Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Joana Andrade

Joana Andrade

Caldas da Rainha

Summary

Enthusiastic Research Scientist with a strong background in biomedical and biochemical lab research. Specialized in culturing and maintaining induced pluripotent stem cells, focusing on cardiomyopathy. Developed human heart organoids to model heart development and structure. Published 15+ papers in peer-reviewed journals and delivered multiple presentations at national and international events, showcasing strong scientific writing and communication skills. Experienced in working in team environments, offering excellent communication and good judgment to meet team needs effectively. Proactive planner and problem solver with time management and project/process management skills. ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2088-4451.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Learning Coach

Brave Generation Academy
08.2023 - Current
  • Motivated and managed over 25 students daily to achieve positive results against set goals.
  • Individual coaching and mentoring to 13 students weekly to improve commitment, drive and responsibility, and increase their academic results.
  • Taught students through iGCSE and A-Levels subjects and exam skills.
  • Organized field trips, workshops and events at least twice a month.
  • Found partnerships within the community for students' real-life experiences.
  • Wrote student reports outlining progress and results every 4 months.
  • Supported struggling learners with targeted instruction, resulting in increased academic achievement.
  • Helped students prepare for tests and exams by providing guidance, motivation, and encouragement.

Research Scientist

Algarve Biomedical Centre Research Institute
11.2021 - 06.2022
  • Researcher under the project "Impact and causative role of the VE-PTP gene variant in the pathophysiology of Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy"
  • Expertise in 2D and 3D cell culturing of iPSC.
  • Highly experienced in reprogramming to iPSC and differentiation to Embryoid bodies and Organoids.
  • Immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, RT-PCR; PEPito plasmids; Confocal microscopy.
  • Shared group research at conventions, seminars and conferences as the official presenter (3 oral presentations and 2 poster presentations).
  • Generated research reports illustrating progress, patterns and challenges, working with internal teams to devise ongoing strategies.
  • Thorough literature review to gain a solid background and to improve lab methodology.
  • Monitored R&D activities of BSc and MSc students (Biomedical Sciences degrees), for results, compliance with specifications and progress against deadlines.
  • Planned research activities to develop new processes, products and applications.
  • Completed high-volume research tasks, managing competing priorities with stringent time management.
  • Applied statistical modelling to improve data analysis and ongoing accuracy.

Regulatory Affairs Technician & Consultant

Bioceutica
02.2019 - 08.2019
  • Responsible for making sure of good quality of all new natural supplements to be marketed and granting their safety and efficacy following Directive 118/2015, relating to Food Supplements as well as general legislation Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, relating to Consumer Information.
  • Received and processed stock into the inventory management system.
  • Importance of proper regulatory knowledge throughout daily work.
  • Collected and organised internal information to support execution of auditories.
  • Compiled relevant legal and administrative documents relating to inspections.
  • Monitored and reported on industry compliance with relevant legislation.
  • Collated submission files and supporting evidence to progress applications.
  • Completed regulatory compliance documentation to achieve relevant certifications.
  • Edited technical documentation to support country-specific submissions for improved approval rates.

Research Scientist

Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies
12.2016 - 01.2019
  • Wrote and collaborated in the writing of 9 papers and reports for peer-reviewed science/ medical journals.
  • Presented research findings, objectives and challenges in team meetings to further explore strategy.
  • Shared group research at conventions, seminars and conferences as an official presenter (+5 oral presentations and +10 poster presentations).
  • Speciality areas: medicinal chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry.
  • Planned research activities to develop new processes, products and applications.
  • Compounds purification and analysis through HPLC and MS.
  • MIC/MBC testing and aseptic culturing techniques.
  • Completed high-volume research tasks, managing competing priorities with stringent time management.
  • Conducted research and reported on findings to senior management.
  • Contributed to on-time and under-budget project completion with dedicated attention to deadlines and cost constraint

Microbiology Department Manager

Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • Interpreted research findings and summarised data into reports.
  • Published 6 papers in peer-reviewed medical/scientific journals as a main author but also by partnering with other research groups.
  • Presented findings at 3 scientific conferences and fielded questions.
  • Set daily priorities and communicated targets, motivating teams to achieve them.
  • Scheduled and trained technical staff member's research ethics and practices.
  • Planned resource and staffing requirements to maintain clinical laboratory operations.
  • Preparation of working hours/shifts.
  • Training of new interns and bachelor students.
  • Applying for grants and funded projects.

