Research Assistant

Newark, Delaware ***** **************@*****.*** 301-***-****

VADESSE LHILHI NOUNDOU

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Experienced Field Application Scientist with over 6 years of expertise in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, microbial fermentation, and analytical chemist with hands-on experience in method development, chromatography (HPLC, IC, GC), and spectrometric techniques (LC/MS, GC/MS, NanoIR, FTIR, Raman). Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, analytical cost, GLP-compliant environment, delivering accurate, reliable results on time. Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining a safe and productive laboratory. Passionate about scientific discovery and innovation, with the ability to thrive in dynamic and evolving environments. Fluent in both written and spoken English and French.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1-Led a team of 5 laboratory professionals, creating a supportive and high-performance work environment that improved team productivity by 21%.

2-Successfully introduced a new analytical method that reduced testing time by 30% and increased throughput by 20%.

3-Consistently met tight deadlines, delivering quality data and insights for multiple high-priority projects.

SKILLS

Analytical Instruments (ICPMS, LC/GC MS, IR, EDXRF, UV-Vis, IC, NMR, SEM, Raman, NanoIR, FTIR, HPLC)

Genetic Engineering

Fermentation Processes

Bioreactor operations

Flow Cytometry

Data analysis (JMP, MATLAB, Excel, R)

Expert in culturing anaerobic bacteria

Laboratory Safety & Industrial Hygiene

Excellent organizational Skills

Leadership and Teamwork

Molecular Biology techniques

Polymer chemistry

GLP and Regulatory Compliance

Biosafety level I, II, and III

Next-Gen Sequencing

Strong communication and Presentation

Technical expertise in analytical chemistry

Training and mentorship

Strategic Planning

Account/Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Problem-Solving

Innovation and Creativity

Time Management

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Lab Operations Management

Adaptability

Fluent in English and French

Method Development & Validation

WORK HISTORY

RESEARCH ASSISTANT 08/2019 to Current

University of Delaware

Directed the activities of the analytical laboratory, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and company requirements.

Conducted timely and accurate analyses for raw materials, process materials, finished goods, and test samples, maintaining validity and reliability of results.

Prioritized and managed analysis tasks communicated with relevant departments to address immediate needs and adjustments.

Operated and maintained analytical instruments, including LC/UV, GC, IC, and MS, performing calibration and system qualification.

Accurately document results and record observations, maintaining study records per GLPs and governing policies and SOPs.

Managed daily laboratory operations, including analyzing raw materials, process samples, and finished goods.

Implemented cost-saving initiatives that reduced overall analytical costs by 15% while maintaining high-quality standards.

Developed and validated new analytical methods, contributing to the successful purification of biological particles

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of analytical activities with Production and sales objectives.

Managed/mentored over 7 junior staff members, guiding technical skills development and career growth opportunities and increasing productivity by 12%

MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 12/2017 to 12/2018

West Virginia State University

Running anaerobic bioreactors: closed vessels that break down organic material into biogas.

Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, analyze data, and prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for internal meetings.

Lead research projects focused on enzyme engineering and biocatalysis, optimizing enzymatic processes for improved efficiency.

Conduct high-throughput screening of microbial strains and enzymes, analyzing large datasets to identify key performance metrics.

Performed sample preparation, chromatography, and spectroscopic analysis for routine testing.

Assisted in maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies, ensuring timely calibration and proper usage.

Contributed to the development of analytical methods under the guidance of senior scientists.

Documented and reported experimental results in compliance with SOPs and quality standards.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT 06/2015 to 12/2017

West Virginia State University

Enhanced research quality by conducting thorough literature reviews and synthesizing findings.

Streamlined data analysis processes for improved efficiency and accuracy in research results.

Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to high-quality standards.

Worked with anaerobic Bioreactors used for fermentation and biogas production from waste biomass

Presented research findings at conferences and workshops, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the academic community.

Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.

LAB ASSISTANT 07/2010 to 09/2012

Medical Center Port Authority of Douala/Cameroon

Enhanced patient care by maintaining accurate records of lab results and communicating with medical professionals.

