Quality Control Project Management

Naira V.

Margaryan

Tel: 224-***-****

Email: ************@*****.***

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naira-margaryan-733298193/ PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Margaryan+N Residency: Chicago, IL (U.S. Citizen)

Dynamic, results-oriented lab manager with more than 30 years in histopathology across clinical and research settings. Proven record in managing high-performing histology departments, with a deep proficiency in cancer research, both in vitro and in vivo models. Demonstrated excellence in histology project management, quality control (QC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), training technicians within a Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) environment, overseeing operations, and evaluating equipment. Recognized for optimizing operational workflows, driving innovation, and producing high-quality slides and digital images for publication. Seeking a leadership role to leverage extensive expertise and drive advancement in laboratory research and histological practices.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:

• Skilled in accurately documenting and validating pending diagnostic cases.

• Played an instrumental role in designing a new, state-of-the-art histopathology laboratory for Global Pathology Services, in collaboration with project architects.

• Established and managed high-efficiency Research Histology labs, with a focus on optimizing one- piece workflow, equipment evaluation, and operational oversight to enhance quality outcomes, productivity, and accuracy.

• Strong expertise in histology and histopathology, including advanced complex tissue grossing, processing, paraffin embedding, sectioning, routine and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.

• Identified and resolved technical issues affecting turnaround times and test performance leading to significant cost savings.

• Deep knowledge of Quality Control protocols, including thorough review of tissue sections, staining techniques, and trimming notes, ensuring a high standard of histological preparations.

• Expertise in cancer research by developing in vitro and in vivo models, focusing on tumor invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, establishing xenografts, screening of novel anti-tumor drugs, developing of anti-cancer immunotherapy, and scoring oncological markers after immunohistochemical procedures.

• Proficient in preparing high-quality digital images suitable for scientific publications.

• Experienced in monitoring compliance with safety protocols and regulations, including hazardous material and chemical waste management, to maintain a safe laboratory environment. TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Immunoassays: IHC, ELISA

• Small animal models and techniques

• Multiple cell cultures

• Light and confocal microscopy

• Molecular biology techniques: RNA, DNA isolation

• MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, NovoPath, LYNXX, NetSuite WORK EXPERIENCE:

Director, Histology (2023 – Present), Frontage Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, IL

• Designed a new state-of-the-art histopathology laboratory in collaboration with project architects.

• Directed a team of 9 technicians, including necropsy, specimen collection, accessioning, trimming, processing, embedding, sectioning, and conducting routine staining for histopathological analysis.

• Implemented study research protocols through careful assessment and consideration.

• Communicated effectively with study pathologists, study directors, study supervisors, and QA auditors to coordinate workflow, address concerns, and ensure timely delivery of results.

• Provided clear instructions and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Performed quality control (QC) procedures to improve quality of work.

• Designed and optimized process flow to improve tissue fixation while minimizing loss and damage.

• Wrote new and updated existing SOPs and laboratory policies.

• Maintained knowledge of and enforced safety and disaster response policies and procedures.

• Evaluated employee quality metrics, competency, and work performance.

• Managed expenses leading to significant cost savings to support departmental goals.

• Participated in developing a “Training Guide” for technicians. Sr. Lab Team Lead III (2020 – 2023) / Acting supervisor and Clinical Laboratory Instructor (2022 – 2023), Department of Histopathology, IDEXX Laboratories, Elmhurst, IL

• Assigned daily work to the team of 19 technicians, including accessioning, grossing, processing, embedding, sectioning, and conducting routine and special stain for histopathological tests.

• Trained technicians in various histology and grossing skills, including using a bone-saw.

• Coached technicians in understanding SOPs.

• Resolved issues with pending cases and tissue processing to reduce turnaround time.

• Reduced rework and recurring errors through effective error-prevention strategies. Director of Research Histology Service, Senior Research Scientist (2016 – 2019), Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University Research Corporation, Morgantown, WV

• Worked closely with scientists to find the precise histological approach to their projects.

• Tested novel humanized targeted antibody-based therapy (embryonic morphogen stem cell marker, Nodal, along with its combination of well-established standard-of-care therapy) to treat human melanoma and breast cancer in experimental animal models (nude mice). Adjunct Science Assistant Professor (2016 – 2017), Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV

• Trained students in basic histology and in the concept of IHC. Director of Research Histology Core (2009 – 2016), Children’s Research Institute, Chicago, IL

• Established and operated Research Histology Core. Research Scientist (2004 – 2016), Department of Cancer Biology & Epigenomics, Children's Memorial Research Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL

• Designed and executed experiments with the xenograft models (nude mice) that use human cancer cell lines (melanoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer).

• Analyzed experimental data and generated statistical reports.

• Managed lab inventory.

Postdoctoral Fellow (2001 – 2004), Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (Laboratory of Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix)

• Worked with human cell culture including melanoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

• Molecular biology techniques: RNA and DNA isolation.

• Provided support to scientists.

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. in Histology (1997) – L.A.Orbeli Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan, Armenia

D.V.M. – Doctor Veterinary Medicine (Diploma with Honors) (1986) – Yerevan Zootechnical Veterinary Institute, Yerevan, Armenia

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