Christian Hopkins
Bay Shore,USA
Summary
Versatile professional with expertise in advanced analytical techniques and leading laboratory operations. Strong supporter for team collaboration to drive the achievement of company goals. Recognized and promoted for displaying adaptability and reliability in fast-paced and changing settings.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Quality Control and Operations
Applied DNA Sciences
04.2025 - Current
- Promoted to provide leadership and organization to the Quality Control department and staff (2 Quality Control Analysts).
- Analysis of incoming raw materials and synthetic DNA amplicons using the following instrumentation/methodology:
- Agilent 5200 Fragment Analyzer, FT-IR, HPLC, Agilent Bioanalyzer, Gel Electrophoresis, Capillary Electrophoresis, Nanodrop One, pH/Conductivity, Endotoxin testing.
- Overhaul of quality systems to efficiently track testing progress of submitted samples.
- 100% of all projects thus far have been completed for early shipment to customers.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes.
- Collaboration with R&D and Production teams to ensure products meet all the quality specifications.
- Proficient in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) as well as Good Documentation Practice (GDP).
- Responsible for the investigation of Out of Specification (OSS)/Out of Trend (OOT) events that occur in the QC laboratory.
- O Documented using Laboratory Investigation Reports (LIRs).
- Proactive in the prevention of potential nonconforming products and OOS/OOT events through the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP).
Manager, Forensics Department
Applied DNA Sciences
09.2023 - 04.2025
- Lead the Forensics department - responsible for daily operations and supervision/training of staff (1 Forensic Scientist and 1 Forensic Technician).
- Authorized to receive and process criminal evidence and brand protection evidence (cotton/textiles, nutritional supplements) for synthetic- DNA profiles using:
- O DNA Extraction, Amplification (PCR), quantitation (Qubit, qPCR, dPCR), DNA Profiling (Capillary Electrophoresis), Sequencing of DNA (synthetic oligos designed as molecular taggants) via Sanger Sequencing.
- Prepared/reviewed 17 expert witness statements and casework files for completed criminal cases.
- Supported foreign police agencies by conducting DNA database searches to track evidence to its’ origin.
- Quarterly authentication testing for the US DOD - Defense of Logistics Agency by testing military components for the presence of unique DNA markers to ensure their authenticity and security throughout the supply chain.
- Provided technical review of sample testing reports and standard operating procedures.
- Spearheaded the creation of numerous Standard Operating Procedures and testing specifications.
- Upheld the quality control/quality assurance of lab equipment and chemical reagents to ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards including documents (SOPs, Specifications, Reporting Templates).
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team for the enhancement of the cotton tagging product and provide input to R&D for improvements.
- Cross trained Quality Control and trained Quality Control staff after reorganization.
Associate Scientist, Production Department
Applied DNA Sciences
06.2021 - 09.2023
- Contributed to the production of large-scale quantities of synthetic DNA amplicons by large scale PCR and ensured the final DNA product readiness via purification/concentration using various techniques such as Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC), VivaFlow Tangential Flow Filtration, ethanol precipitation, 0.22-micron filtration.
- Quantitively and qualitatively evaluated purified DNA using Agilent Bioanalyzer and NanoDrop One.
- Drafted/finalized batch records and documented all pertinent laboratory procedures (SOPs) for assigned projects.
- Manufactured Covid-19 reagent and collection kits using aseptic techniques for Applied DNA Clinical Labs.
Forensic Scientist I, Forensics Department
Applied DNA Sciences
10.2020 - 06.2021
Lab Associate II, Food Forensics Department
Certified Laboratories
06.2017 - 10.2020
- Orchestrated the launch of a new laboratory operating system and led ongoing training for team members.
- Identified foreign filth elements in food products both microscopically and macroscopically.
Lab Associate II, Microbiology Department
Certified Laboratories
06.2017 - 10.2020
- Operated rapid method technologies (ELISA) for isolation, detection, and enumeration of pathogens and enterotoxins.
Education
M.S. Forensic Science -
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
06.2020
B.S. Biochemistry -
SUNY Stony Brook University
09.2017
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SUNY Farmingdale State College
09.2014
Skills
- Strategic team guidance
- Prioritization and scheduling
- Practical decision-making
- Staff training and development
- Data interpretation
- Meticulous Record-keeping
- Quality management systems
- Laboratory techniques
Timeline
Manager, Quality Control and Operations
Applied DNA Sciences
04.2025 - Current
Manager, Forensics Department
Applied DNA Sciences
09.2023 - 04.2025
Associate Scientist, Production Department
Applied DNA Sciences
06.2021 - 09.2023
Forensic Scientist I, Forensics Department
Applied DNA Sciences
10.2020 - 06.2021
Lab Associate II, Food Forensics Department
Certified Laboratories
06.2017 - 10.2020
Lab Associate II, Microbiology Department
Certified Laboratories
06.2017 - 10.2020
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SUNY Farmingdale State College
M.S. Forensic Science -
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
B.S. Biochemistry -
SUNY Stony Brook University
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