Melaia Saumaiwai # Laboratory Technician / Tutor Location FijiDesired Salary 25 - USD/hourlyWork preference Full TimeLinks Status Actively looking Field / Industry Product & Operations * SharePreferences:Relocation: NoNotice Period: ImmediateSkill Assessments:This user has not passed any tests yet Languages: English - French - Report [Overview](#overview) ## About Me I am trained in Clinical Biochemistry with a degree from Griffith University and have multidisciplinary training in Public Health, Law, and French. I have extensive experience in laboratory research and private tutoring in Biology and Chemistry. I am deeply committed to improving science education across the Pacific region. I am fluent in English and Fijian, conversational in French, and highly skilled at adapting to diverse environments. I am known for my meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach to achieving results. Over the years, I have provided specialized tutoring to senior secondary school students preparing for national examinations, designing personalized lesson plans aligned with the curriculum and career pathways. My professional experience spans roles such as pathology lab technician, research officer, and disaster recovery specialist, where I contributed to evidence-based policy development and post-disaster needs assessments. I have worked on national nutrition studies and managed clinical laboratory operations with strict adherence to quality and safety protocols. In my tutoring, I strive to make complex scientific concepts accessible by using culturally relevant examples and clear explanations. Beyond my scientific and educational work, I am actively involved in community leadership, running a small organic farm, while engaging youth in environmental conservation activities. I am passionate about fostering learning and scientific understanding, and I continuously seek opportunities to contribute to health and education improvements in the Pacific. ## Skills ### [Communication Skills](https://jobicy.com/talent/communication-skills.md)[Project Management](https://jobicy.com/talent/project-management.md)[Problem Solving](https://jobicy.com/talent/problem-solving.md)[Analytical Skills](https://jobicy.com/talent/analytical-skills.md)[Time Management](https://jobicy.com/talent/time-management.md)[Data Analysis](https://jobicy.com/talent/data-analysis.md)[Leadership](https://jobicy.com/talent/leadership.md)[Critical Thinking](https://jobicy.com/talent/critical-thinking.md)[Data Entry](https://jobicy.com/talent/data-entry.md)[Teamwork](https://jobicy.com/talent/teamwork.md)[Curriculum Development](https://jobicy.com/talent/curriculum-development.md)[Creative Writing](https://jobicy.com/talent/creative-writing.md) ## Education Griffith University, QLD, Australia 1997 - 2000 Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences GPA 4.21 Griffith University, QLD, Australia 2000 - 2001 Graduate Diploma of Clinical Biochemistry GPA 4.08 Griffith University, QLD, Australia 2001 Master of Science in Clinical Biochemistry (studies towards) GPA 4.00 University of the South Pacific 1995 - 1996 Foundation Sciences Certificate Unclassified Studies University of the South Pacific 2011 Law units 2 Law units completed Fiji National University 2007 Graduate Certificate in Public Health GPA 3.33 Suva Grammar School, Suva, Fiji 1994 Fiji School Leaving Certificate ## Experience Biology and Chemistry Tutor @ Cafe 6 Tutors and Coaches 2021 - 2025 Provided specialized tutoring in Biology and Chemistry for senior Secondary School students preparing for Fiji School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and Fiji Seventh Form Examination (FSFE). Designed personalized lesson plans aligned with national curriculum and TVET careers. Research and Disaster Recovery Specialist & Post-Disaster Needs Assessment @ Kuruleca Consultants 2007 - 2012 Regional Health Data Analysis (2007) and Post Disaster Needs assessment (2012). Supported evidence-based policy development for HIV/AIDS prevention across the Pacific. Contributed to Fiji’s official Post Disaster Needs Assessment report, guiding resource allocation and rehabilitation efforts after cyclone Evan. Pathology Lab Technician (Project Based) @ Tropical Laboratories Fiji 2011 Supported a National Food and Nutrition study on Iron-fortified flour for women of child-bearing age. Educated participants on study objectives and procedures, increasing participation through culturally sensitive communication. Managed specimen collection, labeling and transport across multiple regions. Ensured compliance with research protocols, contributing to evidence-based nutrition policy development. Pathology Lab Technician @ Suva Private Hospital 2004 - 2010 Managed end-to-end Human Biological Samples, including receiving, labeling and processing with strict adherence to quality and safety protocols. Performed phlebotomy and ensured accurate data entry for patient records. Delivered test results promptly to outpatients and referring medical practitioners, coordinated stock management, and facilitated international specimen transfers for specialized testing such as HLA typing. Research Officer (Chemistry Department) @ Koronivia Research Station 2002 - 2003 Conducted comprehensive soil and water testing across multiple national sites, including sampling, receiving and processing soil specimens. Performed detailed water analysis and pesticide residue studies to ensure environmental safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Farm Director @ Jacobs Rose Farm August 2017 - Current Managing the daily running of a small organic farm. Conducting soil, plant, and animal inspections, ensuring the well-being of all crops and livestock. Ensuring water- ways are clear of debris. Scheduling crop rotation and researching what works for this specific environment.