SHELMY AJAY
Summary
A professional with strong interpersonal and communication skills, adept at team collaboration and possessing excellent organisational abilities. Demonstrates problem-solving capabilities and leadership qualities, proficient in using computers including spreadsheet software, presentation tools, and communication platforms. Committed to leveraging these skills to drive team success and achieve organisational goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Microbiology Medical Laboratory Assistant Volunteer
UKHSA (Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham)
Birmingham
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Processed and triaged a wide range of clinical specimens (including blood cultures, urine, and swabs), ensuring accurate labelling and prioritisation in a high-throughput laboratory environment.
- Executed accurate and timely entry of patient demographic information and laboratory test requests into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring data integrity and traceability. Maintained compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS), confidentiality protocols, and the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Performed aseptic techniques for the preparation and inoculation of bacteriological cultures onto appropriate media for incubation and analysis.
- Worked safely within Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratories, adhering to COSHH regulations and infection prevention and control protocols when handling potentially hazardous biological specimens.
- Supported efficient Central Specimen Reception operations by maintaining a clean, organised, UKAS ISO 15189 compliant laboratory environment and collaborating effectively within the team.
Microbiologist
Bavasons Archana Hospital
12.2020 - 08.2023
- Examination and Interpretation: Conducted examination of bacterial cultures for potential pathogens and accurately interpreted results.
- Specimen Planning: Planned and prepared clinical specimens for bacteriological cultures by standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Microbiological Testing: Performed microbiological testing of clinical specimens to identify the presence or absence of bacteria and fungi using both manual methods (microscopy) and automated methods.
- Viral Screening: Screened for viral antibodies, antigens, proteins, and glycoproteins in biological samples using the Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) technique.
- Instrument Proficiency: In handling automated instruments, including BACTEC blood culture systems for CSF and other body fluids, as well as the VITEK 2 ID/AST system.
- Sterility Testing: Conducted sterility checks to detect the presence of viable bacteria, fungi, and yeasts in medical equipment promptly.
Customer Services
TTS Total Air and Ocean Transport Services LLC
Dubai
03.2014 - 11.2020
Microbiologist
Modern Hospital
06.2007 - 05.2009
- Sample Handling and Testing: Performed sample collection, culturing, isolating, and identifying microorganisms, followed by result interpretation and data review.
- Media and Reagent Preparation: Prepared culture media and reagents; conducted quality control (QC) tests on reagents, media, antibiotic discs, and micro-scan panels.
- Fungal and Parasitic Testing: Performed fungal cultures to detect potential pathogens and examined stool samples for the presence of parasites.
- Serological Testing: Conducted serological tests to aid in the diagnosis of communicable and other diseases.
Clinical Microbiologist and Microbiology Junior Lecturer
SDUMC Medical College
Kolar
06.2006 - 04.2007
- Responsible for assisting with theory classes as well as practical demonstrations for second-year MBBS students and BSc nursing students.
- Performed routine sample collection, culturing, isolation, identification, and characterisation of microorganisms, along with result interpretation and data review.
- Managed laboratory stock maintenance and planning for the procurement of laboratory articles and reagents.
- Regularly detected Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) in hospital wards and operating theatres, and conducted culturing of both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.
- Engaged in extension activities such as hospital infection control programs and investigating outbreaks, including gastroenteritis and dengue epidemics in Kolar district, India.
Microbiology Guest Lecturer
St. Gregorios Dental College
01.2007 - 01.2007
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics relevant to dentistry.
- Encouraged class discussions in lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions, and using techniques to track student participation.
- Overall supervision of the student’s practical laboratory work and the student’s laboratory record.
Microbiology Lecturer
Holy Family Nursing College
10.2005 - 01.2006
- Delivered microbiology lectures to BSc Nursing students, covering bacteriology, virology, immunology, and infection control.
- Conducted and supervised laboratory practicals, including staining techniques, microbial culture, and pathogen identification, while ensuring safety compliance.
- Evaluated student performance through continuous assessment and provided feedback through regular interaction with students and parents.
Microbiology Intern
MOSC Medical College
10.2002 - 03.2003
- Conducted routine specimen collection and microbial culture, isolation, identification, and characterisation, followed by accurate result interpretation and data analysis.
- Research Assistant: Contributed to the Weil’s Disease Eradication Programme conducted by a State Government agency, focusing on detecting Leptospira and serotyping. Assisted in research examining multidrug resistance in tuberculosis (TB).
- HIV and Viral Detection: Routinely detected HIV, HCV, and HBV antigens using ELISA techniques; conducted confirmatory testing using Western Blot and immunochromatographic methods for HIV.
- Media Preparation and Quality Control: Prepared culture media and maintained stock cultures; ensured quality control (QC) of various media and conducted routine subculturing to maintain microbial stock.
Education
Master of Science - Microbiology and Infection
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, UK 09.2023 - 09.2024
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi University
India 01.2003 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Medical Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi University
India 12.1998 - 06.2002
Skills
- Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and possess excellent organisational skills
- Problem-Solving Abilities and Leadership
- Proficient in using computers - Spreadsheet software proficiency, presentation software skills, and communication tools
Certification
- Applied Microbiology International (AMI, UK), Member No: 460815
- Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM), Reg No: L-5547
REFERENCES
Available on Request
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
- Key findings from recent publications in antimicrobial R&D, March 2026
- Antimicrobial chemotherapy conference: GARDP and British Society for Antimicrobial Therapy: February 2024 and 2025
- Tackling TB Together: Global TB Summit October 2024
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Therapy and Methods, Technical University of Denmark - August 2022
- Bridging the Gap in Mycology: From Diagnostics to Therapeutics
- Infection Control: Healthcare workers' (HCWs) perspective
CAREER BREAK (2009-2013)
Took a planned career break following relocation to the UK while accompanying my husband during his MBA studies at the University of Greenwich. Returned to the UAE in 2013 and resumed my professional career.
Timeline
Microbiology Medical Laboratory Assistant Volunteer
UKHSA (Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham)
04.2025 - 07.2025
Master of Science - Microbiology and Infection
University of Birmingham
09.2023 - 09.2024
Microbiologist
Bavasons Archana Hospital
12.2020 - 08.2023
Customer Services
TTS Total Air and Ocean Transport Services LLC
03.2014 - 11.2020
Microbiologist
Modern Hospital
06.2007 - 05.2009
Microbiology Guest Lecturer
St. Gregorios Dental College
01.2007 - 01.2007
Clinical Microbiologist and Microbiology Junior Lecturer
SDUMC Medical College
06.2006 - 04.2007
Microbiology Lecturer
Holy Family Nursing College
10.2005 - 01.2006
Master of Science - Medical Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi University
01.2003 - 01.2005
Microbiology Intern
MOSC Medical College
10.2002 - 03.2003
Bachelor of Science - Medical Microbiology
Mahatma Gandhi University
12.1998 - 06.2002