Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Committee Involvements
University Contributions And Outreach
Professional Interests
What Drives Me
Awards
Key Projects And Procurement Achievements
Accomplishments
Reference
Timeline
Generic
SHANKARI SHYAMALA MUTHIAH

SHANKARI SHYAMALA MUTHIAH

Senior Laboratory Technician

Summary

With 16 years of hands-on experience, dedicated to laboratory operations, research support, and facility management. Thrives in an environment where science meets innovation. Expertise in agricultural biosecurity, environmental sustainability, and plant science research. Successfully led infrastructure projects, secured funding, and implemented cost-saving procurement strategies. Resilient researcher with involvement in teaching, research, mentoring, and professional growth. Eager to restart PhD full-time with fresh perspectives, renewed focus, and wealth of experience to contribute meaningfully to agricultural biosecurity and sustainable plant sciences and urban farming.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
2016
2016
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
3
3
Languages

Work History

Senior Laboratory Technician

The University of Nottingham Malaysia
06.2021 - 12.2024
  • Manage and oversee laboratory operations across plant science, agronomy, post-harvest, microbiology, environmental sciences and pharmaceutical sciences
  • Supervise and train undergraduate and postgraduate students on research techniques, instrument handling, and lab safety protocols
  • Led the procurement and maintenance of over 30 advanced crop physiology instruments, ensuring seamless laboratory functionality
  • Involved in inventory maintenance, procurement and maintenance of plant growth facilities and post-harvest technology
  • Managed plant growth facilities such as shade houses, research cabins, plant growth chambers, vertical hydroponic system with grow light and post-harvest technology laboratory
  • Develop and execute cost-saving procurement strategies, securing essential funding for purchase of state of art laboratory and plant growth analysis instrument and reducing expenditures by RM120,000
  • Facilitate and provide technical support for teaching, research projects, collaborating with academics and external institutions
  • Drive sustainability initiatives, promoting biopesticide use and environmentally friendly lab practices
  • Managed 30+ crop physiology instruments, troubleshooting issues and ensuring seamless operation
  • Led the development and execution of laboratory infrastructure projects, including securing RM60,000 funding for refurbishment of research cabins
  • Skilled in writing business proposals to secure funding for enhancing teaching facilities, acquiring instruments, and implementing a vertical farming system, resulting in approval from higher management
  • Supervised and mentored junior laboratory technicians, fostering skill development and performance excellence
  • Acted as Point of Contact (PIC) for CHNS Analyzer (analyse samples for research students), Licor 6400xt, Li8100, Li600P, Li180, WinRhizo, WinSeedle, Ceptometer, equitensiometer, soil moisture meter, autoclave, centrifuge, PCR, research microscope and many more training external researchers and optimizing research methodologies

Lab Technician

The University of Nottingham Malaysia
08.2008 - 05.2021
  • Assisted in the setup and execution of laboratory practicals, supporting students and researchers across biosciences and environmental studies
  • Maintained laboratory instruments, troubleshooting equipment issues to minimize downtime
  • Supported faculty-led research projects, contributing to data analysis, sample preparation, and equipment calibration
  • Played a key role in developing SOPs and lab safety protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
  • Assisted in the procurement and inventory management of laboratory consumables and equipment
  • Actively participated in university outreach programs, STEM initiatives, and open-day demonstrations

Education

Bachelor of Science - Bio-Industry

University Putra Malaysia
Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
01-2008

Certification in Science Communication - undefined

International University Malaya-Wales

PhD Research (Part-time) - undefined

University of Nottingham
01.2013 - 01.2021

Skills

  • Expertise in Plant Physiology

  • Crop Science Expertise

  • Microbiology Expertise

  • Post-Harvest Management

  • Experience with CHNS Analytical Techniques

  • Licor 6400XT Expertise

  • Li8100 Operational Knowledge

  • Li600P Expertise

  • Li180 Applications Knowledge

  • Experience with WinRhizo

  • WinSeedle Proficiency

  • Ceptometer Measurement Skills

  • Equitensiometer Operation

  • Soil Moisture Measurement

  • Sterilization Using Autoclave

  • Centrifuge Operation

  • PCR Technique Proficiency

  • Advanced Microscope Operation

  • Instrumentation for Crop Physiology

  • Environmental Monitoring Tools

  • Statistical Experimental Design

  • Laboratory Sample Preparation

  • Data Analysis

  • Research Evaluation

  • Sustainable Lab Practices

  • Biopesticide Implementation

  • Optimized Resource Management

  • Implementation of Biosecurity Practices

  • Inventory management

  • Business proposal writing

  • Strategic Budget Management

  • Cost Management

  • Strategic Equipment Procurement

  • Facility Improvement Initiatives

  • Laboratory Safety Standards

  • Chemical Safety Management

  • Regulatory Standards Implementation

Certification

Certified Science Communicator, 2023

Committee Involvements

  • FOSE Health & Safety Committee, 2010 – 2024, Implemented robust safety measures in lab operations.
  • Environmental Sustainability Committee, 2023, Advocated for green research initiatives and resource conservation.
  • Secretary, FOSE Field Research Station Committee, 2019 – 2022, Led planning and execution of field research projects.

