Dr. Allah Bakhsh

About

With over 20 years of professional experience in plant biotechnology, genome editing, and plant transformation, I have developed deep expertise in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and training associated with a wide array of specialized scientific equipment used in molecular biology, tissue culture, and genome editing laboratories. My career has involved both academic and applied industrial research environments, where I have led the setup, calibration, and optimization of advanced biotechnological instruments.
I have extensive hands-on experience with gene editing platforms including CRISPR-Cas delivery systems, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation units, and particle bombardment systems such as the Bio-Rad PDS-1000/He. I have routinely installed and maintained Bio-Rad Gene Pulser Xcell™ electroporation systems for DNA delivery into plant cells, and I am skilled in adapting these tools for species-specific transformation protocols.
My molecular biology experience spans a wide range of platforms, including qPCR systems (Applied Biosystems QuantStudio™, Bio-Rad CFX96), gel documentation systems (Gel Doc XR+, ChemiDoc MP), and fluorometers (Qubit™, NanoDrop™, and Promega GloMax®). I have been responsible for the long-term operation, validation, and user training on these systems, ensuring research accuracy and equipment longevity.
I have led the setup of plant tissue culture laboratories, including installation and calibration of laminar flow hoods (Esco, Thermo), growth chambers (Conviron, Percival), autoclaves, pH meters, and orbital shakers. As a principal investigator, I have also ensured GLP compliance and equipment SOP documentation.
In metabolite and protein analysis, I have routinely used HPLC systems (Agilent 1260 Infinity, Shimadzu LC-20 series) and ELISA plate readers (Tecan Infinite® series), and I have trained graduate students and junior researchers in their operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. I’ve also developed in-house manuals for common troubleshooting and calibration procedures for these instruments.
A key component of my role has been capacity building—I have organized multiple hands-on training workshops for young scientists and lab technicians across institutions. I have developed technical manuals and SOPs for equipment operation, safety protocols, and maintenance logs, especially for high-throughput PCR and transformation setups. I am also regularly involved in equipment procurement decisions, specification reviews, and vendor negotiations, ensuring alignment with research needs and budgets.
Though not required in all academic contexts, I have attended several certified short courses in molecular diagnostics instrumentation, lab equipment calibration, and biosafety practices, further strengthening my technical and operational competency.
Overall, my experience bridges technical mastery and leadership, ensuring not just effective equipment use but also knowledge transfer and sustainable lab operations in the scientific domain.

Areas of Expertise