R & D, Grant writing, Research, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing
Resume:
Caleb Sàwè
Farmer City, IL United States
**********@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-sawe-26101b126
ABOUT
Scientist Product Development R&D Innovation
Experienced and driven scientist with over 5 years in laboratory and R&D, specializing in microbial fermentation, cell culture, and
chemical formulation across lab and industrial settings. Combines strong analytical expertise with hands-on method development,
validation, and transfer in compliance-driven environments, including CMOs. Known for cross-functional collaboration, workflow
optimization, and effective communication across diverse teams. Brings a process-minded approach to management, consistently
delivering high-impact results in fast-paced development cycles.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant
February 2025- Date
Cropsmith Inc., Farmer City, IL
• Carried out nitrogen and nitrates analysis of various soil samples using Solum NWN Testing equipment and ISNT.
• Initiated workflow efficiency by adjusting working areas after identifying opportunities for improvement.
• managed lab activities, calibrated equipment, and maintained a clean lab environment in compliance with cGMPs,
SOPs and regulatory requirements using 6S and Kaizen principles.
• Performed and assisted in-field activities in local and out-of-town research plots including, soil sampling, planting, and
Fertilizer spreading.
• Assisted with research projects ranging from fertilizer efficacy testing to chemical and bioadjuvant testing.
•Gained hands on experience in heavy machinery use-tractors and forklifts
Research and Development Chemist
January 2024- January 2025
Sigan America LLC., Ottawa, IL
• Executed lab and pilot scale experiments employing fermentation control principles to develop a pipeline of safe and effective
cosmetic formulations (including OTC products) enabling seamless lab-plant scaling to commercial production.
• Initiated and encouraged team to improve workflow efficiency after identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinated lab preparation for routine safety audits and maintained a clean lab environment in compliance with cGMPs,
SOPs and regulatory requirements using 6S and Kaizen principles.
• Designed and documented standard procedures for water supply maintenance, decreasing product contamination by 30%.
• Documented experiments and prepared reports with statistical analyses on experimental data to update supervisors.
•Applied chemical compatibility principles and raw material analysis to predict final product texture, viscosity, and stability.
•Partnered with cross-functional teams (regulatory, QA, production) to scale innovations from lab- to commercial scale.
•Navigated product documentation, customer feedback loops, and IP boundaries to deliver consumer-centric solutions.
•Proactively employed sensory tests to ensure product performance aligned with brand and consumer usage insights.
• Led technical problem-solving for formulation challenges, proposing investigative test plans to identify root causes and process improvements.
Graduate Research Assistant
August 2021- December 2023
Martin Engelke Lab
Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL
• Grew mammalian cells using fed-batch system applying fermentation control technology principles.
• Mentored and trained junior team members (undergraduate researchers) with hands-on coaching.
• Offered initiative-taking support in creating standardized protocol for analysis of raw image data, streamlining a critical
analysis step and optimizing workflow.
• Implemented electronic lab notebook system for research documentation, facilitating effortless reporting of experimental
findings across multiple devices and reducing data retrieval time by 75%.
• Self-initiated automation of crucial step in ciliation rescue assay protocol, increasing data processing speed by 500%.
• Independently analyzed over 2000 cells for a project using MS Excel and GraphPad Prism, generating 2 publications.
WORK EXPERIENCE (continued)
Undergraduate Intern
April 2016 - October 2016
Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Nigeria
•Operated lab-scale fermentation vessels for solid state and liquid state fermentation, contributing to the development of fermentation conditions and enhancing process efficiency.
• Gained experience in microbial metabolite and microorganism-based sustainable production, recovery and purification from
fermentation vessels.
• Supported lab functions and contributed to the development of fermentation conditions.
• Assisted in culturing microorganisms with metabolites of interest, including filamentous fungi, using aseptic techniques,
improving microbial screening accuracy by 80-90%.
•Carried out regular lab maintenance activities in accordance with 6S principles, improving lab maintenance efficiency by 30%.
EDUCATION (with dates)
1.M.S. Biological Sciences-Bioenergy Concentration
August 2021- December 2023
Illinois State University, Normal IL, USA
GPA: 3.89/4.0 (97.25%)
2.Coursework towards M. Tech. in Microbiology- Environmental Concentration
January 2021- July 2021
Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
3.B. Tech. Microbiology
November 2012- March 2018
Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
CGPA: 3.77/4.0 (94.25%)
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1.Cosmetic Production
Cosmetic & OTC Product Development, Emulsion & Encapsulation Formulation, Product Stability & Sensory Analysis, Technology Transfer & Scale-Up, Raw Material Compatibility, Consumer Trend Integration, Regulatory & IP Considerations
2.Microscopy
Bifocal Light microscope for Live imaging of cells, Cytometry, Multi-channel tracking Epi-Florescence microscopy
3.Biochemical Assay and Laboratory Equipment
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, FT-IR, Nanodrop spectrophotometer, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis Chromatogram, PH Meter, Microfuge, Rheometer, Overhead Mixers, Hot plates
4.Statistical Analysis
Proficient in statistical design and results analysis using similar software, MS Excel, R studio, GraphPad Prism
5.Digital Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Graphics, Python (Beginner), and ELN systems.
6.Communication and Teamwork
Public speaking, technical writing, documentation and data presentation, ability to work effectively within a team and promote oneness.
7.Management
Able to manage time effectively, coordinate tasks using priority lists, multitask and adapt to changing priorities on-the-go.
CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAININGS
CGxP -2025
Quality Management Foundations, 2024
Lean Six Sigma Foundations, 2024
AWARDS/ ACHIEVEMENTS (most recent)
1.ISU University Club Scholarship Award for Leadership and service, 2023
2.Weigel Research Grant Award, 2023
3.Phi Sigma Poster Presentation Award, 2023
4.Bird Feeder Grant Award, September 2022
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1.Physical stamina and agility, ability to lift over 50 lbs and stand for 5+ hours of the workday.
2.Strong desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment.
3.Willingness to relocate and start work immediately.
REFERENCES
Available upon request
Contact this candidate