Yolitzi Saldivar Lemus
San Marcos,USA
Summary
Scientist with strong background in molecular biology, skilled in advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis, and experimental design. Proven ability to work collaboratively in team environments, adapting to changing project needs while consistently delivering results. Known for precision, critical thinking, and commitment to scientific integrity, ready to contribute to impactful research and development initiatives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Texas State University
03.2023 - Current
- Lead research on pollutant exposure effects using different RNA-seq data analysis in non-model fish species
- Standardized RNA extraction protocols for two Poeciliid fish species, ensuring high-quality RNA for RNA-seq analysis of ~150 samples
- Analyzed RNA-seq data using bioinformatics tools (e.g., Cutadapt, Samtools, WGCNA, featureCounts) to identify differentially expressed genes and gene modules
- Processed ~400 hormone extractions using ELISA assays, maintaining a ≤15% CV for accuracy
- Ensure compliance with AICUC and laboratory safety standards, passing multiple inspections
- Mentored students in molecular biology techniques
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
University of St. Andrews
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Conducted research on DNA methylation and gene expression using RNA-seq and WGBS data
- Optimized RNA extraction protocols, achieving 100% sequencing success
- Analyzed ~100 RNA-seq and WGBS datasets using bioinformatics tools (e.g., TrimGalore, Samtools, Bismark, Methylkit, Kallisto, Limma)
- Published two second-author papers in high-impact journals
- Mentored postgraduate students in RNA extraction techniques
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align research goals with project timelines
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
UNAM
01.2020 - 12.2020
- Conducted fieldwork and managed fish husbandry for ~300 fish, ensuring optimal sample collection conditions
- Optimized RNA extraction protocols for high-quality Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Developed a protocol for dissecting small embryonic tissues, reducing error rates while preserving tissue quality
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
University of St. Andrews
11.2018 - 10.2019
- Conducted research on DNA methylation, metabarcoding, and genome sequencing
- Designed primers for CO1 and 18S amplification and optimized PCR conditions
- Standardized DNA extraction protocols and extracted DNA for Next Generation Sequencing that included WGS, WGBS, and metabarcoding
- Co-wrote a grant proposal that was successfully funded
Ph.D Researcher
UNAM
02.2010 - 10.2017
- Mastered various molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, and plasmid DNA extraction, and processed 1,500+ plasmid DNA samples and conduced 3,000+ PCR reactions
- Conducted population crosses, tissue dissections, and data analysis for genetic research
- Published two first-author papers in high-impact journals
- Co-wrote a grant proposal that was successfully funded
Education
Ph.D - Biological Sciences with focus on Molecular Biology
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
10.2017
Bachelors of Science - Biology
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
02.2010
Skills
- RNA/DNA extraction
- PCR
- RT-PCR
- ELISA
- Cloning
- Plasmid DNA extraction
- RNA-seq
- WGBS
- Laboratory safety standards
- Optimized RNA/DNA extraction protocols
- Supervised peers
- Peers mentoring
- Scientific writing
- Laboratory techniques
- Data analysis
- Technical troubleshooting
- Project Support
- Method validation
- Research planning
- DNA sequencing
- Next generation sequencing
- PCR techniques
- Bioinformatics analysis
- RNA isolation
- Protein purification
- Molecular cloning
- Enzyme assays
- Western blotting
- Gel electrophoresis
- Proficient in PCR
- ELISA assay
- Collaborative teamwork
- Quality control procedures
- Laboratory safety protocols
- Scientific communication
- R programming
- Experimental design
- Report writing experience
- Hypothesis testing
- Genomics research
- Problem-solving proficiency
- Research collaboration
Key Skills And Expertise
Molecular Biology: RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, ELISA, cloning, plasmid DNA extraction.
NGS Data Analysis: RNA-seq, WGBS, Differentially Expressed Genes, WGCNA (TrimGalore, Samtools, Bismark, Methylkit, Kallisto).
Regulatory Compliance: Experience with AICUC and laboratory safety standards.
Protocol Development: Optimized RNA/DNA extraction protocols for reproducibility and high-quality results.
Collaboration and Mentorship: Supervised peers, mentored students, and contributed to grant proposals and publications.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
French
Professional Working
German
Elementary
Swedish
Elementary
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Texas State University
03.2023 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
University of St. Andrews
01.2021 - 12.2022
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
UNAM
01.2020 - 12.2020
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
University of St. Andrews
11.2018 - 10.2019
Ph.D Researcher
UNAM
02.2010 - 10.2017
Bachelors of Science - Biology
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Ph.D - Biological Sciences with focus on Molecular Biology
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
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