Yusuf Ibrahim is the Director of Biobank Operations at 54gene, with extensive experience in biorepository operations, laboratory information management, and DNA/RNA extraction. He was the first person in Africa to receive the Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS) from the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certifications (ASCP BOC) in September 2021.
During his time at 54gene, Yusuf has exhibited strong leadership skills by successfully managing teams, leading initiatives, and ensuring project success. He has also played a key role in training new interns, implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring data quality, managing inventory for multiple research sites, and acting as a focal point for projects.
Apart from his leadership abilities, Yusuf is highly skilled in advanced laboratory techniques such as genotyping, PCR-based detection of COVID-19, whole genome and metagenomics sequencing, and genotyping using Illumina’s Novaseq 6000 and TECAN platforms.
Prior to his current role at 54gene,Yusuf worked at IHVN on the ACCME project, which studied biomarkers of persistent hrHPV infection and CIN2+ in African women at risk of cervical cancer. The project included the EPIC-Biomarker, Maverick, and Gene-Disc studies, which aimed to identify biomarkers of the interaction between the vaginal microenvironment and hrHPV infection, and genetic risk factors for persistent hrHPV infection, cervical cytokines, patterns and stability of vaginal microenvironment, CIN2+ and cervical cancer.
Yusuf earned his B.Tech Applied Microbiology degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He also holds certificates in Implementation Science from the University of Washington and H3ABioNet-OHSU Informatics Course from Oregon Health & Science University. Furthermore, he has an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Tekedia Institute, Boston.
In addition to his leadership and technical skills, Yusuf has authored/co-authored publications and won the ISBER Best Poster Award for his poster titled ‘Biobank-driven approach to precision medicine for the underrepresented African population’ during the annual general meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2022.