Hi! I am a technical writer focused on making complex scientific and technological information accessible. With a background in Biology and Biotechnology, experience in a software company, and three years of experience writing over 350 SR&ED reports, I simplify many STEM concepts for diverse audiences. 

I have built strong relationships through interviews with over 180 SR&ED claimants and collaborate with scientists and programmers to present information clearly, helping STEM professionals secure non-dilutive funding for their projects.

On my profile, you will primarily encounter information on careers for STEM grads and STEM professionals because I'm also passionate about informing STEM grads about their career options (while navigating my own career).

Kundai Mufara

If you have a PhD, MSc, or more certifications than a small university…
And you still feel stuck?

You're not the problem.

The truth is, many credentials are optimized for institutions, not the market.

They teach rigour, not revenue.

They value prestige, not positioning.

And when it's time to actually build a career?

You realize:
Credentials don't help, unless someone pays for the outcome.

It's not too late.

You just need a different game plan.

Here's where to start:

1️⃣  Translate your expertise into outcomes people pay for
Stop leading with degrees. Start with the problems you solve and the results you deliver.

2️⃣ Build visibility around your insights, not your résumé
Share what you know in public. Write, speak, teach. Credentials get you in the room, thought leadership keeps you there.

3️⃣ Learn the language of value creation
Academic language impresses peers. Business language closes deals. Bridge the gap.

4️⃣ Position yourself at the intersection
Your unique edge isn't your Master's or PhD alone, it's how you apply specialized knowledge to real-world challenges others can't solve.

The credentials weren't wasted.

They're just the foundation, not the finished product.

Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Consultant | Science and Tech Innovation Funding Consultant | Visual Artist

The best job board on LinkedIn isn't the Jobs tab.
It's the "People Also Viewed" section on profiles.

When you view someone's profile, LinkedIn's algorithm shows you other people with similar roles, industries, and career paths.

It's basically a curated list of your potential next job targets.

Here's how to use it:
→ Find someone in your dream role at a company you like
→ Check their "People Also Viewed" section
→ Discover other people in similar positions at similar companies
→ Build a target list of companies you didn't know existed

This works incredibly well for niche science and healthcare roles.

Looking for a biostatistician position? Find one biostatistician, and LinkedIn shows you dozens more across different companies.

Want to break into regulatory affairs? Same strategy.

You'll discover competing companies, see hiring patterns, and identify skills that appear consistently across these profiles.

This will help you to find companies you never would have thought to apply to.

Small biotech firms, niche medical device companies, specialized consulting groups.

All because LinkedIn's algorithm does the heavy lifting.

What role are you going to explore first?

I Track Where STEM Grads Actually End Up. Here's the Pattern.

📉 Some pivot early
📈 Some rise in adjacent fields
🔁 Some re-skill completely

Not because they failed, but because they adapted.

Degrees launch you.

But decisions evolve you.

I'll keep sharing what I find. 

Because if you understand the patterns, you stop feeling behind and start getting strategic.

Everyone told STEM students the big lie:
 “You’ll always have job security.”

But the real lie went deeper:

 That there’s only one right path
 ➡️ Get the degree
 ➡️ Get the job
 ➡️ Climb the ladder

In reality?

STEM grads are switching industries, building businesses, learning design, going into policy, and becoming creators.

Not because they failed, but because the ladder was never built for them.

The new system isn’t about degrees (even though they have good benefits for those who wish to stay in academia).

 It’s about leveraging your skills to facilitate change in the industry. 

Most people don’t need a new degree.

They need to redefine their paths.

Let's be honest:
"Just apply more."
"Tailor your resume."
"Use the right keywords."

This advice fails because it assumes the market is fair.

But the real world is messy.
✖️ Closed networks
✖️ Biased filters
✖️ Hiring based on vibes > value

It's not about playing harder.

It's about playing differently.

So what does that actually look like?

1. Build visibility before you need it
Post about your work. Share insights from projects. Comment on industry trends. When opportunities arise, you want decision-makers already familiar with your name.

2. Access the hidden market
80% of roles never see a job board. Reach out to people doing the work you want. Ask about their challenges. Offer value first. Relationships unlock doors that applications can't.

3. Create your own proof
Can't get experience without a job? Build it anyway. Side projects. Spec work. Case studies. Show, don't tell. Make hiring you the obvious choice.

4. Stop waiting for permission
The people who win aren't always the most qualified. They're the ones who showed up, added value, and made it impossible to ignore them.

The system isn't fair.

But you're not helpless.

What's one move you can make this week that doesn't rely on fairness?

TEGA Therapeutics, Inc.

