Sami Azrak, PhD

Vice Dean | Molecular Geneticist | Bioinformatician | Academic Leader

Tartus, SY.

About

Highly accomplished academic and research professional with a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics and Biochemistry, leveraging over a decade of experience in academic leadership, advanced molecular diagnostics, and groundbreaking genomic research. Expert in human genetics, bioinformatics, and cancer biology, with a proven track record in curriculum development, faculty management, and impactful scientific publications. Seeking to apply extensive expertise in a challenging role that combines scientific rigor with strategic academic or research leadership.

Work

Al Andalus University for Medical Sciences

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Vice Dean for Administrative Affairs, Faculty of Medicine

Al Qadmus, Tartus, Syrian Arab Republic

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Summary

Led comprehensive administrative operations and academic programs for the Faculty of Medicine, integrating advanced medical genetics and communication skills into the curriculum.

Highlights

Directed administrative functions for the Faculty of Medicine, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with university strategic goals.

Developed and delivered Medical Genetics and Communication Skills courses to first and second-year medical students, enhancing foundational scientific knowledge and practical communication competencies.

Contributed to curriculum development and academic policy formulation, impacting the educational experience of hundreds of medical students.

Managed faculty resources and student affairs, fostering a supportive and high-performance academic environment.

Al Andalus University for Medical Sciences

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Faculty Member, Faculty of Medicine

Al Qadmus, Tartus, Syrian Arab Republic

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Summary

Taught advanced medical genetics to second-year medical students, contributing to their foundational scientific and clinical understanding.

Highlights

Delivered specialized Medical Genetics coursework to second-year medical students, preparing them for advanced medical studies and clinical applications.

Designed and implemented engaging pedagogical strategies to convey complex genetic concepts, fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry among students.

Assessed student performance and provided mentorship, guiding academic and professional development within the medical curriculum.

American Hospital

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Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Summary

Performed advanced molecular diagnostic testing, ensuring accurate and timely results for patient care in a leading medical facility.

Highlights

Conducted a wide range of molecular diagnostic assays, contributing to precise disease diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.

Operated and maintained sophisticated laboratory equipment, ensuring high standards of data integrity and operational efficiency.

Analyzed complex genetic data to identify biomarkers and pathogenic variations, directly impacting patient management and clinical outcomes.

Adhered to stringent quality control protocols and laboratory safety standards, maintaining accreditation and operational excellence.

Brock University

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Post-Doctorate Research Associate

St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

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Summary

Conducted full-time research in Biological Science, focusing on advanced molecular and genomic investigations.

Highlights

Executed independent research projects, applying advanced molecular biology techniques to investigate complex biological phenomena.

Analyzed large datasets and interpreted experimental results, contributing to scientific publications and presentations.

Collaborated with interdisciplinary research teams, fostering a productive environment for scientific discovery and innovation.

Mentored junior researchers and students in laboratory techniques and research methodologies, enhancing team capabilities.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), State University of NY at Buffalo (SUNY)

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Post-Doctorate Research Associate

Buffalo, NY, US

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Summary

Performed full-time post-doctoral research focusing on advanced molecular and cellular biophysics and biochemistry in cancer research.

Highlights

Conducted cutting-edge research in molecular and cellular biophysics and biochemistry, specifically investigating genetic variations and cancer mechanisms.

Designed and implemented experimental protocols for genetic analysis, contributing to the understanding of disease etiology and progression.

Authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference abstracts, disseminating research findings to the scientific community.

Utilized advanced bioinformatics tools and statistical methods to analyze complex genomic data, identifying novel insights into cancer biology.

Education

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), division of State University of NY at Buffalo (SUNY)

Buffalo, NY, United States of America
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PhD Molecular and Cellular Biophysics and Biochemistry (MCBB)

State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY)

Buffalo, NY, United States of America
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Multi-disciplinary program Bioinformatics

English Language Institute, State University of New York at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY, United States of America
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Certificate English Proficiency

University of Aleppo

Aleppo, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Agriculture Engineering

Publications

Autosomal Dominant Disorders in Clinical Practice

Journal of Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Authored a publication on autosomal dominant disorders, contributing to clinical understanding in genetics.

Hereditary Ovarian Cancer And Germline Mutations

Journal of Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Published research on hereditary ovarian cancer and germline mutations, advancing knowledge in cancer genetics.

The detection of HER2 Gene Amplification In Breast Cancer By upQMPSF

Journal of Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Co-authored a paper detailing the detection of HER2 gene amplification in breast cancer using upQMPSF, demonstrating expertise in molecular diagnostics.

upQMPSF, a Method for the Detection of BRCA1 Exon Copy Number Variants

Biochem Genet.

Published a method for detecting BRCA1 exon copy number variants using upQMPSF, highlighting innovation in genetic testing.

CAG repeat variants in the POLG1 gene encoding mtDNA polymerase-gamma and risk of breast cancer in African-American women

PLoS One.

Co-authored research on POLG1 gene variants and breast cancer risk in African-American women, contributing to genetic epidemiology.

dbRIP: a highly integrated database of retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms in humans

Hum Mutation.

Co-developed and published dbRIP, a database for retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms, enhancing genomic research tools.

Whole genome computational comparative genomics: A fruitful approach for ascertaining Alu insertion polymorphisms

Gene.

Co-authored a publication on whole-genome computational comparative genomics for Alu insertion polymorphisms.

Languages

Arabic

English

Certificates

English Proficiency

English Language Institute, State University of New York at Buffalo

Skills

Molecular Biology

PCR, QMPSF, DNA/RNA Extraction, Gel Electrophoresis, Gene Sequencing, Genetic Analysis, Cancer Biology, Genomics, Cell Culture, Laboratory Management.

Bioinformatics & Data Analysis

Comparative Genomics, Genomic Data Analysis, Sequence Alignment, Database Management, Computational Biology, Statistical Analysis, Copy Number Variation Analysis.

Genetics

Human Genetics, Medical Genetics, Hereditary Cancer, Genetic Variations, BRCA1, HER2, POLG1, Eukaryotic Gene Structure.

Academic Leadership & Education

Curriculum Development, Medical Education, Teaching, Mentorship, Administrative Affairs, Academic Policy, Faculty Management, Student Affairs, Communication Skills, Pedagogical Strategies.

Research & Development

Experimental Design, Scientific Writing, Peer Review, Grant Writing (Implied), Data Interpretation, Scientific Presentation, Protocol Development, Quality Control.

Projects

Human Genetic Variations and Cancer Research

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Summary

Investigated human genetic variations and their role in cancer development as part of PhD research, contributing to foundational understanding of disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Evolution of Eukaryotic Gene Structure and Intron Origin

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Summary

Explored the evolution of eukaryotic gene structure, with a specific focus on the origin of introns, utilizing a comparative genomics approach during a multi-disciplinary bioinformatics program.