Lab Manager Operations - Histology

Naira V. Margaryan

Tel: 224-***-**** Email: ************@*****.*** zip code: 60191

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naira-margaryan-733298193 PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Margaryan+N Dynamic, results-driven laboratory manager with 30+ years of experience in histopathology across clinical and research laboratories. Proven expertise in histology laboratory management, workflow optimization, and GLP compliance. Skilled in Quality Control (QC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), technician training, equipment evaluation, and digital pathology. Specializes in oncological marker analysis, in vitro and in vivo models, and xenograft models. Demonstrated success in implementing innovative solutions that enhanced operational efficiency and research outcomes. SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Established and led high-efficiency Research Histology laboratories, optimizing workflow, evaluating equipment, and overseeing operations for productivity, quality, and cost saving.

• Led the design of a state-of-the-art histopathology laboratory in collaboration with architects for Global Pathology Services.

• Improved turnaround times by 40% by identifying and resolving technical issues in histology workflows.

• Deep knowledge of Histology Quality Control (QC) protocols, including thorough review of tissue sections, staining, and trimming notes, ensuring a high standard of histological preparations while accurately documenting and validating pending diagnostic cases.

• Expert in cancer research, developing in vitro and in vivo models, establishing xenografts, studying tumor invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, screening novel anti-tumor drugs, developing anti-cancer immunotherapy, and analyzing oncological markers via IHC.

• Expert in digital pathology, preparing high-quality images for scientific publications.

• Trained and mentored histology technicians, enhancing lab efficiency and technical competency.

• Managed laboratory safety and compliance, overseeing chemical waste handling and hazardous material management.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Consultant, Histology 1/2025 – Present

Pet Preferred Diagnostics, LLC, Alpharetta, GA

• Providing pro bono consultation on designing a veterinary histopathology lab, optimizing workflow, efficiency, and alignment with the company’s specific needs. Director, Histology 9/2023 – 10/2024

Frontage Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, IL

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

• Managed a team of 9 technicians in necropsy, tissue collection, accessioning, tissue trimming, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining for histopathological analysis.

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

• Optimized tissue fixation processes, minimizing sample loss and damage.

• Effectively communicated with study directors, pathologists, supervisors, and QA auditors to optimize workflow, address concerns, and ensure timely results while implementing preclinical research study protocols in compliance with GLP and client requirements.

• Authored and updated SOPs and laboratory policies, ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Evaluated quality metrics, competency, and work performance.

• Participated in developing a “Training Guide” to standardize technical skills and practices.

• Managed lab inventory, cost-saving initiatives, and employee performance evaluations. Senior Laboratory Team Lead III Acting Supervisor, Histopathology 2/2020 – 5/2023 IDEXX Laboratories, Elmhurst, IL

• Supervised a team of 19 technicians, overseeing accessioning, tissue grossing, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining for diagnostic tests.

• Trained technicians in histology techniques, including bone-saw usage and grossing.

• Employed process improvements, reducing errors and turnaround time for pending cases.

• Standardized and validated laboratory equipment procedures, improving test accuracy. Director, Research Histology Service Senior Research Scientist 9/2016 – 2/2020 West Virginia University Research Corporation, Morgantown, WV

• Established and operated a Research Histology Core, providing high-quality histological services for diverse research projects.

• Partnered with scientists to develop tailored histological approaches for their research projects.

• Tested and evaluated novel humanized targeted antibody-based therapies (embryonic morphogen stem cell marker, Nodal along with its combination of standard-of-care therapy) for treating human melanoma and breast cancer using xenograft models (nude mice).

• Trained students in histological techniques and IHC applications, enhancing their research. OTHER RELATED EXPERIENCE

Director, Research Histology Core Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 1/2009 – 9/2016 Research Scientist Department of Cancer Biology, Lab. of Dr. Mary Hendrix, Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 4/2004 – 9/2016 Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lab. of Dr. Mary Hendrix, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 3/2001 – 4/2004

EDUCATION

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

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

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Immunoassays: IHC, ELISA Microscopy: Light, confocal, LCM

• Molecular biology: RNA/DNA techniques, cell cultures

• Software: MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop/ Illustrator, PowerPoint, NovoPath, LYNXX, NetSuite

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