Research Technician

Beth Sunnucks, MSc

Research Technician

****.********@*****.*** • 647-***-****

LinkedIn • Toronto, ON

Research-focused and dynamic professional with extensive experience in designing, executing, and analyzing complex experiments to advance scientific understanding and drive innovation.

Qualifications Summary

Demonstrated expertise in wide range of molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid purification, DNA sequencing, imaging, immunoassays, and other advanced methodologies.

Proven success in planning and conducting analytical studies critical for regulatory submissions, with strong commitment to data accuracy and compliance, leading to successful securing of FDA approvals for multiple submissions and guiding projects from conceptualization to market launch.

Effective collaborator, seamlessly interfacing with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives.

Success in securing FDA approvals for multiple submissions and guiding projects from conceptualization to market launch.

Versatile leader with strong background in scientific research and industry expertise as well as possess unique blend of experience gained in both academic and industry settings.

Proficient in adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) standards, ensuring precision and compliance in every project.

Experience Highlights

Jackson Lab at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute 2023 – Present

Research Technician III/Lab Manager

Responsible for acquiring bright field, fluorescence, and high-dimension images using microscopy and CyTOF imaging systems. Design and manage acquisition of collaborator-led projects utilizing image mass cytometry while validating monoclonal antibodies across various imaging platforms. Support mouse breeding programs and perform genotyping, along with basic tissue culture practices. Assist in development of novel research methods and establish optimized SOPs for safety and experimental protocols. Administer lab safety programs to ensure compliance and coordinate onboarding and training for new lab members. Manage lab operations, including ordering supplies, coordinating shared equipment and reagents, and organizing shared duties for efficient functioning. Evaluate new and emerging technologies to enhance research capabilities, with focus on identifying and targeting tumor microenvironments driving disease progression and therapeutic resistance in cancers. Perform analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data using fundamental R and Python programming techniques to process, visualize, and interpret large datasets, supporting research projects and data-driven decision making.

Promoted to Lab Manager within 3 months by creating an innovative document control system for experimental and safety SOPs.

Contributed to original research projects, leading to upcoming publications and manuscripts.

Luminex Molecular Diagnostics, Toronto, ON 2013 – 2023

Associate Scientist II, Assay Development, 2018 – 2023

Designed scientific experiments to develop assays leveraging Luminex's cutting-edge technology platforms and chemistries. Streamlined laboratory processes, including specimen management, nucleic acid purification/extraction, qPCR, ddPCR, capillary DNA sequencing, and fragment analysis. Crafted and proposed meticulous review of data and reports for submission to diverse regulatory bodies, including EUA, RUO, and IVD submissions. Collaborated seamlessly with cross-functional teams in fostering interdepartmental synergy with clinical affairs, product development, design transfer, and operations. Conduct rigorous biosurveillance testing for all on-market products.

Successfully secured FDA approval for three EUA submissions and IVD submission within two years.

Verified and validated regulatory submissions of molecular diagnostics by strategizing and executing comprehensive analytical studies.

Steered development of gastrointestinal molecular diagnostic assay in ensuring seamless journey from ideation to successful product introduction.

Spearheaded design and development of cutting-edge diagnostic products, with primary focus on assay design and development for multiple projects.

Played pivotal role in retaining compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) throughout product development process.

Demonstrated meticulous attention to detail and commitment to precision in all aspects of assay development.

Conducted routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, including daily, weekly, and monthly inspections to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency.

Quality Control Associate, 2013 – 2018

Executed multiplex PCR-based assays to validate product releases, conduct stability studies, and investigate diverse scenarios. Conducted nucleic acid extraction procedures within CL2 facility. Initiated investigations and generated detailed reports in response to results falling Out of Specifications (OOS) and beyond Process Control Thresholds (PCT) to determine root causes. Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including industry professionals to present findings and determine strategic course of action during quorum meetings within Operations department. Maintained close collaboration with Quality Control (QC) associates, manufacturing personnel, and Quality Assurance Team.

Ensured compliance with set specifications and determined data trends by assessing intricate numerical data.

Strictly adhered to GMP regulations while executing quality control tests on manufactured products.

Additional Experience

Graduate Student, Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia

Education

Master of Science (First Class Honours) in Molecular Microbiology

Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland

Bachelor of Science (Honors) with majors in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and minor in Physiology

University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

Licenses & Certifications

Basic CPR Certification Registered Massage Therapist

Professional Training

Introduction to Good Manufacturing Practices, Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences

Fundamental Skills in Bioinformatics, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Transportation of Dangerous Goods TDG/IATA course - Canada (Curriculum Group) Transportation of Dangerous Goods TDG/IATA course – Coordinator

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