Molecular Technologist II - Sonic Healthcare USA - Rye Brook, NY
(2021-09 - 2026-04)
Molecular Technologist II, November 2023 - April 2026. Molecular Technologist I, September 2021 - November 2023. Under minimal supervision, responsibilities included extraction of samples, scraping slides, quantification of DNA and RNA concentrations, creation of NGS sheets, and maintaining experimental, QA, and QC logs.
- Extraction of between 180-270 FNA samples daily using the Roche MagNa Pure 96. Maintained instruments. Performed validation and concordance tests.
- Scraping slides (PAP, Diff-Quik, FFPE, etc.) of 12-24 cases daily in preparation for extraction using Qiagen's QIAcube and the Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo Prime.
- Quantification of DNA and RNA concentrations using the GloMax® Discover Microplate Reader.
- Creation NGS sheets for the library prep.
- Maintaining experimental, QA, and QC logs. Proficient in writing QA reports.
- Trained and experience operating the following instruments: Applied Biosystems MiniAmp Thermal Cycler, Tecan Freedom EVO®, Qiagen QIAgility, ThermoFisher Ion Chef System, and ThermoFisher Ion GeneStudio S5 System.
- Proficient in trouble shooting and programming the instruments used to the Pre-Amplification workflow.
- Experience editing and updating SOPs. Experience training new hires SOP and workflows.
Molecular Technologist - CareMount Medical, now Optum - Mount Kisco, NY
(2022-08 - 2024-10)
- Independently operated, maintained, and troubleshot the Hologic Panther Fusion System.
- Aptima Combo 2® CT/NG Assay (Simultaneously detects Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG))
- Aptima Mycoplasma genitalium Assay (detects Mycoplasma genitalium)
- Aptima Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV) 1 & 2 Assay (detects and differentiates between Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and type 2)
- Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis Assay (detects Trichomonas vaginalis)
- Aptima BV Assay (detects Lactobacillus species, Gardnerella vaginalis, and Atopobium vaginae)
- Aptima CV/TV Assay (diagnoses both Candida vaginitis and Trichomoniasis)
- Aptima HPV 16 18/45 Genotype Assay (Detects HPV genotypes 16, and 18 or 45)
- Aptima Mycoplasma genitalium assay (detects characteristically low M. gen bacterial loads)
- Aptima SARS-CoV-2.
- Operated LIS software, upload results.
- Volume was approximately 200 samples per shift.
Laboratory Operations Associate - Tempus Labs - Chicago, IL
(2021-05 - 2021-09)
Supported the operations of the Extraction Laboratory, the Pre-PCR, post-PCR, and Modeling laboratories in a fast-paced environment.
- Supported the operations of the Extraction Laboratory, the Pre-PCR, post-PCR, and Modeling laboratories.
- In a fast-paced environment, I transported oncology patient samples of FFPE blocks and fresh whole blood samples to the Histology team and the Extraction team, respectively.
- Maintained, organized, and catalogued blood, plasma, and nucleic acid samples in the freezer farm. Samples were tracked electronically using a bar-coding inventory system.
- Prepared slide folders to be scanned in the imaging lab.
- Disposed of biohazard waste for all the laboratories in the facility.
Molecular Technologist - Tempus Labs - Chicago, IL
(2020-04 - 2021-05)
Worked in a cutting-edge clinical laboratory to support next-generation sequencing workflow with rapid turnaround times.
- Extracted DNA and RNA from various tumor and normal tissue sources that were formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE).
- Methods include microdissection of FFPE samples on slides, deparaffination, and nucleic acid extraction using the Perkin Elmer Chemagic 360 Nucleic Acid Extractor.
- Perform manual blood fractionation for the Tempus xT oncology assay and xF liquid biopsy assays.
- Trained in Library Prep, PCR, and operating the Illumina miSeq.
- Trained to quantitate nucleic acid concentrations using the Biotek Citation 5 and Biotek Synergy H1 instruments.
- Assisted processing samples in the SARS-CoV-2 lab. Volume exceeded 5,000 swab samples per day.
- Tracked workflow using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMs).
- Maintain CLIA/CAP compliance.
Research Biologist, Contract - Centers for Disease Control - Chicago, IL
(2004 - 2004)
Research Biologist in the BIOWATCH team. Implemented serological, microbiological, and molecular techniques to rapidly identify, characterize, and determine bioterrorism threats of bacterial and virological agents which may cause highly lethal diseases. Tested over 1000 samples for presence of various bioterrorism agents.
- B. anthracis (Anthrax)
- Brucella spp. (Brucellosis, Malta fever, Bang's disease)
- Burkholderia pseudomallei (Melioidosis, also called Whitmore's disease)
- Francisella tularensis (Tularemia)
- Yersinia pestis (Plague)
- Variola virus (Smallpox)
- Ricin
- Techniques included DNA extraction, real-time PCR using the ABI 7000 sequence Detection System, implementation of the Roche Molecular Biochemicals LightCycler. Prepared MicroAmp Optical 96 Well Reaction Plates using LightCycler FastStart DNA Master Hybridization.
- Operated the MagNA Pure LC.
- Received daily air filter samples which to test for bioterrorism agents. Diligently followed chain-of-custody documentation procedures. Processed samples in sterile hood using aseptic technique and followed Laboratory Response Network (LRN) procedures. Adhered to Biosafety Level Procedures and Protocols.
- Performed quality control (QC) maintenance of instruments.
Research Technologist - The University of Chicago Medical Center - Chicago, IL
(2001 - 2002)
Investigated whether lymphocytes transduced with genes for CEA specific T cell receptors will recognize and kill CEA expressing tumors in vitro and in an animal model of human adenocarcinoma.
- Performed experiments using techniques such as cell culture, Elisa, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, Sanger sequencing, and bacterial growth.
- Managed laboratory. Maintained budget and supplies.
- Recorded, organized, and interpreted experimental data.
Research Technician - The Population Council - New York, NY
(2000 - 2001)
Researched and developed the main contraceptive "MENT" (7a-methyl-19-nortestosterone).
- Performed experiments using laboratory techniques such as protein/DNA/RNA isolation, rt PCR, gel electrophoresis, and western blotting.
- Supervised and trained a summer volunteer high school student.
- Recorded, organized, and interpreted experimental data.
- Ordered supplies, prepared stock solutions.
