SIBTAIN AFZAL
 
 
PERSONAL INFORMATION
 
Date of Birth                                        : 8^th December 1976
Nationality                                           : Pakistani
Sex                                                      : Male
Mob                                                     : 00966544164980
Email                                                    : sibtainafzal@gmail.com ;
                                                               safzal@ksu.edu.sa
Marital Status                                      : Married
Spouse (Wife)                                      : Khushnooda Ramzan, Post Doc Fellow,
  Genetics Lab, King Faisal Specialist
  Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh,
  Saudi Arabia.
Address                                               : House # 7, Building # 13, Prince     Abdul Aziz Bin   Thanyan Road, Al- Nakheel al Gharabi, Riyadh,
Zip Code11541, Saudi Arabia.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
 
2001-2004                   M. Phil (Molecular Biology)               National Centre for Excellence in
Molecular Biology University of the
Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
1999-2001                   Master of Science (Biology)               Department of Basic Sciences,
University of Arid Agriculture,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Experience
 
2011 to date                 Lab Instructor                                                Lab Instructor for Master & PhD
students in the disciplines of Genetics & Molecular Immunology at Prince Naif Centre for Immunology Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Feb 2003-Dec 2010     Lecturer                                              Instructor for Master students in the
                                                                                                disciplines of Basic and Applied
                                                                                                Genetics & Molecular Biology at
                                                                                                National Centre of Excellence in
Molecular Biology, University of the
Punjab, Pakistan.
 
