Associate Scientist

ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST

Skilled Associate Scientist with extensive laboratory experience in Molecular, Immunological and Cellular based assays.

* ***** ******* ** ** ISO 17025, A2LA accredited high-throughput diagnostics lab, with almost 2 years in a GLP Research and Development lab.

Results oriented leader: Excellent planning and execution of laboratory experiments. Mentored 8 West African laboratorians in Ebola Diagnostics.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Proficient in DNA/RNA Extractions

Accustomed to Strict ISO Standards

Experienced in Multiple PCR Platforms

BSL-2 and BSL-3 Trained Laboratorian

Data Analysis and Report Generation

Assay Validation and Development

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MRIGlobal - Gaithersburg MD

Associate Scientist, Research and Development

April 2015-Present

GLP/ISO 17025/ISO 9001

Developing and validating a 4 plex PCR assay utilizing ABI’s QuantStudio 5 PCR platform.

Validating a 4 plex ELISA using Luminex Magpix platform.

Collaborated with multiple scientists on a re-sensitization assay of drug resistant bacteria (Francisella tularensis, Burkholderia mallei) utilizing supplied novel compounds in conjunction with carbapenem based drugs. Primary role was developing a cell infection/rescue assay by using intracellular bacterium to infect THP-1 Cell Line for use in a BSL3 laboratory.

Creates and validates a randomized weekly testing panel for the Sample Analysis Group.

Assistant Scientist, Sample Analysis Group

April 2013-April 2015

ISO 17025/ISO 9001

Lead Trainer for work group, mentored and guided new and less experienced colleagues.

Established self as a leader within the Sample Analysis group while taking on added responsibilities in daily operations.

Preformed Single and Multiplexed ELISA’s using Luminex Magpix platform.

Analyzed DNA extracts using multiple Single Plex PCR assays with 96 or 384-well plates on ABIs 7900HT RT-PCR instrument.

DNA extraction preformed using Qiagen based DNA extraction kits, extractions were manual or automated on Biomek’s FX liquid handler.

Processed samples and aliquoted into labeled tube for downstream processing.

Received and assigned accession numbers to samples from multiple clients utilizing LIMs software.

Multiple Spotlight Awards for reliability and process excellence.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

MRIGlobal - Gaithersburg MD

Sierra Leone

June 2016 – September 2016

Ebola Diagnostic Trainer

Aided in the design and implementation of a 30-day biosafety and Ebola Diagnostics course.

Trained and mentored 8 local nationals in Biosafety and Ebola Diagnostics; 7 of which received certificates of completion.

Aided in the execution of a Table Top Exercise involving multiple laboratories and organizations throughout the country.

Sierra Leone

August 2015- September 2015

Team Lead/ Ebola Diagnostic Analyst

Supervised 2 other Diagnostic Analysts as well as performed sample analysis duties.

Primary onsite contact for all Governmental and Non-Governmental organizations.

Successfully optimized work flow to accommodate increased sample load from 52 samples/day to 104 samples/day, leading to the highest sample throughput in country.

Directors Award for keeping the project on track and exceeding goals.

Sierra Leone

January 2015 – February 2015

Guinea

April 2015 - June 2015

Ebola Diagnostic Analyst

Part of the initial setup group for the Mobile Ebola Diagnostic Laboratory team. Setup and validated all PCR equipment (ABI 7500DX) and PCR reagents.

Developed and implemented sample flow and RNA extraction protocols. Extractions were processed manually or on the Qiagen EZ-1 XL automated extractor.

Preformed Trizol inactivation of Ebola Virus.

Interacted with multiple Governmental and Non-Governmental organizations to support and help coordinated the Ebola response in West Africa.

Revised SOP’s and documents to better accommodate deployment activities of the Mobile Diagnostic Laboratory.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science – August 2012

Binghamton University, Vestal, NY

Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology

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