SARAH K. WILLEMS
FORT COLLINS, CO 80526
MOBILE 262-***-**** •
EMAIL *********@*****.***
PROFILE
Professional Analytical Chemist with over twelve years of experience in the laboratory. Motivated, highly personable individual with a career history in a fast-paced GMP lab environment
WORK HISTORY
R&D Chemist II
Hach Company Loveland CO
Since March 2008
Develop chemical products and product applications with some supervision and guidance in the design and test of various analytical equipment, subassemblies, and chemical formulations for use with Hach's analytical systems for water analysis. Duties involve work that is performed in a wet chemical analytical laboratory. Laboratory work is focused on sustaining existing products as well as developing new wet chemical methods or electrochemical methods for water analysis. Responsibilities also include development of new applications for existing products. Interaction with Operations and Marketing staff during manufacturing and commercialization of new products and new product application is common. Familiar with Six Sigma quality management tools and methods.
ACE Award October 2010; Earned for successful achievement of outstanding results through demonstration of the Danaher Core Competencies.
Speed-racer Award May 2010; Earned for being highly efficient and productive while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail for a Mid-range Chlorine Test Calibration.
Achieved AWWA Level One Water Operator certification April 2010.
Associate Analytical Chemist
Abbott laboratories
Abbott Park, IL
June 2002 – March 2008
Wrote scientific reports, training documentation, and summarize data and results. Developed, validated and authored analytical methods. Utilization of various HPLC systems (Agilent, Waters and Thermo Systems), GC, UV, KF, FTIR, TPW (robot), pH, conductivity, LOD, and dissolution instrumentation. Utilization of Atlas, Peakpro, Beckman, Millenium chromatography software, LIMS, and Microsoft Office. Managed sister lab in Galway, Ireland (August -October 2005). Assisted in hiring and training new laboratory personnel. Maintained daily laboratory functions. Familiar with Six Sigma quality management tools and methods.
Acted as a GMP lab leader and serve on the GMP team implementing and maintaining proper chemical hygiene by conducting lab audits, etc.
Quality Cavalry Award 2002, a team achievement award for demonstrating excellent teamwork to achieve a common goal.
Clari Testing Lab Team Achievement Award 2003 in celebrating achievement in Operations.
Quality Spot Award, Novemeber 7, 2003 for extraordinary quality in achieving a record month in test charge hours in October.
Quality Spot Award, February 19, 2004 for extraordinary quality in testing for a market release.
On the Spot Award, September 1, 2006 for accepting on short an assignment to travel to Galway Ireland to provide analytical support and training.
On the Spot Award, February 22, 2008 for contribution to the manufacture of primary stability lots.
Earlier positions, Abbott laboratories
Assistant Scientist: June 2004 – January 2007
Senior Lab Technician & Technician II: June 2002 – March 2004
Chemist
Bell laboratories Madison, WI
March 1999 – June 2002
Conducted research on new chemical products and ran routine chemical analyses according to GLP, EPA and FDA guidelines. Coordinated the daily activities of the chemistry lab, advised personnel on matters of a chemical and/or scientific nature, performed routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and maintained responsibility for restricted areas, codes and keys. Extended the analytical abilities of the department during periods of high sample volume.
Optimization of synthesis methods and scaling for manufacturing.
Formulation and method development of new products.
Laboratory Technician
S.C. Johnson Wax Racine, WI
June 1995 – March 1999
Part-time employee contract (full-time summers) of S.C. Johnson through Olsten Staffing Services. Performed general laboratory duties, experiments and analysis, processed paperwork and compiled flow-charts. Conducted extensive laboratory research, development and analysis in support of S.C. Johnson's candle technology, which produced sales of 137 million dollars in fiscal 1997. Designed and performed experiments for dyes, fragrances, waxes, and candle additives. Performed stability burns and safety evaluations.
Trained summer interns and resident lab technicians on candle procedures
EDUCATION
December, 1998
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI
Bachelors of Science in Biology Bachelors of Science in Chemistry
GPA: 3.4, 171 total credits
Recipient of the 1998 Analytical Chemistry Student of the Year Award