ZAKIYYAH MUNIRAH BINTI MOHD ZAKI
Selangor
Summary
Accomplished researcher with over four years in medical science and neuroscience, holding a PhD in the field. Led research management initiatives, secured competitive funding, and fostered strategic collaborations. Developed multidisciplinary projects and mentored students and early-career researchers, enhancing research initiatives through effective budget management and international partnerships.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Research Manager
KPJ Healthcare University
03.2026 - Current
- Conduct various trainings and workshops (currently GCP workshops) at KPJ hospitals.
- KPJ Academicians trainings - Supervisory trainings, JPT grant writing trainings, upcoming Manuscript submission workshops.
- Supervision: Masters student (1) (KPJU GRANT ICGS8) Optimizing Mesenchymal Stem Cell Applications in Preclinical Sprague Dawley Model of Acute Stroke - RM 174,400
- Co-Researcher: (KPJU GRANT CRGS7) The Supremacy of Quality CPR: Assessing Rescuer Physical Fitness, Body Composition and Physiological Changes in Executing Different CPR Approaches - RM 160,960
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
KPJ Healthcare University
04.2025 - 02.2026
- Investigated undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in STEMI patients across selected KPJ hospitals to inform clinical practices.
- Secured internal KPJ grants for optimising mesenchymal stem cell applications in preclinical Sprague Dawley model of acute stroke.
- Reviewed grant proposals for KPJ Research Award, evaluating their scientific merit.
- Managed research projects and administrative tasks, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
Lecturer
Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
03.2025 - 04.2025
- Postgraduate Coordinator of Corporate Programmes.
- Teaching postgraduate students for Research Methodology and Biostatistics topics.
- Exposure to MQA accreditation requirements for postgraduate courses.
- Internal examiner for PhD students, School of Nursing and Applied Sciences.
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Specialist
Medi-care Products Sdn Bhd.
09.2024 - 02.2025
- Set up and calibrate monitoring equipment before surgical procedures.
- Perform intraoperative monitoring using modalities such as EEG, EMG, SSEP, and nerve conduction studies.
- Establish baseline neurophysiological data before incision.
- Continuously monitor neural function and alert the surgical team to any significant changes.
- Collaborate closely with supervising neurologists/neurophysiologists for interpretation and guidance.
Foreign Visiting Researcher
Department of Integrative Neuroscience, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan.
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Managed data extraction, analysis, and reporting for behaviour experiments, utilising statistical software GraphPad Prism to analyse datasets and generate comprehensive reports.
- Assisted in developing project narratives and budget justifications for grant applications, securing 400,000 yen in 2023 for embryonic development projects.
Teaching Assistant
Department of Integrative Neuroscience, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan.
10.2019 - 09.2023
- Assisted undergraduate students during lab practical sessions in ECG and physiological laboratory work, enhancing their understanding and performance through targeted support.
- Mentored medical undergraduate students, fostering development of practical skills and problem-solving abilities through structured guidance.
Research Assistant
Department of Neuroscience, USM
04.2017 - 07.2019
- Conducted a broad range of laboratory techniques and behavioral assessments commonly used in molecular biology, immunology, neuroscience, and behavioral studies.
- DNA extraction and purification techniques.
- Experience in PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for amplifying DNA segments.
- Primer design for PCR assays.
- Cloning techniques for DNA manipulation.
- Performed ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests.
- Conducted antioxidant testing assays.
- Handled blood plasma samples.
- Transgenic mouse husbandry.
- Behavioral tests including Morris.
- Administered common mouse behavioral batteries.
- Administered Neuropsychological Assessment Battery tests, including Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV, Montreal Cognitive Assessments, Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Medical Underwriter
Prudential Takaful BSN Sdn. Bhd
04.2015 - 02.2017
- Underwriting Processes: Conducted routine underwriting for insured clients. Assessed insurance applications for accuracy and completeness. Reviewed applicant information to determine risk levels.
- Documentation Analysis and Compliance: Analyzed medical records and other relevant documents. Ensured compliance with underwriting standards and regulations.
Research Assistant
Department of Biochemistry, UKM
09.2012 - 09.2014
- Imaging: Conducted human brain fMRI imaging sessions, ensuring high-quality scans for research and diagnostic purposes. Administered a range of neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive function and behavior in patients.
- Managed collection, processing, and storage of blood samples, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and maintaining sample integrity.
Education
PhD - Medical Science
Shiga University of Medical Sciences
Japan01-2024
Master of - Neuroscience
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Kelantan, Malaysia01-2019
Bachelor of - Biomedical Sciences
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur01-2012
Foundation Studies - Science
University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur01-2008
Skills
- Japanese and Korean basics
- Clinical study exposure and molecular work
- SPSS and GraphPad analysis
- Laboratory and pre-clinical work
- Protein and gene expression analysis
- Clinical studies and molecular work
- Handling blood plasma samples
- Cre recombinase transgenic mouse handling
- Tamoxifen and doxycycline induction
- In vitro 4-OHT induction and flow cytometry
- PPI and fear conditioning methodologies
- Common mouse behavioural battery testing
- Data analysis with SPSS and GraphPad Prism
- Biostatistics proficiency
- Grant writing and research methodology expertise
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Grant writing expertise
- Biostatistics proficiency
Accomplishments
- Research funding grant for the Encouragement of Early Career Scientists, Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS), 400,000¥, 2023, Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms underlying the Acquisition of Neural Stem Cell Quiescence.
- Dean's List, USM, 2017, Received for outstanding academic achievement.
- Dean's List, USM, 2018, Received for outstanding academic achievement.
- Glial Prize Award, USM, 2018, Award for outstanding academic achievement.
- Glial Chat Awards, USM, 2017, Two times winner and runner up of glial debates.
- Glial Chat Awards, USM, 2018, Two times winner and runner up of glial debates.
- Excellence Awards, SPM, 2006
Custom
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muzaimi Mustapha, Senior Medical Lecturer, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, mmuzaimi@usm.my
- Puan Mazira Mohd Ghazali, Senior Science Officer, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, mazira@usm.my
- Dr. Seiji Hitoshi, Professor, Department of Integrative Physiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, hitoshi@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp
- Dr. Muhammad Abid bin Nordin, Research Manager, Research and Innovation Centre, KPJ Healthcare University, Lot PT 17010 Persiaran Seriemas, Kota Seriemas, Negeri Sembilan, 71800, m.abid@kpju.edu.my
Personal Information
Available: 2026-06-01
Timeline
Assistant Research Manager
KPJ Healthcare University
03.2026 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
KPJ Healthcare University
04.2025 - 02.2026
Lecturer
Lincoln University College, Malaysia.
03.2025 - 04.2025
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Specialist
Medi-care Products Sdn Bhd.
09.2024 - 02.2025
Foreign Visiting Researcher
Department of Integrative Neuroscience, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan.
10.2023 - 09.2024
Teaching Assistant
Department of Integrative Neuroscience, Shiga University of Medical Science, Japan.
10.2019 - 09.2023
Research Assistant
Department of Neuroscience, USM
04.2017 - 07.2019
Medical Underwriter
Prudential Takaful BSN Sdn. Bhd
04.2015 - 02.2017
Research Assistant
Department of Biochemistry, UKM
09.2012 - 09.2014
PhD - Medical Science
Shiga University of Medical Sciences
Master of - Neuroscience
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Bachelor of - Biomedical Sciences
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Foundation Studies - Science
University of Malaya