IRAM SHAFIQ
Associate Scientific Officer
Faisalabad
Work Preference
Summary
Innovative Plant Pathologist with over three years of expertise in sustainable agriculture, specializing in aflatoxin mitigation and biocontrol product development. Demonstrated success in leveraging biotechnology tools to enhance crop protection and develop climate-resilient solutions. Proven ability to lead impactful research initiatives in food science. Seeking a research-focused position in an international agribusiness to drive science-based agricultural innovations and improve crop health management.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
Associate Scientific Officer
RAFHAN MAIZE PRODUCTS Co. Ltd
01.2023 - Current
A company focused on ensuring food safety and quality in agricultural products.
- Spearheaded the AflaPak initiative at Rafhan Maize Products Co. Ltd., achieving a 95% reduction in aflatoxin contamination and enhancing food safety standards across maize production.
- Designed and implemented Aspergillus flavus spore production strategies that demonstrated significant effectiveness across all maize field trials conducted throughout Punjab.
- Validated AflaPak's 24-month shelf life through comprehensive storage stability studies to ensure product reliability.
- Implemented multiple standardized SOPs for microbial media preparation, ensuring full compliance with laboratory quality standards and consistency.
- Promoted a safe working environment by implementing regulatory standards
- Presented aflatoxin control strategies at national seminars, influencing industry practices and stakeholder awareness.
Project Unit Manager
RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
01.2022 - 03.2022
- Managed the entire Production Unit, overseeing a network of at least 3500 farmers to ensure adherence to Better Cotton Production standards.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, including training sessions led by BCI-accredited trainers, and engaged in ongoing refresher courses to maintain expertise in sustainable farming practices.
- Coordinated the Internal Management System to streamline processes and enhance productivity within the Production Unit.
- Conducted pre-season awareness training meetings focused on sustainability in the cotton sector and compliance with the Better Cotton Standard System.
- Covered essential topics in training such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), water conservation techniques, and soil health improvement strategies.
- Developed and customized training materials tailored to the needs of the local farming community to facilitate knowledge transfer and best practices.
- Engaged directly with the ultimate beneficiaries to establish strong relationships and gather feedback to inform continuous improvement efforts.
Intern
AYUB AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
02.2019 - 04.2019
- Conducted media preparation for various experiments in an Agri-Biotechnology lab, enhancing research accuracy and efficiency.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Mastered DNA extraction from wheat genotypes utilizing the CTAB method, contributing to genomic studies.
- Performed DNA quantification using a Nanodrop spectrophotometer to ensure precise dilution preparation for subsequent analyses.
- Executed Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with SSR primers, gaining proficiency in molecular biology techniques.
- Operated agarose gel electrophoresis for SSR products, applying ethidium bromide staining for DNA visualization.
- Analyzed and scored DNA fragments, collecting data for interpretation and research development using specialized software.
- Investigated soma-clonal variation in sugarcane and potato by conducting callus culture studies, aiding in the understanding of plant genetics.
- Utilized ELISA for the detection of genetically modified (GM) crops, contributing to the advancement of agricultural biotechnology research.
Education
MSc. (Hons.) - Plant Pathology
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE FAISALABAD
Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan01.2021
BSc. (Hons) - Agricultural Sciences (Plant Pathology)
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE FAISALABAD
Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan01.2019
Skills
Disease management & pathology
Certification
Specialized Training Workshop on Halal Lead Auditor (OIC/SMICC 1:2019)
Professional Trainings
- One month hands-on training in Molecular Biology Techniques( DNA extraction, PCR, Sequencing, Molecular Marker Technique and SDS- Page Gel) in Genomic and Finger printing Lab at CABB in UAF.
- Participate in 3-day seminar “Enhancing Maize Export: Unlocking New Markets and Ensuring Global Compliance”
- We had the privilege to engage in an amazing seminar series hosted by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), aimed at exploring China’s growing demand for high-quality maize exports from Pakistan.
- Presented aflatoxin mitigation strategies at national and international seminars, including TDAP’s maize export conference, influencing policy and industry practices
- Giving Presentation in Orientation to our Management Trainee Candidates
- I had the privilege to deliver the welcoming presentation to our Management Trainee Candidates, delivered onboarding presentations to management trainees, representing the agribusiness department and fostering organizational culture.
- Attended training session on (Advance maize Course for Professionals” organized by the Maize and Millets Research Institute, Yousaf Wala).
- In person One -day training “SOPs for Field Bio-efficacy evaluation, field trial execution and Pesticide Residue Studies for Registration on Form-1”. (Ayub Agriculture Research Institute)
Academic Activity
- Attended seminar on GM Crops in 2019 held at Ayub Agriculture Research Institute.
- Participated in one day seminar of BAYER safe use of Pesticides 2020 held at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
- Attended 7th International conference of Pakistan Phytopathological society in 2021 held at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
- Finance secretary of Rotaract club (2018-19)
- Member ofYoung phyto- forum doctors (2018- 19).
- Certificate of attend ing international seminar “host pathogen interaction “held by the Islamia University of bahawalpur.
- Certificate of management and attending seminar “polio free now” by Rotract club of UAF.
- Certificate of hostel management.
- Certificate of appreciation for pa rticipation in ‘’How to hunt scholarship.
- Certificate of participation in “National financial literacy program for youth.
- Certificate of management committee of Phyto-fourm doctors society.
- Certificate of appreciation for contribution of Pakistan day celebration March 23rd, 2018
- Awarded laptop under Prime Minister of Pakistan laptop scheme for talented student.
References
- Muhammad, Shafiq, Deputy Manager Agri Business Development, muhammadshafiq@rafhanmaize.com, Rafhan Maize Products Co. Ltd
- Nasir, Ahmed Rajput, Associate Professor, nasir.ahmed@uaf.edu.pk, (+92) 419200161
- Rashad, Rasheed, Seed Agronomist, rashadrasheed@rafhanmaize.com, Rafhan Maize Products Co. Ltd
Awards
- Women Make Award winner 2024 and select in top 15 Nominee in 2025.
- Achieve 6-time Recognition Award "OWNER MINDSET".
- Sport Gala Badminton Winner 2024.
Quote
Fall seven times; stand up eight.
Japanese proverb
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Urdu
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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