Antesar Bushaala
London,UK
Summary
PhD graduate in Molecular Biology with extensive expertise in molecular and cellular biology, protein regulation, and human cell-based assays. Experienced in mammalian cell culture, stable cell line generation, and viral gene delivery using retroviral and lentiviral systems. Skilled in advanced experimental techniques including transfection, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and confocal imaging to investigate protein localisation and cellular function.
Strong background in molecular biology methodologies such as PCR, plasmid cloning, and site-directed mutagenesis for protein functional analysis, alongside protein characterisation using western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and quantitative mass spectrometry. Demonstrated ability to design and execute complex experimental workflows, analyse multidimensional datasets using tools such as GraphPad Prism and ImageJ, and communicate research findings effectively through publications, presentations, and collaborative projects.
Detail-oriented and highly organised researcher with experience working in multidisciplinary environments, committed to rigorous experimental design, data integrity, and the advancement of biological research.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
PhD Researcher – Molecular Cancer Biology
Queen Mary University of London
London
2021.09 - 2025.09
- Led an independent research project investigating phosphorylation-dependent regulation of vimentin and its role in cancer cell behaviour, integrating molecular biology, imaging, and proteomic approaches.
- Key achievements:
- Designed and executed cell-based molecular biology workflows using human cancer cell models.
- Generated stable engineered cell lines using lentiviral and retroviral delivery systems.
- Engineered phosphorylation mutants through site-directed mutagenesis to investigate signalling mechanisms.
- Conducted protein interaction studies using GFP-Trap affinity purification and immunoblotting.
- Applied label-free quantitative mass spectrometry to identify protein interaction networks and post-translational modifications.
- Performed confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence imaging to study protein localisation and cellular phenotypes.
- Analysed large imaging and proteomic datasets using ImageJ and GraphPad Prism.
- Maintained rigorous electronic laboratory records to ensure reproducibility and data integrity.
- Contributed to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and collaborative research outputs.
Summer Internship
University of Manchester
Manchester
2018.06 - 2018.09
- Oversaw cultivation of neuronal and microglial cells under sterile conditions to ensure research integrity.
- Led immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy initiatives to optimise research results.
- Established expertise in mass spectrometry workflows and experimental design practices to enhance project outcomes.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
Education
PhD - Molecular Biology
Queen Mary University of London
London 2021.09 - 2025.09
MRes - Translational Medicine
University of Manchester
Manchester 2019.09 - 2020.09
BSc (Hons) - Neuroscience
University of Manchester
Manchester 2016.09 - 2019.09
Skills
Cell Biology and Functional Assays
- Mammalian cell culture and maintenance of human cancer cell lines
- Stable cell line generation
- Transfection and viral transduction
- Flow cytometry and fluorescence-based cellular assays
- Immunofluorescence microscopy
- Confocal microscopy and protein localisation analysis
- Quantitative analysis of cellular phenotypes and behaviour
- Lentiviral and retroviral transduction systems
- Stable gene expression and engineered cell models
- Plasmid construct design and molecular cloning
- Site-directed mutagenesis for protein functional studies
- PCR, RT-PCR, and quantitative PCR (qPCR)
- Plasmid cloning and vector design
- Mutation analysis and protein engineering
- Western blotting and protein expression analysis
- Immunoprecipitation and protein interaction studies
- GFP-Trap affinity purification
- Label-free quantitative mass spectrometry
- Analysis of protein interactions and signalling pathways
- GraphPad Prism
- ImageJ / Fiji
- SnapGene
- Microsoft Excel
- Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN)
- Experimental design and troubleshooting
- Quantitative data analysis and interpretation
- Reproducible research practices and data integrity
- Scientific communication (presentations and publications)
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Project planning and independent research execution
Languages
English (Fluent)
Arabic (Fluent)
Publications
- Usman, S., Jamal, A., Bushaala, A., Waseem, N. H., Al-Dehlawi, H., Yeudall, W. A., Teh, M.-T., Tummala, H., & Waseem, A. (2022). Transcriptome analysis reveals vimentin-induced disruption of cell–cell associations augments breast cancer cell migration. Cells, 11(24), 4035. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11244035
- Usman, S., Bushaala, A., Teh, M.-T., & Waseem, A. (2024). Site-directed mutagenesis to mutate multiple residues in a single reaction. In Methods in Molecular Biology (Vol. 2651). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/7651_2023_5
Conferences and Presentations
Oral Presentation – COIRM Seminar Series | 10 Feb 2025
Poster Presentation – William Harvey Day | 10 Oct 2024
Poster Presentation – PhD Day, Institute of Dentistry, QMUL, London | 8 Jul 2023
Poster Presentation – BSODR Annual Meeting, QMUL | 6–8 Sep 2023
Attended – ICES2023, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia| 6–8 Feb 2023
Awards and Achievements
- Selected case study for year’s success profile, Abbey College Manchester (2016)
- Certificate of Completion: Website Design Enrichment Programme, Abbey College (2015)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
PhD - Molecular Biology
Queen Mary University of London
2021.09 - 2025.09
PhD Researcher – Molecular Cancer Biology
Queen Mary University of London
2021.09 - 2025.09
MRes - Translational Medicine
University of Manchester
2019.09 - 2020.09
Summer Internship
University of Manchester
2018.06 - 2018.09
BSc (Hons) - Neuroscience
University of Manchester
2016.09 - 2019.09