Quality Assurance Laboratory Operations

Christopher Smith

Gainesville, GA 678-***-**** *******@*******.*** www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-smith-2b894223 https://bold.pro

Professional Summary

Quality-focused and analytical Microbiologist with 15+ years of experience designing research experiments, overseeing laboratory operations, and conducting quality assurance checks while specializing in pathogen detection, disinfection studies, and environmental microbiology. Proven ability to drive laboratory excellence and uphold scientific integrity by devising SOPs, cross-training staff members, and performing internal audits. Skilled in molecular techniques, such as RT-PCR, PFGE, and IMS, as well as advanced microbiological testing methodologies for bacterial and viral pathogens.

Work Experience

Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network Gainesville, GA

Senior Special Projects Manager August 2024 – January 2025

Streamline laboratory processes by leading cross-training between departments and offering assistance regarding special projects, such as validation studies

Spearhead 5 high-impact projects related to laboratory operations

Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network Gainesville, GA

Laboratory Resources Manager January 2020 – August 2024

Cross-trained 6 technicians to assist in all departments, including Serology, Bacteriology, Virology, and Necropsy, enabling the effective management of workload during short-staffed shifts and larger-than-routine sample loads

Supervised receiving operations, including verifying LIMS data accuracy while revising SOPs and handling staff coverage to expedite sample testing and meet critical turnaround times

Ordered necessary supplies, maintained equipment/service contracts, and tracked preventive maintenance efforts while overseeing the Histology department, addressing case-related inquiries, and organizing sample slide filings

Served on the Quality committee and as the OSHA outreach trainer, leading the company-wide safety program and making sure equipment calibrations remained correct

Promote a safety-first culture by organizing an annual safety day training comprising presentations and interactive activities highlighting the importance of safety within the laboratory

Food Safety Net Services Tucker, GA

Senior Microbiologist October 2013 – December 2019

Conducted precise testing and analysis for indicator organisms and pathogens to promptly report any deviations to Lab Management and ensure accuracy in all project deliverables

Utilized advanced aseptic and microbiological techniques for daily sample preparation and analysis, maintaining stringent quality controls to support reliable research outcomes

Interpreted qualitative results by applying critical judgment and initiating further testing to validate findings, while communicating test results, including pathogenic confirmations in a transparent and professional manner

Managed laboratory inventory by reporting supplies needed for testing protocols to enable operational continuity

Performed preventive maintenance duties, including daily cleaning/sanitizing of equipment and proper trash disposal while monitoring incubator temperatures and media controls for quality assurance

Standardized laboratory operations and supported technician development by assisting with the development and revision of SOPs and serving as a resource for approx 10-12 junior technicians

Engaged in root cause analyses and initiated corrective/preventive actions to mitigate issues and improve processes

Maintained stock cultures to preserve microbial strains for accurate testing, research, and quality control

Progressed professional development by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and staying aware of industry trends/issues while completing internal/external proficiency testing to enhance lab competencies

University of Georgia Center for Food Safety Griffin, GA

Research Technician III May 2006 – September 2013

Detected foodborne pathogens, such as E. coli 0157:H7, L. Monocytogenes, and Salmonella alongside viruses, including noroviruses and Hepatitis A to prevent contamination and disinfect foods, soils, and environmental surfaces

Performed bacterial enumeration, viral assays, and contamination analysis by using spiral plating, fecal coliform testing, pH/moisture analysis, and other microbiological techniques

Supported pathogen identification and contamination assessments in food safety and microbiological research by applying chemical and molecular procedures, such as PFGE, IMS, volatile acid analysis, and RT-PCR

Participated in laboratory meetings and journal clubs to discuss scientific literature, strengthening expertise in Parasitology, Virology, and Biochemistry while fostering collaboration and research-driven decision-making

Skills

Microbiological Testing & Pathogen Detection, Food Safety & Quality, Molecular & Chemical Analysis, Team Leadership

Internal Auditing, Research Design, Scientific Writing, Experimental Protocols, Safety Compliance, Analysis & Reporting

Projects

Disinfecting Treatments for Norovirus & Salmonella on Contaminated Produce, Food Contact Surfaces & Gloves

Carried out all experimental protocols, including appropriate controls for disinfectant, neutralization, cytotoxicity, and virus culture after designing and testing different disinfection methods using common and novel solutions

Measured, mixed, and formulated chemical solutions required for conducting the experiments, including testing chlorine, pH, and oxidation-reduction potential to determine the strength and efficacy of chemical disinfectants

Quantified viral particles and counted bacterial colonies in Salmonella culture to record results in MS Excel database

Survival of Salmonella & Human Norovirus Surrogates in Organic/Conventional Soils of Diff Carbon Amendments

Directed the 6-month project, including keeping soil moisture at 40% of water-holding capacity and using an environmental chamber to compare survival in differing soil amendments, pathogen inoculums, and moisture levels

Applied microbiological plating techniques to quantify and accurately record the number of surviving Salmonella colonies at different time points while tracking murine norovirus persistence in soil

Survival of E. coli O157:H7 & Salmonella in Broiler Litter-Based Compost Piles Amended with Peanut Hulls

Prepared growth media and performed analyses, including pH, moisture, and microbial studies while using serial dilution plating and culture enrichment to quantify and track concentrations of the bacteria

Calculated appropriate carbon-to-nitrogen ratios by analyzing moisture content and percent carbon as well as collecting necessary components for composting, including broiler litter and peanut hulls

Technical Proficiencies

Laboratory Software: LIMS

Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

Laboratory Testing: Bacterial Enumeration, Viral Assays, Contamination Analysis, pH & Moisture Analysis, Aseptic & Microbiological Techniques, Fecal Coliform Testing

Molecular & Chemical Analysis: Electrophoresis, IMS, Volatile Acid Analysis, RT-PCR, Oxidation-Reduction Potential

Quality Control & Compliance: FSNS Policies

Education & Professional Development

Bachelor of Science in Biology North Georgia College & State University, Graduated Cum Laude

Associate of Science in Biology Gordon College, Graduated Magna Cum Laude

FSNS Leadership Development Program

Multiple Fred Pryor Leadership Seminars & Courses

Multiple OSHA outreach courses including OSHA 501 trainer course

Publications

Erickson, M.C., Smith, C., Jiang, X., Flitcroft, I.D., & Doyle, M.P. (2015). Manure source and age affect the survival of zoonotic pathogens during aerobic composting at sublethal temperatures. Journal of Food Protection, 78(2), 302–310. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-14-288

Erickson, M.C., Smith, C., Jiang, X., Flitcroft, I.D., & Doyle, M.P. (2015). Survival of Salmonella or Escherichia coli O157:H7 during holding of manure-based compost mixtures at sublethal temperatures as influenced by the carbon amendment. Journal of Food Protection, 78(2), 248–255. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-14-289

Bolton, S.L., Roache, K.F., Smith, C.B., Kotwal, G., & Cannon, J.L. (2012). Disinfecting treatments for norovirus-contaminated food-contact surfaces and gloves. Norocore Presentation, Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, The University of Georgia, November 7, 2012.

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