MOHAMMAD TAIF ANWAR AZAD

Lecturer & Researcher

About

A highly accomplished Lecturer and Senior Research Scientist with over two decades of experience in ophthalmic genetics, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Proven expertise in designing and conducting diverse experiments, performing complex laboratory tests, and meticulously analyzing quantitative and qualitative research data. Adept at contributing to multidisciplinary teams, managing laboratory operations, and publishing significant scientific findings in esteemed journals to advance knowledge in the field.

Work Experience

Lecturer

King Saud University

Jan 2010 - Present

Leads experimental work in ophthalmic genetics, manages laboratory operations, and educates research trainees while contributing to scientific publications within the Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine.

  • Directed experimental work in ophthalmic genetics, overseeing multiple ongoing projects and ensuring precise data collection and analysis for research objectives.
  • Supervised daily laboratory operations, including staff management, equipment maintenance, detailed experimental records, and strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
  • Developed and delivered comprehensive teaching materials across various modules for undergraduate research trainees, enhancing their understanding of complex scientific methodologies.
  • Executed advanced molecular genetics techniques, including primer design for PCR, real-time PCR using Applied Biosystems 7900, gene sequencing with Applied Biosystems 3130XL Genetic Analyzer, and Cytogenetics Array CGH using Affymetrix platform.
  • Contributed significantly to scientific literature by preparing and publishing multiple manuscripts in esteemed peer-reviewed journals, advancing research findings.

Lecturer

Extol Faculty of Life Sciences

Jan 2007 - Dec 2009

Delivered lectures and coordinated practical training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology.

  • Conducted lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate classes, specializing in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology.
  • Coordinated and actively participated in practical training sessions across various laboratories, enhancing student skill development in experimental procedures.
  • Managed administrative duties, including the preparation of schedules, syllabus sheets, and examination invigilation, ensuring smooth academic operations.

Research Officer

Immunobio Diagnostics and Research Laboratory

Feb 2006 - Jan 2008

Performed diagnostic and research techniques, including PCR and Western Blotting, while supervising patient data preparation and report drafting.

  • Executed various diagnostic and research techniques, including PCR and Western Blotting, to support laboratory operations and research objectives.
  • Supervised the meticulous preparation of patient data and drafting of comprehensive reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with research protocols.

QC Analyst

LifeCare Herbals Pvt. Ltd.

Oct 2004 - Dec 2005

Performed comprehensive microbiological analysis and quality control tests in adherence to industry guidelines, ensuring product safety and quality.

  • Conducted all microbiological analyses and tests in strict adherence to Quality Control Guidelines, ensuring product safety and compliance.
  • Isolated and analyzed Spirulina colonies for quality assurance, maintaining high standards for production processes.
  • Inspected final products for any sort of contagious or non-contagious microbes, contributing to robust quality control processes.

Junior Research Fellow

Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre

Aug 2003 - Sep 2004

Worked and assisted on various research projects, including a main project on chromosomal abnormalities in breast cancer patients and their relatives.

  • Contributed to a key research project focusing on 'Chromosomal abnormalities in Breast Cancer patients and their first degree relatives,' advancing understanding of genetic factors.
  • Assisted in multiple research initiatives, including studies on 'Nuclear alterations and Chromosomal aberrations in victims of Methyl Isocyanide Gas Leakage' and 'Effect of Tea Poly phenols and its Derivatives in mice induced with Cancer.'
  • Participated in studies on 'Cellular deformations occurring in mice induced with Leukaemia,' enhancing practical research methodology skills.

Education

Biotechnology (Molecular biology & Genetics)

Barkatullah University

Jul 2001 - Jul 2003

Courses

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biotechnology

Microbiology

Barkatullah University

Jul 1998 - Jul 2001

Courses

  • Microbiology

Projects

Updates in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgery

Nov 2024 - Nov 2024

Presentation at a key ophthalmology conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, discussing recent advancements in cataract, cornea, and refractive surgery.

International Uveitis Study Group Uveitis Seminar

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023

Participation in a virtual international seminar focused on Uveitis, including discussions on Sympathetic Ophthalmia.

Updates in Glaucoma

Nov 2023 - Nov 2023

Presentation on the latest developments and research findings in glaucoma.

Advances in Ophthalmic Genetics and Gene Therapy

Nov 2022 - Nov 2022

Presentation at a conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on breakthroughs in ophthalmic genetics and gene therapy.

Saudi Ophthalmology Society Virtual Conference

Mar 2021 - Mar 2021

Participation in the annual virtual conference of the Saudi Ophthalmology Society.

Saudi Ophthalmology Society Virtual Conference

Aug 2020 - Aug 2020

Presented research findings at the virtual annual conference of the Saudi Ophthalmology Society.