University Contributions And Outreach

  • Strengthened international research collaborations with University of Nottingham UK on plant growth and pesticide applications.
  • Led training workshops for external researchers (Sunway, Monash, MARDI, MPOB) on advanced laboratory instruments.
  • Developed and conducted STEM outreach programs, school visits, and faculty-led workshops.
  • Actively involved in IQA and MQA accreditation audits, contributing to curriculum enhancement and compliance.

Professional Interests

  • Agricultural Biosecurity & Technology
  • Environmental Sustainability in Agro-based Research
  • Vertical Farming & Smart Agriculture

What Drives Me

I am passionate about making scientific research more sustainable and impactful. Over the years, I have found great fulfillment in mentoring students, troubleshooting complex lab challenges, and implementing solutions that save costs without compromising quality. With my background in laboratory management and research, I am now eager to take the next step in my academic journey by pursuing a PhD full-time—focusing on plant health and agricultural biosecurity innovations that can shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

Awards

  • Vice-Chancellor's Award, 2021, Recognized for outstanding contributions to laboratory management and student mentorship.
  • Outstanding Technical Staff Award, 2019, Awarded for excellence in research support and technical innovation.

Key Projects And Procurement Achievements

  • FOSE Equipment Investment & Cost Optimization, Successfully secured RM1.07 million in funding for laboratory equipment procurement, ensuring the latest technologies support teaching and research., Personally facilitated the acquisition of RM407,495 worth of essential instruments in 2024 and 2023, benefiting disciplines such as biosciences and environmental sciences., Negotiated cost reductions, saving RM657,505 from the allocated budget through supplier engagement and optimized procurement strategies., Ensured seamless integration of newly acquired equipment into research and teaching modules, enhancing laboratory efficiency and student experience.
  • Purchase & Replacement of Laboratory Facility Cabins, Successfully obtained RM60,000 funding to refurbish research cabins, improving laboratory environments for students and researchers.
  • FOSE Field Research Station (FRS) Development, Developed a comprehensive proposal and worked tirelessly to secure RM500,000 in funding for a dedicated research facility aimed at large-scale Agri-Food and environmental studies., Led the planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure design, ensuring that the facility would support interdisciplinary research collaborations., Engaged directly with contractors and vendors, negotiating costs and preparing the bill of quantities to optimize project feasibility., Took the initiative to design the infrastructure layout and collaborated with a colleague to translate the concept into AutoCAD schematics., As Secretary of the FOSE Field Research Station Committee, arranged meetings, brainstorming sessions, and detailed documentation, ensuring all aspects of the project were well-coordinated.

Accomplishments

KEY PROJECTS & PROCUREMENT ACHIEVEMENTS

  • FOSE Equipment Investment & Cost Optimization
  • Successfully secured RM1.07 million in funding for laboratory equipment procurement, ensuring the latest technologies support teaching and research.
  • Personally facilitated the acquisition of RM407,495 worth of essential instruments in 2024 and 2023, benefiting disciplines such as biosciences and environmental sciences.
  • Negotiated cost reductions, saving RM657,505 from the allocated budget through supplier engagement and optimized procurement strategies.
  • Ensured seamless integration of newly acquired equipment into research and teaching modules, enhancing laboratory efficiency and student experience.
  • Purchase & Replacement of Laboratory Facility Cabins
  • Successfully obtained RM60,000 funding to research research cabins, improving laboratory environments for students and researchers.
  • FOSE Field Research Station (FRS) Development
  • Developed a comprehensive proposal and worked tirelessly to secure RM500,000 in funding for a dedicated research facility aimed at large-scale Agri-Food and environmental studies.
  • Led the planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure design, ensuring that the facility would support interdisciplinary research collaborations.
  • Engaged directly with contractors and vendors, negotiating costs and preparing the bill of quantities to optimize project feasibility.
  • Took the initiative to design the infrastructure layout and collaborated with a colleague to translate the concept into AutoCAD schematics.
  • As Secretary of the FOSE Field Research Station Committee, arranged meetings, brainstorming sessions, and detailed documentation, ensuring all aspects of the project were well-coordinated.
  • Despite the project not receiving final approval due to land and funding constraints during COVID-19, the effort invested laid a strong foundation for future research infrastructure projects, showcasing my ability to strategize, plan, and execute complex proposals with limited resources.

Reference

Ajit Singh, Dr

Associate Professor in Agronomy,

Room BB64 Blue Building
Malaysia Campus
Jalan Broga
43500 Semenyih
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

+6 (03) 8924 8167

Ajit.Singh@nottingham.edu.my


Joshua Yap, Dr

Associate Professor

Room BA41 Block B
Malaysia Campus
Jalan Broga
43500 Semenyih
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

+6 (03) 8924 8760

Joshua.Yap@nottingham.edu.my



Timeline

Senior Laboratory Technician

The University of Nottingham Malaysia
06.2021 - 12.2024

PhD Research (Part-time) - undefined

University of Nottingham
01.2013 - 01.2021

Lab Technician

The University of Nottingham Malaysia
08.2008 - 05.2021

Certification in Science Communication - undefined

International University Malaya-Wales

Bachelor of Science - Bio-Industry

University Putra Malaysia
SHANKARI SHYAMALA MUTHIAHSenior Laboratory Technician