Merin Valiyakalayil Ninan
Hatfield,Hertfordshire
Summary
Microbiologist with advanced expertise in anaerobic culture and bacterial isolation. Proficient in clinical automation systems, including VITEK 2 Compact and BacT/ALERT, as well as rapid serology testing. Experienced in cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, and maintaining BSL-2 safety protocols. Strong analytical skills with GC-MS and FTIR, complemented by proficiency in MS Office for data analysis and reporting.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Healthcare Assistant
The Limes Residential Care
Henlow, UK
2025.05 - 2026.02
- Maintained accurate care records, monitored resident health, and communicated with multidisciplinary teams.
- Followed infection prevention and control procedures, PPE protocols, and health & safety standards.
- Applied teamwork, attention to detail, and professionalism in fast-paced care environment.
- (Part-time May–Oct, Full-time Nov–Present)
Intern – Microbiology & Serology Laboratory
Travancore Medical College Hospital
Kerala, India
2022.07 - 2022.07
- Processed clinical specimens (urine, sputum, stool, blood, CSF, swabs).
- Performed Gram/AFB staining, bacterial culture, colony morphology interpretation.
- Conducted biochemical tests, manual antibiotic susceptibility, automated ID/AST (VITEK 2 Compact).
- Assisted with blood culture (BacT/ALERT) and serology/latex assays.
- Followed aseptic technique, safety protocols, and accurate documentation.
Education
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
University of Hertfordshire
UK 2024.09 - 2025.10
Master of Science - Microbiology
Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru North Univers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India 2021.10 - 2023.06
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi University
Kerala, India 2018.07 - 2021.04
Skills
- Microbiology Techniques: Anaerobic culture, bacterial isolation & growth analysis, Gram & AFB staining, biochemical tests (IMViC, TSI, Catalase, Oxidase, Coagulase), antibacterial assays, antibiotic susceptibility testing, sample processing
- Clinical & Automated Systems: VITEK 2 Compact, BacT/ALERT, rapid serology tests (HIV, HCV, HBsAg, Dengue, Widal, RPR), latex turbidimetric assays (CRP, RF, ASO)
- Cell Culture & Cytotoxicity: Vero cell culture, cytotoxicity assays (TcdA/TcdB), cytopathic effect analysis, inverted phase-contrast microscopy
- Lab Operations & Safety: BSL-2 handling, aseptic technique, COSHH compliance, GLP, SOP adherence, media preparation, sample prep, serial dilutions, centrifugation
- Analytical & Physicochemical: GC-MS, FTIR, biodiesel processing, viscosity, density, acid/iodine/saponification values
- Digital & Documentation: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data analysis, report writing
- Soft Skills: Attention to detail, teamwork, communication, time management, ability to work under supervision
Certification
- Introduction to Proteomics – NPTEL, IIT Bombay, India | Jul–Sep 2022
- Recombinant DNA Technology in Cancer Biology – Udemy | Nov 2022
- SPSS Data Analysis Training – MSc Medical Microbiology, UK
- COSHH Form Completion & Laboratory Safety Compliance- MSc Medical Microbiology, UK
Accomplishments
- 10th Rank – BSc Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi University (2018–2021)
- MSc Microbiology Project approved & presented at Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology, State-Level Seminar & Exhibition, 46th Series of Student Project Programme
References
- Madhu, Goyal, Programme Leader, MSc Biosciences, University of Hertfordshire
m.goyal@herts.ac.uk
- Simon, Baines, Member of Heads of Biosciences Executive Committee, University of Hertfordshire
s.baines2@herts.ac.uk
Research, Publications & Patents
- Co-Inventor – A Method for Producing Biodiesel Fuel from the Seeds of Hydnocarpus pentandrus
Indian Patent Application No. 202341084619 | Filed: 12 Dec 2023 | Published: 13 Jun 2025 | Status:
Awaiting Examination
- Contribution during MSc Microbiology project, involving biodiesel production, analytical characterisation, and antibacterial evaluation.