CATALINA D. VALDEBENITO
West Valley City
Summary
Cellular and molecular biologist with over 10 years of experience in molecular diagnostics and academic research. Expertise in PCR assay development, cell culture, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and cell sorting. Proven ability to design and troubleshoot protocols, plan studies, and collaborate across disciplines. Committed to translating research into diagnostic innovations that enhance global health.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Biology Content Consultant
Mercor
Remote
04.2025 - Current
- Design biologically complex prompts to evaluate reasoning skills of large language models in experimental design, pathways, and mechanisms.
- Analyze model performance and provide expert review of response quality for benchmarking purposes.
- Collaborate with technical teams to align content with project goals and evaluation criteria.
Research Associate II
Co-Diagnostics, Inc.
Salt Lake City
01.2025 - Current
- Perform experiments in a BSL-2 molecular diagnostics lab, handling pathogenic samples per SOPs.
- Design and optimize PCR assays for reagent stability studies.
- Conduct literature reviews to identify relevant research trends and methodologies.
- Analyze complex data sets generated by stability studies, using code (Python) and statistical software (Minitab, Prism, R).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address research challenges effectively.
- Mentor junior researchers on best practices and experimental techniques.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, QC, and assay development to improve workflows.
- Present research findings at conferences and departmental meetings.
- Manage project timelines to ensure alignment with strategic research goals.
- Maintain detailed records of experimental protocols and data in laboratory notebooks.
Biology Expert Question Author (Freelance)
Outlier.ai
Remote
12.2024 - Current
- Create expert-level biology questions spanning molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics to assess AI model performance.
- Evaluate AI-generated responses for scientific accuracy, logic, and clarity, offering structured feedback for iterative improvement.
- Contribute to high-quality training datasets used to refine AI behavior in scientific domains.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
Salt Lake City
08.2019 - 12.2024
- Developed lentiviral CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screens in K562 cells to study mutant Huntingtin aggregation and endosomal micro-autophagy.
- Established lentiviral safety guidelines in collaboration with the Institutional Biosafety Committee.
- Created and validated immunoblot and TCA precipitation assays to study unconventional protein secretion in mammalian cell culture.
- Performed immunocytochemistry and fluorescence microscopy to visualize protein abundance and/or cellular localization following genetic modifications of cells.
- Mentored undergraduate researchers.
- Maintained detailed ELN records.
- Prepared presentations to communicate research results effectively to diverse audiences.
- Managed laboratory equipment and ensured proper maintenance protocols were followed.
- Attended industry conferences to present research both orally and through poster presentations.
- Conducted literature reviews to support research projects and development.
Research Associate I & Intern
BioFire Diagnostics
Salt Lake City
10.2014 - 07.2019
- Investigated FilmArray anomalies using RT-PCR and nucleic acid extraction.
- Troubleshot multiplex PCR protocols, and optimized reagent formulations.
- Operated microspotters and film presses.
- Cultured microbes for sensitivity testing.
- Presented weekly data analyses to the manufacturing and engineering teams.
- Prepared samples and reagents for various assays and tests as needed.
- Evaluated literature to stay updated on industry trends and advancements in diagnostics.
Education
Master of Science - Cellular And Molecular Biology
University of Utah
Salt Lake City05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT08-2017
Master of Science - Computational Life Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZSkills
- PCR & qPCR Assays
- Cell Culture
- Flow cytometry and cell sorting
- Western blotting
- Immunocytochemistry
- Protocol design and troubleshooting
- Study design and execution
- Data analysis (R, Python, Prism)
- SOP development
- Experimental design
- Data analysis
- Molecular techniques
- Team collaboration
- Scientific communication
- Technical writing
- Mentoring skills
- Literature review
- Molecular diagnostics
Affiliations
- Animals
- Audiobooks
- Coding
- Fitness
- Gardening
- Hiking
- Video games
Timeline
Freelance Biology Content Consultant
Mercor
04.2025 - Current
Research Associate II
Co-Diagnostics, Inc.
01.2025 - Current
Biology Expert Question Author (Freelance)
Outlier.ai
12.2024 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Utah
08.2019 - 12.2024
Research Associate I & Intern
BioFire Diagnostics
10.2014 - 07.2019
Master of Science - Cellular And Molecular Biology
University of Utah
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Utah Valley University
Master of Science - Computational Life Sciences
Arizona State University
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