Chanuka Basnayake
Kidman Park
Summary
A professional qualified and experienced technical officer in medical microbiology and molecular diagnostics, with a strong background in genetics, biotechnology, and data science. A Leader and well-organized person, with more than 2+ years’ work experience at SA Pathology (NATA accredited diagnostic laboratory) performing laboratory tests using various techniques and equipment such as PCR, RT-PCR, PCR STARlet, Kingfisher, BioRad Thermocycler, and Roche LightCycler. Demonstrated an understanding of good clinical practices, bacteriological identification, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics. Skilled in using aseptic techniques, troubleshooting, and working in a team environment.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Packaging Machine Operator
PepsiCo
05.2024 - Current
- Operating heavy machinery equipment, maintaining continuous flow of product.
- Troubleshoot and monitor palletizing automation and machinery
- Manage production lines, equipment calibration, and monitoring.
- Prepare and complete accurate records, and commit to quality assurance and completion of quality checks in accordance with GMP.
- Assisted in training new employees on proper machine operation, safety protocols, and company policies.
- Improved packaging efficiency by implementing standardized operating procedures for machine setup and operation.
Customer Service Representative
TSA Group
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly, and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
Medical Technician
SA Patholgy
02.2021 - 11.2023
- Working under-documented protocol as per SA Pathology MID/VSM directive.
- Sample Processing and PCR analysis on specimens in a laboratory environment.
- Undertaking RAPID COVID testing on GENEXpert.
- Demonstrated experience in working with wide variety of specimens i.e., urine, faeces, swabs, and blood.
- Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting, sample tracking, and conflict resolution.
- Demonstrated experience in the use of aseptic technique in Microbiology and Virology in a PC2 setting.
- Experience in dealing with doctor/patient requirements during day/night shifts.
- Experience in the use/maintenance of PCR equipment such as Hamilton, and ThermoFisher equipment (MagMax, Kingfisher) for pre-extraction, extraction, and post-elution of DNA.
- Experience in the use of BioRad & Roche lightcycler and thermocyclers and reading data produced.
- Working in a team environment to process samples in a timely/effective manner.
Operational Services Officer
SA Pathology
11.2020 - 02.2021
- Collection and handling of swab specimens from patients.
- POCT testing and directly dealing with patients.
- Following documented protocol as per SA Pathology directive.
- Experience working in an intense and highly fast-paced working environment
- Strict adherence to GLP and infectious disease protocols (i.e. PPE).
Intern
Trajan Scientific And Medical
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Identify and evaluate current methods for analysis of biological samples for genomic analysis
- Research paper on the impact of different biological materials used for genomic analysis concentrating on skin samples to comment on Trajan’s micro sampling tool for collecting skin samples.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Data Science (Applied)
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA07.2025
Diploma - Computer Programming
TAFE SA
Tonsley, SA07.2025
Graduate Certificate - Biotechnology
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Genetics
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA12.2019
Skills
- GMP and GLP Compliance
- Laboratory techniques
- Scientific Writing
- Quality Control
- Specimen Processing
- PCR and qPCR Expertise
- Virology techniques
- Bioinformatics Analysis
- Statistical Analysis
- Computer Literacy (Microsoft Suites, Salesforce, R Studio)
Timeline
Packaging Machine Operator
PepsiCo
05.2024 - Current
Customer Service Representative
TSA Group
11.2023 - 02.2024
Medical Technician
SA Patholgy
02.2021 - 11.2023
Operational Services Officer
SA Pathology
11.2020 - 02.2021
Intern
Trajan Scientific And Medical
08.2019 - 12.2019
Graduate Certificate - Data Science (Applied)
University of Adelaide
Diploma - Computer Programming
TAFE SA
Graduate Certificate - Biotechnology
University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Science - Genetics
University of Adelaide
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