maryam Al Najjar

My name is Maryam Al Najjar, and I am excited to apply for a position within Amgen pharmaceutical company through the Bebee website. Currently, I am in the process of pursuing a Master's degree in Biotechnology at Penn State University, with a planned graduation date in June 2024. As part of my academic requirements, I am scheduled to embark on a Co-op in a biotech company from January to June 2024.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have had the privilege of serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for two semesters, with the opportunity to continue in this role for the upcoming semester, teaching a chemistry class. Concurrently, I am contributing to cutting-edge research as a Graduate Research Assistant in Dr. Lorraine Santy's lab, where I have been actively engaged since May 2023, with my term concluding at the end of December 2023. Prior to this, I gained valuable experience as a Graduate Research Assistant in Dr. Rolls' neurology lab, from January 2023 to the start of May.

My professional journey also includes a noteworthy tenure as a Medical Lab Technician in a hospital for a year. My hard work and dedication led to a promotion as Hematology Lab Manager Assistant within four months of starting the role. Balancing both responsibilities effectively, I demonstrated strong leadership, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to quickly resolve challenges, contributing to the success of the laboratory.

Moreover, I have supplemented my experiences with a two-year stint as a Pharmacist Assistant in a private pharmacy, further honing my diverse skill set.

Throughout my academic and professional endeavors, I have developed a keen passion for the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology. I thrive in dynamic and innovative environments, consistently seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and take on new challenges.

I am eager to bring my expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication to Amgen, a leading company known for its groundbreaking contributions to healthcare. I am confident that my blend of academic excellence, research experience, and practical skills will allow me to make a meaningful impact on the team and contribute to the advancement of your mission.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining the esteemed Amgen team and contributing to its continued success.

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT                                                                     5/2023- present.

Dr. Lorraine Santy ‘lab, Alehouse laboratory building, Pennsylvania State University- University Park, PA. 

We are searching if PIP2 in the endosomes is responsible for recruiting Cytohesine-2 during integrin recycling or not. We are using Hela cells in our research.

My duties include:

• Culture the cells, maintain them and split them.
• DNA extraction. 
• Collagen coating and cell loading.
• Transfection.
• Culture bacteria cells and isolate DNA from it.
• Use PCR to amplify DNA and primer design.
• Imaging the endosomes using inverted fluorescent microscope and do the statistical analysis.  

GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT                                                                         1/2023 – 5/2023 

Dr. Melissa Rolls’ Lab, Huck Life Sciences Building, Pennsylvania State University-University Park, PA, USA.

• Investigating dendrite microtubule polarity using a drosophila melanogaster model
• Utilizing EB1-GFP assay to visualize microtubule plus-end movement. 
• Screening for protein candidates that down regulate microtubule plus-end movement from cell body to dendrite.
• Responsible for general fly husbandry and genetics, including separating virgins. 

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT                                                                       08/2022 – 05/2023 

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) Department, Pennsylvania State University

• Managed laboratory sections, reviewed materials and assignments with undergraduate students.
• Contributed course materials, including examinations and assignments.
• Evaluated assignments, laboratory reports and examinations in a timely manner.
• Provided sufficient feedback to enhance learning experience; hold office hours

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST                                                                      06/2021 – 08/2022

AL-Najaf teaching hospital - Najaf, Iraq 

• Collected and conducted analyses of blood, urine, and other body fluids. 
• Performed medical diagnostic tests (e.g., blood group, type, and compatibility tests for transfusion; complete blood count (CBC); Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA))
• Prepared tissue sections for microscopic examinations. 
• Performed work across lab specialties including hematology, virology, histology, serology, parasitology chemistry, immunology, and hormonology. 
• Promoted to Lab Manager Assistant after 4 months and start working as both medical lab technologist and lab manager assistant at the same time.

HEMATOLOGY LAB MANAGER’ ASSISTANT                                                          01/2022-08/2022

AL-Najaf teaching hospital - Najaf, Iraq

• Procuring laboratory equipment, devices, and medical supplies required for conducting tests.

• Overseeing and supervising the staff members of the hematology lab.

• Troubleshooting and providing solutions for any challenges encountered during lab operations.

• Conducting monthly quality control checks on all lab devices and equipment.

• Preparing and presenting monthly statistical reports on the average number of medical tests conducted.

• Coordinating and organizing the workflow of lab staff to ensure efficiency.

• Ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and updating safety procedures as necessary.

PHARMACIST ASSISTANT                                                                                         01/2021 – 07/2022

AL-Andalus medicine pharmacy – Al Najaf, Iraq 

• Compounded medications, labeled bottles,  and priced prescriptions.
• Performed administrative duties: customer service, documenting prescription orders, and restocking inventory
   

MASTER’S DEGREE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY                                                             08/2022 - present

Pennsylvania State University - University Park, PA, USA

PhD minor degree in bioinformatics and genomics                        08/2023-01/2024

Pennsylvania State University - University Park, PA, USA

BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNIQUES        11/2016 – 10/2020

Al-Furat AL-Awast Technical University - Al Najaf, Iraq,