock accuracy.
- Worked efficiently as part of a team in a fast-paced retail environment.
Laboratory Assistant
Inorganic Geochemistry Lab, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
2019.10 - 2020.01
- Assisted with sample preparation and analysis using geochemical techniques and laboratory instruments.
- Conducted routine laboratory tasks, including cleaning, calibrating equipment, and maintaining accurate records.
- Supported research projects by preparing materials and ensuring quality control of samples.
- Followed strict health and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
Ward Assistant
Western General Hospital, Anne Ferguson Building
Edinburgh
2018.09 - 2019.12
- Supported nursing staff with patient care, demonstrating professionalism and attention to detail in a clinical environment.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and adhered to health and safety protocols.
- Developed strong communication skills through interactions with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Vallar Hospital
Coimbatore
2019.06 - 2019.08
- Processed and tested a wide range of patient blood and urine samples, including biochemical, haematological, and microbiological analyses.
- Performed routine laboratory procedures under the supervision of biomedical scientists to support accurate diagnosis and patient care.
- Maintained strict adherence to health and safety protocols and ensured proper sample handling and documentation.
- Assisted in preparing reagents, calibrating equipment, and managing laboratory inventory.
Education
BSc - Pharmacology
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen 9 2023 - 6 2026
BSc - Biochemistry
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen 9 2020 - 4 2023
Advanced Higher - Chemistry
James Gillespie's High School
Edinburgh 08/2019 - 03/2020
Highers - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths
James Gillespie's High School
Edinburgh 08/2018 - 05/2019
Skills
Key Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Organisation and time management
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service and interpersonal skills
- Handling sensitive information with confidentiality
- Data handling and basic analysis
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Leadership Positions
- Captain, James Gilespie's High School Basketball Team (2017-2020)
- Captain, University of Aberdeen 1s Basketball Team (2021-2024)
- Captain, 5-a-side Football Team (2024)
- Co-founder, Big Juicy Society, University of Aberdeen (2022)
Achievements
- Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
- High school basketball team captain, leading the team to the Scottish Cup Final in two consecutive years
- Captained the University of Aberdeen 1st Basketball Team, leading the team to the BUCS Playoff Finals twice and marking the first time the University had reached these playoff finals
Timeline
Retail assistant
Sainsburys
2025.09 - 2026.01
Laboratory Assistant
Biochemistry Lab, University of Edinburgh
2022.05 - 2022.08
Stock room associate
Avenue Store
2020.03 - 2021.12
Laboratory Assistant
Inorganic Geochemistry Lab, University of Edinburgh
2019.10 - 2020.01
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Vallar Hospital
2019.06 - 2019.08
Ward Assistant
Western General Hospital, Anne Ferguson Building
2018.09 - 2019.12
BSc - Pharmacology
University of Aberdeen
9 2023 - 6 2026
BSc - Biochemistry
University of Aberdeen
9 2020 - 4 2023
Advanced Higher - Chemistry
James Gillespie's High School
08/2019 - 03/2020
Highers - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths
James Gillespie's High School
08/2018 - 05/2019