Saudi Ophthalmology Society Conference

Mar 2019 - Mar 2019

Presented multiple research topics at the Saudi Ophthalmology Society annual conference.

Saudi Ophthalmology Society Conference

Jan 2018 - Dec 2018

Presented research on genetic polymorphisms related to glaucoma at the Saudi Ophthalmology Society conference.

Saudi Ophthalmology Society Conference

Apr 2017 - Apr 2017

Presented multiple research topics at the Saudi Ophthalmology Society annual conference.

Saudi Ophthalmology Society Conference

Jan 2016 - Dec 2016

Presented multiple research topics at the Saudi Ophthalmology Society annual conference.

World Ophthalmology Congress

Apr 2014 - Apr 2014

Presented research as a speaker at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Tokyo, Japan.

British Society for Genetic Medicine

Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

Presented research findings at the British Society for Genetic Medicine conference in Liverpool, UK.

British Human Genetics Conference

Sep 2012 - Sep 2012

Presented research at the British Human Genetics Conference.

Saudi Ophthalmology Society Conference

Jan 2011 - Dec 2011

Presented research findings at the Saudi Ophthalmology Society conference.

Publications

Gender-specific association of STON2 rs2371597 polymorphism in keratoconus patients of Saudi origin.

Front Genet.

Dec 2024

Co-authored research demonstrating gender-specific association of a STON2 polymorphism in keratoconus patients from Saudi Arabia, contributing to genetic understanding of the disease.

APOE ε2-Carriers Are Associated with an Increased Risk of Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma in Patients of Saudi Origin.

Int J Mol Sci.

Apr 2024

Contributed to a study identifying an increased risk of primary angle-closure glaucoma in APOE ε2-Carriers among Saudi patients, highlighting genetic predispositions.

Common Variants rs429358 and rs7412 in APOE Gene Are Not Associated with POAG in a Saudi Cohort.

Biology (Basel).

Jan 2024

Co-authored research indicating no association between specific APOE gene variants (rs429358 and rs7412) and primary open-angle glaucoma in a Saudi cohort.

Association between Polymorphism rs61876744 in PNPLA2 Gene and Keratoconus in a Saudi Cohort.

Genes (Basel).

Nov 2023

Published findings on the association between a specific PNPLA2 gene polymorphism (rs61876744) and keratoconus within a Saudi cohort.

The 3' UTR polymorphisms rs3742330 in DICER1 and rs10719 in DROSHA genes are not associated with primary open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma: As case-control study.

PLoS One.

Apr 2023

Contributed to a case-control study demonstrating no association between specific 3' UTR polymorphisms in DICER1 and DROSHA genes and primary open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma.

Lack of Association of Polymorphism Located Upstream of ABCA1 (rs2472493), in FNDC3B (rs7636836), and Near ANKRD55-MAP3K1 Genes (rs61275591) in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients of Saudi Origin.

Genes (Basel).

Mar 2023

Co-authored research indicating a lack of association between specific polymorphisms upstream of ABCA1, FNDC3B, and near ANKRD55-MAP3K1 genes and primary open-angle glaucoma in Saudi patients.

Languages

Hindi (Native) , English (Fluent) , Arabic (Conversational)

Skills

Molecular Genetics

  • PCR
  • Sequencing
  • RE Digestion
  • DNA Insertion
  • Ligation
  • Primer Design
  • Real-time PCR (Applied Biosystems 9700/7900)
  • Gene Sequencing (Applied Biosystems 3130XL Genetic Analyzer)
  • Cytogenetics Array CGH (Affymetrix)

Electrophoresis

  • PAGE
  • Cellulose Acetate Membrane Electrophoresis
  • Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
  • Agar Gel Electrophoresis

Microscopy

  • Fluorescent Microscopy
  • Phase Contrast Microscopy

Chromatography

  • HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
  • HPTLC (High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography)
  • TLC (Thin-Layer Chromatography)

Cell Culture

  • Animal Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Line Culture
  • Whole Blood Culture
  • Lymphocyte Culture

Spectrophotometry

  • UV-Vis Spectrophotometry
  • Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Analytical Techniques

  • Ultra Centrifugation
  • Chromosomal Analysis
  • GTG Banding
  • Karyotyping
  • Pedigree Analysis
  • Western Blotting

Laboratory Management

  • Lab Staff Supervision
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Inventory Management
  • Experimental Record Keeping
  • Laboratory Safety Protocols

Research & Development

  • Experimental Design
  • Data Analysis
  • Qualitative Research
  • Quantitative Research
  • Scientific Manuscript Preparation
  • Research Project Development
  • Problem Solving

Teaching & Mentoring

  • Curriculum Development
  • Lecture Delivery
  • Practical Training Coordination
  • Student Supervision
  • Technical Instruction