Esethu Dlamini

I am a self-driven and ambitious Biotechnology professional with 3
years of experience working with testing laboratories. Proven ability
to identify business needs and develop valuable
solutions to drive accuracy and process efficiency. Eager to
accurately and efficiently maintain client and company balance

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
MICROBIOLOGIST, (TEMPORARY)
BN Kirk Natal CC, Durban, KwaZulu Natal September 2021 – December 2021 Duties:
 Collected and prepared microbiological water samples for analysis as per laboratory proceures
 Prepared microbiological media, reagents, as well as chemical solutions as per procedures for various test methods.
  
 Conducted various microbiological tests of water samples (routine and miscellaneous) using various test methods such as (Heterotrophic Plate Counts, Pour Plate, Double-layer, Somatic Coliphages and Agar Assay).
 Captured and recorded results precisely and timeously on LIMS and relevant forms to ensure lab SLAs are met
 Monitored temperatures using HOBO, online monitoring systems/data logger and/or thermometers
 Ensured maintenance as well as improvement of Quality Management Systems and initiated preventative actions to mitigate
deviations.
 Complied with laboratory quality system(QMS) as the Technical Support to laboratory (microbiology) staff.
 Oversaw microbiology operations also prepared laboratory equipment (i.e., Agar, reagents, Glassware, etc.).
 Carried out the identification of deviations from the management’s system and/or procedures.
 Reported management system’s performance to the laboratory manager also proposed ideas for improvement.
 Maintained quality control records, verified and also calibrated laboratory equipment
 Ensured correct and accurate recording of data and reported stocktaking results.
 Generated technical reports and prepared out of range reports in case when necessary.
 Participated in proficiency testing schemes(PTS) and NLA
Reason for Leaving: Contract Expired
WATER QUALITY INTERN (VOLUNTEER)
South African Association for Marine Biological Research Institute(SAAMBR), Durban, KwaZulu Natal June 2021 – September 2021
Duties:
 Maintained housekeeping duties and ensured laboratory equipment was tidy and in good working condition.
 Calibrated and verified laboratory equipment (i.e., pH meter, Do meter, Saturation meter and Chlorine meter)
 Maintained sterilized various laboratory equipment (i.e., Spectrophotometer, Funnels, Glassware etc.).
 Conducted chemical tests on seawater samples to determine concentration of compounds (i.e., Nitrate, Ammonia, Sulfate,
and Chlorine).
 Performed microbiological tests of seawater samples using membrane filtration, streak plate and pour plate methods. in
compliance with standard testing procedures.
 Executed environmental and animal feed hygiene tests using microbiological methods including swabbing.
 Updated results on ZIMS and other relevant quality forms also communicated out of specification results.
 Monitored chlorine levels of pools and exhibits also regulated flow control of hypochlorite when necessary.
Reason for Leaving: Contract
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (IN-SERVICE TRAINEE)
Umgeni Water, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal
August 2018 – March 2021
Duties:
 Complied with safe working regulations daily, also presented safety rules and standards to the laboratory.
 Collected water samples from various sample points to the laboratory for testing in line with procedures.
 Prepared samples, microbiological media, reagents as well as chemical solutions also communicated of any out of
specification (OOS) and/or non-conforming results to staff.
 Conducted microbiological tests of samples using appropriate test methods (i.e., Heterotrophic Plate Counts, Colilert, and
  Double-layer Agar Assay) within quality control parameters to ensure compliance with GLP.

 Conducted hydrobiological tests of samples using toxicity testing methods, enumeration as well as identification of algae, chlorophyll ‘a’, pheophytin quantification, cylindrospermopsin and microcystin toxin testing. Maintenance of algal stock culture and sub-culturing
 Captured and updated data on LIMS also in relevant quality forms.
 Generated reports for monthly production of scientific services also ensured compliance with laboratory’s SLAs, and
compiled reports or validation protocols when required.
 Maintained, verified, and calibrated laboratory equipment (i.e., Autoclave, pH meter, Pipettes, Microscope,
Spectrophotometer, etc.), also executed sterilization of various laboratory equipment.
 Identified process issues also implemented corrective action to mitigate variability in test results.
 Functioned as a contact person for preparation of disinfection kit in response to Covid-19.
 Performed basic administrative duties, such as correct and complete documentation, maintenance of logbooks, store
maintenance, filing of test results and special requests.
 Assisted with updating of standard procedures, archiving of old test reports, assessment of co-microbiologist documented
results and/or calculations as well as procedure compliance prior to submission of technical signatory.
 Performed regulatory proficiency testing studies to evaluate the work quality of 3 sophisticated analytical instruments
resulting in re-certification of the laboratory.
 Worked with team of other technicians on development of new methods for enhancing operational efficiency, also assisted
with training of new trainee students
 Trained on other departments (i.e., Hydrobiology and Chemistry) for personal development.
 Performed internal auditing, also collaborated with audit inspectors, and achieved 97% compliance of two new laboratory
methods.
 Performed calibration and instrumentation maintenance to reduced downtime and improve efficiency to 99%.
 Acquired further knowledge in usage and operation of laboratory equipment such as colorimeter, pH meter, Do meter,

Durban University of Technology Majors: Chemistry and Microbiology Year Completed: 2019
MATRIC/GRADE 12/NSC
Ginyiqhinga Comprehensive High Majors: Sciences and Mathematics