George Dafnopoulos

Full-time position as a laboratory assistant - research assistant in order to take part in molecular profiling of cancer patients and correlate their molecular profile with their treatment response.

Techniques:

DNA - RNA extraction from Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor biopsies, whole blood, saliva, fresh frozen tissues

PCR, qPCR

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) - Ion Proton

Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH)

Responsibilities:

Working under Good Laboratory Practices

Updating files regarding experiments results

Collaborating with external CROs for patients management

Handling consent forms and inform patients that take part in clinical trials

Take part in grant proposals writing

My thesis project was the development of neuromuscular organoids which I genetically modified using the CRISPR/Cas system in order to silence and activate the Frataxin gene (its reduction causes the neurodegenerative disease Friedriech Ataxia)

Techniques:

• iPSCs culture and iPSCs differentiation
• Lentivirus production (Yamanaka Factors carriers)
• Somatic cells reprogramming to iPSCs with lentiviruses
• 3D cell cultures
• rtPCR,
• qPCR,
• western blot,
• immunocytochemistry
• RNA and protein extraction

National Reference Center for Covid 19, Molecular detection of Sars-Cov2

Techniques:

• RNA extraction - Mass scale using automated extraction machines qPCR, real time PCR
• Documenting patients' clinical data
• Preparation for the accreditation according to ISO 9001

• Molecular detection of Sars-Cov2

Techniques:

• RNA extraction use automated robotic systems
• qPCR

• Prepared students for exams in biology using thorough revision and sample exam exercises.
• Prepare post graduate students in the field of biology in order to study medicine abroad

• My internship was conducted at the laboratory of hematology at the general hospital Papanikolaoy in Thessaloniki, at the department of molecular biology and the thesis of my paper was: Use of single nucleotide polymorphisms (snps) for the detection of hematological chimerism in patient after allogenic transplant of hematopoetic cells.