Laboratory Teacher Assistant

Lusofona University, School of Sciences and Health Technologies
11.2016 - 01.2019
  • Prepared and delivered lectures on diverse topics related to Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy.
  • Organized and planned laboratory protocols suited for the student's understanding of theory classes.
  • Managed laboratory rotations, helped students and evaluated their ability to understand, organize and perform the protocols.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Set up visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
  • Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
  • Worked with teachers to optimize learning plans based on student test grades and evaluations.
  • Developed and improved courses to better serve students' needs and meet standards.
  • Directed high-level research by collaborating with graduate students and colleagues.
  • Modernised syllabus, updating with current research, new techniques, and latest findings to improve relevancy.
  • Coordinated laboratory experiments for students to test in-class theories.
  • Supervised work undertaken on key projects related to students' advanced degrees.
  • Administered examinations, assessed results and issued fair grades.

Visiting Research Fellow

INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS
03.2016 - 05.2016
  • Short Term Scientific Mission under the guidance of Dr Alessandra Romagnoli and Dr Gian Maria Fimia.
  • Learned the isolation of PBMC from human blood, cytotoxicity valuation and CFU assay
  • Lab equipment and new methods of working
  • Helped in DNA sample preparation for other team members
  • Maintained high levels of confidentiality to protect data quality and project research
  • Followed best practices and scientific protocol to reach defensible conclusions based on solid evidence
  • Published 1 research paper in peer-reviewed Future Medicinal Chemistry (IF = 4.2).
  • Drafted research proposals to refine project objectives and methodologies.
  • Actively participated in research meetings, contributing to project planning and strategy discussions.
  • Kept meticulous records of research procedures and outcomes, maintaining data integrity.
  • Reviewed and synthesised findings from research studies to help prepare project reports.
  • Completed duties to deliver on targets with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.

Mathematics teacher secondary school

Agrupamento de Escolas da Bemposta
04.2021 - 09.2021


  • I have had the privilege of guiding four classes through their mathematical journey as a temporary replacement teacher.
  • Identified student strengths and weaknesses, providing constructive feedback to improve results.
  • Main responsibilities encompassed the meticulous organization and planning of lessons, employing interactive methodologies like Canva or Kahoot to engage students actively.
  • Fostered a dynamic learning environment by conducting exercises and meticulously preparing students for formative assessment tests, ensuring their academic growth and success.

Education

Master of Science - Biopharmaceutical Sciences

University of Lisbon School of Pharmacy
11.2016

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry

University of Lisbon School of Sciences
07.2014

Skills

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunocytochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Laboratory quality assurance Good Laboratory Practice
  • Scientific and medical community engagement
  • Communication skills
  • Digital communication
  • Life skills development
  • Problem-solving
  • Student engagement
  • Time management
  • Online teaching
  • Excel, Zotero, Mendeley, GraphPad, ImageJ, ZEN proficiency
  • Adaptable nature
  • Result tracking and reporting
  • Academic performance evaluations
  • Lesson planning expertise
  • Hands-on learning
  • Tutoring and coaching
  • Student engagement
  • Academic Assistance

Languages

Portuguese
Native language
Portuguese (native)
Proficient
C2
English
Advanced
C1
Spanish
Beginner
A1

Timeline

Learning Coach

Brave Generation Academy
08.2023 - Current

Research Scientist

Algarve Biomedical Centre Research Institute
11.2021 - 06.2022

Mathematics teacher secondary school

Agrupamento de Escolas da Bemposta
04.2021 - 09.2021

Regulatory Affairs Technician & Consultant

Bioceutica
02.2019 - 08.2019

Microbiology Department Manager

Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies
01.2018 - 01.2019

Research Scientist

Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies
12.2016 - 01.2019

Laboratory Teacher Assistant

Lusofona University, School of Sciences and Health Technologies
11.2016 - 01.2019

Visiting Research Fellow

INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS
03.2016 - 05.2016

Master of Science - Biopharmaceutical Sciences

University of Lisbon School of Pharmacy

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry

University of Lisbon School of Sciences
Joana Andrade