Research Experience
2011 to date                 Researcher                                         Prince Naif Centre for Immunology
                                                                                                Research, King Saud University,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
May2009- Feb2011     Molecular Biology                              Merck Pvt. Ltd., Lahore, Pakistan.
                                    Specialist (Part Time)
2004-April 2009          Molecular Biologist                            Hashmeez Laboratories, Lahore,
(Part Time)                                         Pakistan.
Jan 2002 -Jan 04         Research Scholar                               Genetic Diseases Lab, National Centre
of Excellence in Molecular Biology,
University of the Punjab, Pakistan.
1999-2001                   Research Assistant                             Dr. Abdul Rehman (M.Sc. Supervisor)
                                                                                                Director, Poultry Research Institute
Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Research Skills
Ability to analyze complex molecular and experimental data of research projects.
Technical skills include the construction and implementation of an experimental protocol (Asthma Mouse Model).
            Ability to think critically and convey research findings clearly and meaningfully, with attention to detail in written and verbal form.
            Ability to analyze and synthesize relevant data, identify research directions, write comprehensive literature reviews, research proposals and progress reports.
            Proven ability to gain ethics approval for different research projects.
            Clear and effective questionnaire design for both small scale and large scale studies.
Professional Skills
Currently I am working on different projects mentioned below
I’ve finished working on sputum Induction of Mild, Moderate & Severe Asthmatics subjects involving molecular immunology techniques like Extraction of T-cells from sputum, Staining with conjugated antibodies and Doing FACS Analysis besides doing Cyto centrifuge slides and H & E Staining of T cells. Manual processing of animal tissues for histology and H&E staining (manuscript under preparation).
I’ve finished working on a comprehensive project of Murine Model of Asthma involving animal handling, Processing of BALF from mice Lungs, Histology & Staining of Lungs, T-cells extraction from Lungs and BALF and staining with antibodies and then FACS Analysis through BD LSR II Flow Cytometer, and ELISA for different cytokines in BALF supernatant and some Gene Expression studies by RNA Extraction, RT-PCR, Real Time PCR (one manuscript submitted for publication and one manuscript published).
I am also involved in doing the sequencing the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms for different genes of Asthma and related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases in Saudi Arabian population that requires DNA extraction, PCR Amplification of the DNA followed by sequencing on ABI 3730XL DNA Analyzer. I’ve been using the sequencer for over 2 years while getting a lot of expertise in DNA sequencing and troubleshooting issues (one manuscript submitted for publication and one manuscript published).
I am working in collaboration with Obesity Research Centre for obese subjects by drawing their blood. Extracting PBMC’s, doing surface staining with obesity markers and running the samples on BD LSRII Flow Cytometer for Analysis (On-Going project).
We receive blood samples occasionally from the hospital for Asthma, PID and MSMD cases. I routinely perform DNA & RNA Extraction, PBMC’s & PMNL Extraction, Immortalization of PBMC with EBV, Whole Blood Activation with BCG, ELISA for IL_12, IFN Gamma, TNF Alpha, Culture of Fibroblasts, Air way Smooth Muscle Cells Culture, CFSE staining of PBMC’s, Propagation & Harvesting of BCG & SV40 Plasmid DNA, Real time PCR, Culture of different cell lines etc for these blood samples.
I am also well versed with all techniques mentioned below during my post graduate studies. Well versed with routine procedures of Molecular Biology Techniques like DNA extraction, Spectrophotometery,  PCR & its various modifications, Genome Wide search, Multiplex PCR, Agarose & Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, DNA Sequencing & DNA, Genotyping and Protein Homology analysis, during my post graduate studies.
Management  Skills
Presently I am the Lab Manager of my lab taking care of the entire inventory. I am also responsible for daily/weekly maintenance of all the Lab equipment like BD LSRII FACS, ABI 3730XL Genetic Analyzer, Co2 Incubators, Class II Safety Culture Hoods, PCR/Real Time PCR Machines, Preparation of all the buffers for routine purposes, Disposal of toxic and non-toxic waste, autoclaving glass materials plus liquids, maintaining uninterrupted supply of autoclaved distilled and deionized water.
Proven ability to manage large Immunology research projects, which includes MSMD, PID, Genetics of Asthma, Sputum Induction of Asthmatics & Murine Models of Asthma.
Strong people management skills, including the ability to organize and retain large groups of research participants.
Proven leadership ability as manager of students hostel mess (catering) during my M.Phil. for one year.
Communication Skills
Excellent written skills gained from undertaking an M. Phil from Punjab University and then at King Saud University as a Researcher
Excellent oral skills developed through tutoring and lecturing Molecular Biology to Undergraduate, Master & PhD students in the disciplines of Basic and Applied Genetics,  Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Transfection & Molecular Immunology and giving presentations both to academics and industry professionals
Ability to develop effective relationships with people at all levels (e.g. students, academic staff and members of the public).
Bioinformatics and Computer Skills
Well versed with routine online bioinformatics tools & bio-softwares like Gene Scan & Genotyper Software, Chromas, BLAST, Cyrillic, Seqman, OMIM, NCBI, UCSC genome browser, Microsoft Office & all types of Windows Operating Systems.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND HONOURS
National Talent Award in M.Phil from Higher Education Commission, Pakistan2002-03.
2nd Position in M.Sc. University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan2001.
Papers Submitted for Publication
1- Saleh Al-Asiri, Sulman Basit, Michelle A. Wood, Svetlana A. Yatsenko, Elizabeth P. Jeffries, Urvashi Surti, Deborah M. Ketterer, Sibtain Afzal, Khushnooda Ramzan, Muhammad Faiyaz-Ul Haque, Huaiyang Jiang, Michael A. Trakselis, and Aleksandar Rajkovic. Primary amenorrhea, hypothyroidism, and chromosomal instability caused by a homozygous pathogenic variant in minichromosome maintenance gene 8 (MCM8). Submitted for publication to International Journal of Clinical Investigations in August 2014.
PUBLICATIONS

1. Al-Muhsen S, Vazquez-Tello A, Jamhawi A, Al-Jahdali H, Bahammam A, Saadi MA, Iqbal SM, Alfrayh A, Afzal S, Al-Khamis N, Halwani R. Association of the STAT-6 rs324011 (C2892T) variant but not rs324015 (G2964A), with atopic asthma in a Saudi Arabian population. Human Immunology 2014 (75):791-795.

