Carlton Cheeley
Richmond,VA
Summary
Clinical research and laboratory operations leader with 10+ years of experience in molecular diagnostics and clinical trial execution. Proven ability to scale operations, lead cross-functional teams, drive revenue performance through Lean-based operational strategy, and apply MBA-level strategic leadership principles across Phase I-IV programs.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Research Scientist
PPD (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
01.2022 - Current
- Led closeout of 10-year Phase III Dengue Vaccine trial for Fortune 500 pharmaceutical sponsor.
- Transitioned program into Phase IV post-market monitoring.
- Manage multiple Phase I-III bioanalytical trials concurrently.
- Lead cross-functional stakeholder coordination across sponsors, QA, regulatory, and operations.
- Spearheaded Lean-based continuous improvement initiatives reducing cycle times and improving revenue realization across clinical trial portfolios.
Laboratory Manager
Genetworx
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Implemented cross-functional process improvements scaling lab capacity from 2,000 to 45,000 samples/day.
- Redesigned workflows, staffing models, and automation strategies.
- Maintained regulatory compliance during rapid operational expansion.
- Partnered with R&D, IT, QA, and Supply Chain to build scalable operational infrastructure supporting rapid laboratory expansion.
Medical Technologist
Quest Diagnostics
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Performed and interpreted NGS panels using Illumina MiSeq.
- Conducted RT-PCR, gene-specific PCR, and capillary electrophoresis assays.
- Participated in validation and continuous process improvement initiatives.
Laboratory Technologist
True Health Diagnostic Laboratory
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Performed high-volume molecular and metabolic diagnostic testing supporting cardiovascular and metabolic disease assessment.
- Maintained calibration and preventive maintenance programs to ensure laboratory operational reliability.
- Ensured test validity and adherence to SOPs prior to release of diagnostic results.
- Supported quality assurance initiatives through detailed documentation and regulatory compliance practices.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Southern New Hampshire University
Graduate Certificate - Bioinformatics
University of Maryland Global Campus
Graduate Certificate - Medical Physiology
University of Florida
B.S. - Biology
Virginia Commonwealth University
B.S. - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Skills
- Clinical Trial Lifecycle Management
- Operational Scaling & Lean Optimization
- Revenue Performance Alignment
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Stakeholder & Sponsor Management
- Regulatory Compliance & Inspection Readiness
- Business Leadership Development
- Leading People & Organizations
- Global Organizational Strategy
- Innovation Strategy & High-Performance Culture
- Performance Measurement & KPI Development
- Brand Optimization & Strategic Positioning
Timeline
Associate Research Scientist
PPD (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
01.2022 - Current
Laboratory Manager
Genetworx
01.2020 - 01.2022
Medical Technologist
Quest Diagnostics
01.2017 - 01.2020
Laboratory Technologist
True Health Diagnostic Laboratory
01.2013 - 01.2016
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Southern New Hampshire University
Graduate Certificate - Bioinformatics
University of Maryland Global Campus
Graduate Certificate - Medical Physiology
University of Florida
B.S. - Biology
Virginia Commonwealth University
B.S. - Psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University