Samreen Mazhar
Manchester
Summary
Laboratory Assistant within the Life Sciences team at United Utilities, working in an ISO 17025 and UKAS-accredited laboratory environment. Experienced across microbiology, Cryptosporidium preparation extraction, algae and water quality testing, with hands-on involvement in approved methods, AQC, non-conforming work and process improvement activities.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Laboratory assistant
United Utilities
Warrington
07.2025 - Current
- Support routine and non-routine scientific testing across microbiology, Cryptosporidium and water quality analysis.
- Carry out sample preparation, filtration, plating, incubation and enumeration in line with approved QI/QD methods.
- Initiated structured CPD portfolio during agency Scientist role and continued to maintain it as Laboratory Assistant, recording method exposure, quality system training and technical development aligned to Scientist competency requirements.
- Perform media preparation, storage, sterility checks and AQC, including filtration, direct inoculation and acid phosphatase methods.
- Complete daily quality checks, blanks and controls, escalating out-of-control results and supporting investigations.
- Operate laboratory equipment including balances, pH meters, incubators, autoclaves and pipettes in compliance with calibration and SOP requirements.
- Maintain accurate records within ISO 17025 quality systems, ensuring full traceability and audit readiness.
- Support cleanroom procedures, COSHH compliance, environmental monitoring and laboratory housekeeping.
- Work flexibly across teams to meet turnaround times, workflow demand and service priorities.
Scientist
United Utilities
Warrington
02.2025 - 07.2025
- Delivered scientific testing within microbiology, Cryptosporidium, algae and water quality laboratories.
- Conducted E. coli, Clostridia, Enterococci analysis, and colony counts at 22°C and 37°C
- Performed Cryptosporidium filtration and extraction, following contamination control and safety procedures.
- Carried out chlorophyll-a measurement, algae filtration and slide preparation for identification.
- Undertook pressure testing of filter housings prior to filtration to ensure integrity and compliance.
- Processed activated sludge (MLSS) samples and supported wastewater analysis workflows.
- Followed ISO 17025, UKAS and health & safety requirements, contributing to reliable and compliant data generation.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Education
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
The University of Manchester
Manchester 09.2023 - 09.2024
A-Level Equivalent - Human and Social Sciences
Liceo Classico G. Cevolani
Cento, Italy 09.2014 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Science with Honours - Pharmaceutical Science
University of Salford
Salford 09.2019 - 06.2023
Skills
- ISO 17025, ISO 5667 and ISO 11133 within a UKAS-accredited microbiology laboratory
- Sample preparation and handling in a regulated lab environment
- Health & Safety, COSHH and cleanroom practice awareness in microbiological sample processing
- Data recording and quality control in a laboratory setting
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), BioRender, BLAST, GenBank, EndNote 21, Nautilus (LIMS)
- Media preparation, sterility testing & AQC
- Non-conforming work & AQC investigations
- Laboratory equipment operation & calibration awareness
- Organised record keeping
- Lab software proficiency
- Toxic waste disposal
- Laboratory stock control
- Autoclave operation
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations
- Reagents preparation
- Environmental monitoring
- Bacteriological sample culturing
- Equipment calibration
Affiliations
- Painting and Photography
- Making Candles
- Event Planning
Accomplishments
Won the "Best Culture Performance" contest for outstanding streaking technique during practical microbiology sessions.
Certification
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Alison Certification
Date Awarded: 27th January, 2025
Certificate ID: 3269-45848338
Languages
English
Advanced
Italian
Native
Urdu
Native
Timeline
Laboratory assistant
United Utilities
07.2025 - Current
Scientist
United Utilities
02.2025 - 07.2025
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
The University of Manchester
09.2023 - 09.2024
Bachelor of Science with Honours - Pharmaceutical Science
University of Salford
09.2019 - 06.2023
A-Level Equivalent - Human and Social Sciences
Liceo Classico G. Cevolani
09.2014 - 06.2019