Improved laboratory efficiency by streamlining sample processing and data entry procedures.

Administered tests to determine the function of a patient's immune system

Performed blood analysis of patients

Reduced turnaround time for test results by prioritizing tasks and working efficiently in a high-volume environment.

Maintained a clean work environment by following strict sanitation protocols, reducing the risk of contamination or cross-contamination between samples.

Prepared laboratory samples for analysis and performed data entry for accurate reporting.

QUALITY CONTROL ANALYST 10/2013 to 10/2014

Chococam/Cameroon

Assisted microbiologists' group in troubleshooting issues on product quality resulting from microbiological contamination

Enhanced product quality by conducting thorough analyses and implementing corrective actions.

Initiated and drove projects with Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to optimize product quality

Improved overall production efficiency by identifying and resolving quality control issues.

Reduced customer complaints with consistent monitoring of products for adherence to company standards.

Created and collaborated in the implementation and maintenance of the customer complaint log.

Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and translate this information into developing next-generation scientific instrumentation.

Identify, champion, and develop new scientific ideas while advising on existing research and development activities.

EDUCATION

University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Ph.D., Molecular Biology and Genetics Expected in 08/2024

Dissertation: Inner and Outer Membrane Metabolism of Chlorobaculum tepidum

University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Master's in business administration, 08/2024

West Virginia State University, Institute, WV

Master of Science, Biotechnology, 12/2017

Thesis: Measuring Stability and Resilience in Thermophilic Anaerobic Microbiome

University of Douala/Cameroon, West Africa

Master of Science, Biochemistry, 11/2013

Thesis: Enzymes Activity During the Fermentation of Starch from Maize

University of Douala/Cameroon

Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, 10/2012

Thesis: Chemical Analysis of Palm Oil at different stages of the Production

PRESENTATIONS

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Gordon Research Conference, Massachusetts, 07/16/2023, Assessing the role of Chlorobaculum tepidum Outer Membrane Vesicles in sulfur globule metabolism, Vadesse L. Noundou, Thomas E. Hanson

American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 06/20/2019, Xenobiotic Degradation Pathways in the Sediment Microbiome of an Industrialized Appalachian River Are Similar to Upland Sites in the Watershed, Vadesse Lhilhi Noundou, Andrielle Larissa Kemajou Tchamba, Olushola D. Awoyemi, Jesus E. Chavarria-Palma, Ifeoma R. Ugwuanyi, Sridhar A. Malkaram, Amir Hass, David H. Huber

Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 08/2018, Experimental Tests of Methanogenic Microbiome Resilience Following Resource Induced Stress in Model Bioreactors, Vadesse Lhilhi Noundou, David H. Huber, Teodoro Espinosa-Solares, Emmanuel Chavarria-Palma, Sridhar A. Malkaram, Natalia A. Montenegro-Garcia, Ifeoma R. Ugwuanyi

PUBLICATIONS

Net Ecosystem Production of a River Relying on Hydrology, Hydrodynamics and Water Quality Monitoring Stations, Water, 12.3, 2020, Rojano, Fernando, David H. Huber, Ifeoma R. Ugwuanyi, Vadesse L. Noundou, Andrielle Larissa Kemajou-Tchamba, and Jesus E. Chavarria-Palma

Metagenomes of Sediment from a Recovering Industrialized Appalachian River, West Virginia, Genome Announcement journals, David H. Huber, I.R Ugwuanyi, Natalia Montenegro, Vadesse L. Noundou, Emmanuel Chavarria

Metagenome of a Thermophilic Anaerobic Digester Adapted to a Low C/N Ratio, High Ammonia Feedstock (Poultry Litter), Genome Announcement journals, David Huber, Jesus Chavarria- Garcia, Vadesse L. Noundou, Ifeoma Ugwuanyi, Teodoro Espinosa-Solares

LANGUAGES

French

Full Professional

REFERENCES

Available upon request

LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

Demonstrated ability to lead research teams and organize complex projects.

Proven track record of building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and collaborators.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.

Contact this candidate