2.      Achraf Al Faraj,  Asma Sultana Shaik, Sibtain Afzal, Baraa Al Sayed, Rabih Halwani (2014). MR Imaging and targeting of a specific alveolar macrophage subpopulation in COPD animal model using antibody conjugated magnetic nanoparticles. International journal of Nanomedicine, 9:1491-503. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S59394. eCollection 2014.
3.      Saeed, A and Afzal S (2003). Performance of Gallus domesticus fed with different levels of Canola and Sunflower meal. Journal of Animal andVeterinary Advances, 2(2): 79-81.
4.      Saeed A, Afzal S, Hussain MW, Bokhari SYA, Shahzad MS, Qayyum A and Raza MH (2003). Effect of aflatoxin B1 on different body tissues of Gallus domesticus. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2(2):76-78.
5.      Afzal S, Rehman A, Saeed A and Hussain MW (2002). Comparative economical effect of induced moulting procedures on commercial layers. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 1(3):146-148.
6.      Afzal S (2002). Effect of hatchery waste meal on the performance of Gallus domesticus. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 1(2):92-94.
7.      Rehman A, Bhatti BM, Hameed S and Afzal S(2002). Effect of substitution of Soybean meal with Canola and Sunflower meals on the performance of Broilers. Pakistan Veterinary Journal 22(2):52-55.
8.      Rehman A, Bhatti BM and Afzal S(2002). Comparative hematology of different breeds of Gallus domesticus at early and late laying phase. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 1(1):34-36.
SYMPOSIAS AND MEETINGS ATTENDED
2014  Development of Asthma Mouse Model and Related Techniques, Prince Naif Centre for Immunology Research, King Saud university, Riyadh. 17-18 February 2014.
2013 10th Malaysia Genetics Congress (Persatuan Genetik Malaysia, Genetics Society of Malaysia), Palm Garden Hotel, IOI Resort, Putrajaya, Malaysia 3^rd - 5^th  December 2013.

2013    2nd Biotechnology World Congress, Dubai Women's College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 18^th -21^st February 2013.

2013  KAU International Oncology Conference 2013. King Faisal Center for Conferences - King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. 14 - 17 January 2013.
2012  The Saudi International Biotechnology Conference. King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 18^th to 19^th September, 2012.
2012    Rodents Models For Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Research at College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 3^rd, 2012.
2011    3rd Saudi Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 26-27, 2011.
2009    A symposium on the “Future trends in Molecular Biological Research and its Applications in Agriculture and Health” at National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology,  University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Mar 25-28, 2009.
2004    A symposium/workshop on the “Application of Molecular Biological Research in Agriculture and Health” at National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Mar 27-30, 2004.
2004    17th International Biennial Conference of Pakistan Association & Scientific Conference of Pediatric Association of SAARC Countries organized by Pakistan Pediatric Association Punjab at Pearl Continental, Lahore, Pakistan. Feb 19-22, 2004.
2003    7th International Conference on “Trends in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology”, organized by Pakistan Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology hosted by Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Apr 2-5.
2003    23rd Pakistan Congress of Zoology, Zoological Society of Pakistan, University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Mar 03-05, 2003.
2001    21st Pakistan Congress of Zoology, Zoological Society of Pakistan. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Mar 15-17, 2001.
REFERENCES

1. Dr. Sami Siraj (PhD). Assistant Professor, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Cell # 00923319097445. Email: samisiraj.ibms@kmu.edu.pk
2. Professor Ali Ahmed Mustafa, (M.B.P.S, Msc., Ph.D), Clinical Pharmacologist, Medical Basic Sciences Department, College of Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, P.O. Box 59046, Riyadh 11525, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +96612889999 Ext 5319. Fax +96612889999 Ext 8045. E.mail: - amustafa@kfmc.med.sa
3. Prof. Sultan Ayoub Meo, MBBS, Ph.D, M Med Ed Professor & Consultant in Clinical Physiology, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine,  King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, P.O Box 2925, Riyadh-11461. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel: +966-1-4671604  Fax: +966-1-4672567. Email. sultanmeo@hotmail.com.

4)      Dr. Amer Mahmood, Msc. Ph.D Assistant Professor, Pluripotent Stem Cell group leader, Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, P.O Box 2925, Riyadh-11461. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel: +966-1-4679216, Fax: +966-1-4671300, Mobile +966536161760. Email. ammahmood@ksu.edu.sa.

1. Dr. Muhammad Kashif (Ph.D) Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH). University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz.  Langenbeckstraße 1.  55131 Mainz, Germany.  Tel : +49-6131-4632346.  Mobile: +49-176-41656889. E-mail: kashif.muhammad@unimedizin-mainz.de.

6)      Dr. Sulman Basit, (PhD). Assistant Professor, Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah Al Munawara 30001, Saudi Arabia.
Cell 00966535370209. Email: sbasit.phd@gmail.com ; biochemistsulfi@yahoo.com .