Mahmud Samantar

I am an HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist with over 13 years of experience, specialising in haematology and molecular diagnostics. With an MSc in Haematology and a BSc in Biomedical Science, I have honed my technical skills in UKAS-accredited NHS laboratories and clinical trial settings, ensuring high-quality, patient-centred diagnostics. My career includes extensive experience in automated haematology analysis, molecular diagnostics, and clinical trial support, with a proven track record of contributing to clinical and research excellence. I am committed to continuous professional development, patient care, and delivering high-quality diagnostic services in multidisciplinary environments.

Professional Experience Summary

My journey began as a Senior Laboratory Technician at SomDoc Walk-in Clinic (2012–2018), where I led haematology operations and supervised a range of diagnostic testing services. In this role, I developed early leadership skills—training junior staff, ensuring health and safety compliance, and optimising laboratory workflows. These improvements enhanced turnaround times and set the foundation for my detail-oriented approach to diagnostics.

I transitioned into NHS pathology with positions as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in microbiology at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Birmingham (2018–2019) and at St Mark’s Hospital, London (2019–2020). During this time, I supported infection control through routine diagnostic screening for MRSA, enteric pathogens, pregnancy testing, and faecal occult blood testing for bowel cancer screening programmes. These roles sharpened my specimen handling skills, reinforced adherence to strict biosafety protocols, and deepened my appreciation for the role of accurate, timely diagnostics in patient outcomes.

In 2020, I joined Northwest London Pathology (NWLP), initially as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in microbiology and soon progressing to Associate Practitioner in Infection & Immunity (Haematology & Molecular Diagnostics). Over nearly two years, I operated Abbott Alinity haematology analysers for full blood counts and differentials, conducted DNA/RNA extractions on the Roche 6800 platform, and assisted in molecular assay development that improved test sensitivity by 12%. My work included daily maintenance, calibration, and internal quality control to maintain ISO15189 compliance. Additionally, I trained and mentored junior staff, fostering team proficiency in haematology and molecular diagnostics.

In 2023, I joined HVIVO—a clinical trial specialist organisation—initially as a Laboratory Technician in the Sample Processing Unit. There, I processed diverse biological samples including blood, serum, and tissue cultures, adhering to rigorous protocols to ensure diagnostic integrity. I managed inventory, monitored reagent expiry, and contributed to routine laboratory audits, supporting the lab’s high safety and compliance standards.

Following my strong performance, I advanced to Research Assistant in Haematology & Molecular Diagnostics at HVIVO in early 2024. In this position, I have conducted complex haematological and immunohematology assays such as PBMC isolation, RSV FRNA, HAI, and TCID₅₀ for virology studies. I operate and maintain advanced molecular platforms including QIAsymphony, QuantStudio PCR, and BioFire FilmArray, ensuring reproducible results that meet the stringent demands of clinical research. My contributions include developing in-house reagents that reduced costs by 10%, implementing workflow changes that cut reagent waste by 15%, and improving turnaround times by 20%. I also manage GCP-compliant documentation, ensuring regulatory adherence for trial data, and contribute to equipment validation for consistent analytical performance.

Across all positions, I have maintained a strong focus on quality and compliance, with working knowledge of ISO15189, GCP, HTA, and UKAS requirements. My technical portfolio spans haematological testing (FBC, WBC differentials, platelet activation analysis), molecular diagnostics (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, assay validation), and immunological assays. I have extensive experience with instrumentation such as Roche 6800, Abbott Alinity, QIAsymphony, BioFire FilmArray, and QuantStudio PCR systems.

My key achievements include receiving the HVIVO Spotlight Award for outstanding performance in clinical trial support, leading process improvement initiatives that delivered measurable cost and time savings, and contributing to assay development projects that directly supported clinical trial applications influencing patient treatment outcomes. My training and mentoring of laboratory personnel have strengthened team competence and maintained high operational standards.

I hold an MSc in Biomedical Science (Haematology) from the University of Westminster and a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science from the University of East London, supported by my completion of the HCPC Registration Portfolio through the Institute of Biomedical Science. My professional development includes certifications in Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Tissue Authority compliance, Good Pipetting Practice, fire safety, IT proficiency (ECDL), and basic life support.