Microbiologist

Jennifer M. Theis

**** ******** ****** *****, ***********, MN 55420

*******.********@*****.*** • (C) 952-***-****

Objective Statement

To obtain a position that strengthens the company’s competitive advantage through the application of scientific and technical knowledge while using laboratory skills to improve research and data analysis.

Technical Expertise

• BioMerieux Vitek 2

• Enterotoxin Immunoassays

• Decagon Devices Aqualab water activity meters (4TEV, Duo)

• TomKey temperature monitoring system

• Production scale-up of 5L, 30L and 7500L fermenters

• Polyacrylamide/SDS/agarose gel electrophoresis

• Electrophoresis apparatus

• Phase contrast microscopy

• Shake flask experimentation for media optimization

• Aseptic technique / autoclave

• Greenhouse / on-site farm studies

• Small animal dissection

• Maintenance of stock cultures

• Cadaver experience

• Analytical balance

• Centrifuges

• Synbiosis Protocol 3 Counter

• Spiral Biotech Autoplater

• pH meter

• Media preparation

• Total aerobic plate counts and spore counts

• Restriction nuclease mapping of DNA

• Polymerase Chain Reaction

• Chromatography

Education

College of St. Catherine - St. Paul, MN December 2007

Bachelor of Arts - Biology

Work Experience

Cargill Inc - Wayzata, MN December 2012 – Present

Research and Development for Corporate Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Affairs

Microbiologist

Project Facilitator for challenge studies regarding shelf life, growth of spoilage organisms/pathogens, validation of processes, etc

Team lead for environmental monitoring within a BSL-2

Promoted to Laboratory Equipment Manager

Supervisor for environmental health and safety of the laboratory and its occupants

Collaborate selection of enumeration/growth media and method for sample analysis and data interpretation for microbiological safety and stability of a food formulation

Conduct laboratory project work to develop and interpret the growth and destruction of microorganisms in Cargill products, processes and equipment

Bio-Cat Microbials - Shakopee, MN March 2011 – November 2012

Fermentation and Cultivation Bacteria

Microbiologist Lab Technician

Team Lead for bacteriological enzyme kinetics to include DFM (direct-fed microbial) markets, septic and waste water treatment

Took Lead role upon myself to reorganize the flow of the lab into work cells, which has resulted in 30% increase in efficiency

Developed and led new decontamination process for lab which has reduced contamination levels from a 40% level to less and 1%.

Greenhouse and on-site farm acreage efficacy studies that included sustainable higher yield bearing agricultural crops and soil rehabilitation

Accurately complete all QC-QA SOP’s for microbiological testing of processes and product samples

Responsible for developing and modifying application tests as necessary for product efficacy and performance

Prepare and complete shake flask experiments for media optimization for production cultures

Set up and effectively operate fermentation equipment for media and developmental experiments

Analyze BCM media and production processes for continuous improvement methodologies

Technical liaison with sales and customer service to address technical questions and concerns

Dichtomatik Americas - Shakopee, MN March 2008 – March 2011

International distributor of oil seals and o-rings

Inside Sales

Provided exceptional customer service to meet the demands and requirements of Original Equipment Manufacturers, Fluid Sealing Distributors, and Power Transmission Distributors accounts

Assisted the Director of Distribution and Logistics by providing required harmonized codes for import parts necessary for customs clearance purposes

Prepared sales and marketing reports which provided marketing data and sales forecasts

Updated ERP system in preparation of new software system implementation

Inside Sales Trainee

Developed weekly sales analysis based on customer’s bookings by regions and channel teams

Directed multiple phone lines to assist customers with standard inquiries relating to several product lines

College of St. Catherine - St. Paul, MN August 2005 – December 2007

Senior Thesis

Hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination in health-care facilities for complete eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) focused extensively on the mechanism and chemistry of drug resistance and innovative ways to sterilize hospital rooms and equipment to a zero-percent pathogen efficacy rate

Biology Lab and Teaching Assistant

Dissected and prepared cadavers for educational utilization by anatomy and physiology students

Analyzed organ tissue and cells for normal function, along with disease pathogens and bacterial components

Developed a method to inventory lab equipment and chemicals/supplies and investigated Material Safety Data Sheets regulations to ensure compliance and safety for more effective regulatory standards that reduced the incidence of errors and improved new employee work protocols

Taught lab skills (i.e., equipment sterilization, plating bacterial/viral loads, aseptic technique, etc.) to students in introductory and intermediate level biology courses

Instructed routine experimental procedures including specimen dissection and identification

Conducted analysis for sample preps, instruments and data processing

Prepared and organized labs and equipment for all biology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and animal anatomy and physiology to increase lecture understanding

Association August 2003 – December 2007

Biology Club

President College of St. Catherine, Biology Club 2007

In charge of promotional activities to raise money

Contact this candidate