Dr. Samra Kousar

About

I am an Assistant Professor at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, with over a decade of hands-on experience in the installation, calibration, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of advanced scientific and diagnostic equipment in genomics and molecular diagnostics. My expertise spans the academic research domains, with a particular focus on next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, PCR-based systems, and clinical-grade molecular diagnostics.
My key experience includes maintaining and troubleshooting Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ MinION sequencing systems, and Sanger-based Applied Biosystems Genetic Analyzer. I have independently installed and optimized the workflows for the Oxford Nanopore sequencing platform at CEMB, including flow cell quality control, library preparation stations, and real-time data acquisition using MinKnow and EPI2ME.
In the domain of BRCA1/2 clinical genetic testing, I led the setup and optimization of the NGS workflow, covering DNA extraction, quantification (Qubit 4.0 Fluorometer, NanoDrop One), fragmentation, and library prep kits, followed by sequencing and variant analysis and secondary annotation tools.
I have advanced proficiency in PCR-based systems including Real-Time PCR (Bio-Rad CFX96, ABI veriti), Multiplex PCR, and digital PCR systems. I established the multiplex assay development platform at CEMB, currently applied for COPD and NSCLC mutation screening. My role encompasses equipment calibration, reagent validation.
Key projects include the design of a nanopore-based diagnostic panel for BRCA1/2, NSCLC and a multiplex assay for COPD-related SNPs. Both projects required deep integration of technical hardware maintenance with software pipelines (e.g., Guppy basecaller, IGV, ANNOVAR). I also serve as the technical lead for SOP drafting and ISO-aligned equipment logbook management.
My experience reflects a comprehensive blend of technical rigor, equipment handling, and a commitment to capacity building in the Pakistani biomedical ecosystem through training, mentorship, and sustainable lab infrastructure.

Areas of Expertise