Jameka Jefferson

Professional scientist with comprehensive experience in laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, and advanced analytical techniques. In-depth knowledge of standard operating protocols and problem-solving. Strong focus on team collaboration, ensuring reliable and consistent results.

Flexible and adaptable to accommodate business needs, with expertise in quality control, data analysis, and safety protocols. Known for precision, reliability, and effective communication in high-producing environments.

Lead Laboratory Technician - California Cryobank Life Sciences - Fountain Valley, CA

(2024-01 - 2026-01)

Evaluation of semen to generate marketable vials for clinical use. Quality Control of laboratory operations.

Research Associate - Sanmed Diagnostics - Simi Valley, CA

(2023-01 - 2023-11)

Utilization of Gastric cancer probes for Chromosomes 7q, 15q, 20p, 20q, and 21q on white blood cells to mimic clinical samples: Quantitative analysis of semen based on sperm count/motility, volume, pH, viscosity, and agglutination using microscopy

• Categorized vials as premium, T3, or T4 during post-thaws analysis
• Released 4261 premium vials for 2025 fiscal year for customer purchasing
• Averaged 2.89 premium vials at a satellite branch whereas other branches averaged 2.64
• Directed laboratory activities, implementing safety measures and quality controls to uphold industry standards
• Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency and reduced turnaround times
• Trained and mentored junior technicians on best practices and laboratory procedures
• Conducted regular equipment maintenance and calibration to ensure optimal performance
• Engaged in ongoing dialogue with other departments to provide specimen quality updates needed for marketable vial
• Conducted audits of laboratory practices, identifying areas for improvement in compliance with regulatory standards
• Tested in-house DNA probes with Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) to detect specific nucleotide sequences
• Evaluated cell viability on various hybridization buffers to optimize probe making
• Investigated numerous DNA probes associated with trisomy chromosome 18 and 21 to optimal probe performance
• Developed two color probe mix with Chr 20 p and q to target nuclei in white blood cells

Laboratory Technician Level II - modMD, California Department of Public Health Branch Laboratory (CDPH) - Venice, CA

(2022-04 - 2023-01)

Molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in patient samples to provide same day results for film and television industry:

• Streamlined sample processing for faster turnaround times, resulting in improved customer satisfaction
• Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures
• Conducted routine equipment maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and reducing downtime
• Administered COVID-19 antigen test via zoom
• Swabbed patients for antigen SARS-CoV-2, influenza A + B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Strep A
• Accessioned samples into a 384 well PCR Batch and transferred individual samples to 96-well plate using Freedom EVO-2 Tecan liquid handler
• Executed viral RNA extraction with King FisherFlex instrumentation (magnetic bead technology)
• Completed reverse transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction on COVID-19 samples using COVID-19 RT-PCR multiplex assay
• Formulated 25 copies/ uL of COVID-19 positive control from TaqPath COVID-19 (1 x 10 ^4 copies/uL)
• Analyzed RT-PCR data using COVID-19 Interpretive Software to generate patient results via Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Delegated COVID-19 positive patient results with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
• Implemented monthly environmental wipe test on high touch surfaces to monitor contamination
• Executed preparation of extraction mastermix and stock solutions for nucleic acid extraction, integrating reconstituted proteinase K, poly(A) RNA, and SARS-CoV-2 internal control to enhance assay reliability
• Managed the operation of Janus G3 liquid handler for efficient transfer of wet and dry swab samples into 96-well plate configuration
• Implemented extraction of viral DNA/RNA with magnetic beads, adhering to Chemagic 360 instructions for optimal results
• Produced retest export files with LIMC to retest specific clinical samples from numerous plate sources
• Executed inactivation of live virus through hydration of dry swabs using 3 M lysis buffer, employing both manual and automated techniques
• Mentored new technologists to operate Janus Reformatter liquid handler and Chemagic 360
• Navigated Laboratory Integrated Management California (LIMC) to review and upload Janus Comma Separated Values (CSV) export files to generate Chemagic 360 input files
• Resolved issues in CSV files and corrected sample IDs to ensure accurate chemagic input file generation

Senior RNA Extraction Technologist - Perkin Elmer, California Department of Public Health Branch Laboratory (CDPH) - Valencia, CA

(2020-10 - 2022-04)

Use of high complexity clinical testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in CDPH and Department Health and Human Service samples:

• Distilled large amounts of information and produced reports, spreadsheets and documents outlining key details
• Executed preparation of extraction mastermix and stock solutions for nucleic acid extraction, integrating reconstituted proteinase K, poly(A) RNA, and SARS-CoV-2 internal control to enhance assay reliability
• Managed the operation of Janus G3 liquid handler for efficient transfer of wet and dry swab samples into 96-well plate configuration
• Implemented extraction of viral DNA/RNA with magnetic beads, adhering to Chemagic 360 instructions for optimal results
• Produced retest export files with LIMC to retest specific clinical samples from numerous plate sources
• Executed inactivation of live virus through hydration of dry swabs using 3 M lysis buffer, employing both manual and automated techniques
• Mentored new technologists to operate Janus Reformatter liquid handler and Chemagic 360
• Navigated Laboratory Integrated Management California (LIMC) to review and upload Janus Comma Separated Values (CSV) export files to generate Chemagic 360 input files
• Resolved issues in CSV files and corrected sample IDs to ensure accurate chemagic input file generation

Master of Science - Biology - California State University Los Angeles (2016-06 - 2018-12)

Bachelor of Science - Microbiology - California State University Los Angeles (2013-05 - 2016-06)

Associate of Arts - Natural Science and Mathematics - Los Angeles City College (2013-05)