Scientist II

UC San Diego

Laboratory of Dr. Philip Gordts
•	Identified a new target gene in the liver affected by Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) treatment
•	Demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of HMOs in endothelial and macrophage cell culture models
•	Assessed in vivo biological effects of HMOs in a hyperlipidemia murine model
•	Co-coordinated GlycoBootcamp 2023 (focus on ganglioside and N-glycan methodologies)
•	Co-designed and implemented new community-based paper selection model for Glycobiology Journal Club
•	Co-designed and implemented new practical activities for Glycobiology module of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Intro Course (BIOM200) 
•	Assisted with evaluations of student oral and written finals for Biomedical Sciences Graduate Intro Course (BIOM200)
•	Completed Pathways to Scientific Teaching course and developed a lesson plan to integrate glycobiology within the central dogma

K12 Fellow Postdoctoral Researcher

Summer Session I 2018, Summer Session II 2019, Summer Session II 2021
• Instructed an upper division elective class of 60-80 students in the Biochemistry of Nutrition as part of the Summer Graduate Teaching Scholars Program
• Utilized active learning strategies and encouraged growth mindset approaches
• Engaged students of diverse backgrounds in course materials through inclusive strategies
• Incorporated discussion and project-based learning to enhance critical thinking in students
• Integrated appropriate and relevant technology to promote student engagement

Instructor of Record (Associate In) - Division of Biological Sciences

Laboratory of Dr. Jeffrey Esko:
• Mapped heparin/heparan sulfate binding site in protein of interest through site-directed mutagenesis and biochemical characterization of resulting mutant proteins
• Identified two amino acids critical for protein of interest’s interaction with Heparan Sulfate
• Utilized Crispr-Cas9-mediated technology to generate and characterize a novel mouse model expressing Heparan Sulfate Binding Deficient Protein of Interest (HSBD-POI)
• Mentored undergraduate student researchers and taught specialized lab techniques to other graduate students and postdoctoral fellows

PhD Candidate in Biomedical Sciences

• Planned various events for students, faculty and alumni 
• Managed $18,000 yearly budget for the council
• First Year Representative 	        Fall 2013 – Spring 2014
• Webmaster/Social Media Chair 	Fall 2014 – Spring 2015
• Career Committee	                Fall 2015 – Spring 2016
• Co-president 	                        Fall 2016 – Spring 2017
• Career Committee 	                Spring 2017 – Spring 2019
• Chair of Career Committee 	        Fall 2017 – Spring 2018

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program - Graduate Student Council

• Co-founded blog for BMS Students to write about various topics related to our program and current research at UCSD

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program - BMS Times

• Independently prepared for and facilitated two sections a week
• Analyzed course assessments for Bloom’s Taxonomy and adapted sections to match
• Recorded weekly reflections on effectiveness of strategies for improvement
• Addressed students with disabilities’ needs during exams
• Mentored other Instructional Assistants during grading process

Graduate Instructional Assistant - Division of Biological Sciences

• Evaluated ~80 applications to the UCSD Biomedical Sciences PhD program
• Reviewed all program applications as part of a council of current students and faculty
• Organized and coordinated recruitment events for two interview weekends

Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program - Admission Committee Member

San Diego Glycobiology Conference

• Reviewed abstract submissions from trainees for invited talks and poster pitches
• Discussed abstract submissions with NextGen committee of fellow trainees
• Developed conference events to promote trainee socialization and belonging

Next Generation Seminar Committee

University of Utah

• Cultured batches of Escherichia coli and insect cells for protein production
• Purified protein (sulfotransferase and heparinase enzymes) using nickel-sepharose columns 
• Analyzed proteins using SDS-PAGE, Coomassie, Silver Staining and Western Blot techniques
• Produced mass quantities of substrate (heparosan) for enzymatic modifications
• Coordinated purchasing and managed laboratory inventory

Lab Technician

• Prepared for and facilitated three group discussions a week for undergraduate students
• Mentored SI leaders about SI program principles and teaching skills
• Monitored progression of student leaders towards program standards
• Assessed SI Leaders’ teaching strategies and provided constructive feedback to SI leaders

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader, Supervisor and Tutor

Biochemist/Glycoscientist with 11 years of biomedical research experience. Specific skillset in protein purification, biochemical assay development, and characterization of novel mouse models. Reflective and adaptable undergraduate educator that researches and implements active learning strategies to promote student-centered education.

Strong written and oral interpersonal communication skills within independent and collaborative research experiences. Broad expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology methodologies including site-directed mutagenesis, affinity and size exclusion chromatography, ELISAs, immunoblotting, PCR/qPCR, and microscopy.

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Kundai Mufara

Chelsea Painter, PhD

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taplio

The Battle

Kundai Mufara

Chelsea Painter, PhD

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Kundai Mufara's LinkedIn Performance

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