Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Projects
Timeline
Generic

Deepti Sala

New Brunswick,USA

Summary

Pursuing a challenging role to advance in the field of Industrial Microbiology.

Resourceful individual who can work efficiently while paying attention to detail. Works well independently and within a team and takes pride in producing accurate results in the laboratory. Experienced in conducting comprehensive scientific research and data analysis projects, with a focus on Microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Strengths include innovative problem-solving skills, adeptness at laboratory management, and ability to communicate complex information effectively. Track record of contributing significantly to team-driven research outcomes and delivering high-quality results.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Research scientist, Microbiology center of excellence

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
New Brunswick, NJ
01.2022 - Current
  • Perform protocol-driven microbiological testing, such as bioburden, endotoxin, microbial identifications, molecular testing for mycoplasma, in-use hold time studies, and studies for investigational support.
  • Subject matter expert in non-routine and routine testing.
  • Supporting automation through support for novel technologies, with a business case for EM, mycoplasma, rapid bioburden, and sterility.
  • Completed method qualification for the new rapid technology, the MSID Microseq Microbial Identification System.
  • Supported the three-lot validation for CAR-T samples, which can help transition traditional PCR testing to rapid mycoplasma testing, reducing the time needed to deliver medicines to patients, and eliminating many risks in handling samples and errors. I also contributed to the first patient CAR-T sample validation for mycoplasma testing. In addition to routine testing of RCBs, I supported the commercial release of mycoplasma testing for various CAR-T products.
  • High proficiency in all tests, techniques, and background principles of every procedure and method within the micro area of expertise.
  • Write, revise, and review SOPs and test methods.
  • Provided microbiological support for the development and manufacture of oral solid, and parenteral clinical supplies.
  • Responsible for the analysis and documentation of microbiological testing and data in compliance with regulatory, GMP, and departmental SOP requirements.
  • Accountable for technical support for in-process, release, and stability microbiological methods for drug products and drug substances.
  • Performed troubleshooting to solve analytical and other microbiological-related problems, to determine remedial steps to resume testing, guarantee compliance, and prevent recurrence.
  • Lead constant lab flow efficiency improvements (MPS), and contribute ideas on how to improve existing systems.
  • Served as a liaison between quality control and other functional groups to ensure that current microbiological method issues were properly addressed.
  • Management of deviations in a timely manner.
  • Served as the Microbiology SME for various drug products, including small molecules, biologics, and CAR-T, and is responsible for working with cross-functional teams, clinical supply operations, recommending the sampling and methods, as well as assuring that the in-process and release testing for the products is performed in compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Instrumental in much of the endotoxin testing, including, but not limited to, DP release, raw material qualification, LER studies, and transitioning network testing from gel clot to kinetic testing.
  • Also, I am very involved in the recombinant reagent comparability study.
  • Evaluated and appraised method changes with regard to regulatory requirements.
  • Executed instrument qualification studies as per approved protocols.
  • Perform required maintenance on laboratory equipment and automation systems.
  • Observe and evaluate existing laboratory practices, and propose alternative approaches to simplify and streamline ways of working.
  • Supported the implementation of electronic records and laboratory automation system projects.
  • Supported the evaluation and implementation of novel methods.
  • Contributed an ideal amount of time for training and cross-training in the lab.
  • Carries out analytical tests and inspections in connection with the investigation of product and EM excursions.
  • Executed in-use microbiological hold time studies, stability assessment for intravenous solutions, as requested by regulatory agencies.
  • Maintained field equipment and performed troubleshooting techniques to keep tools fully operational.
  • Recommended new systems and processes to improve operations.
  • Collaborated with undergraduate and graduate students to provide research guidance and supervision.
  • Prepared scientific presentations summarizing study results for internal meetings and external conferences.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.

Bacteriologist

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
New Brunswick, NJ
09.2018 - 12.2021
  • Performs Microbiological testing (Growth promotion, HPC, Bacterial endotoxin) to ensure that the proper standards of quality are maintained
  • Performs microbiological, bacterial Endotoxin, and TOC Conductivity analysis of water system samples
  • Demonstrates the use of an aseptic technique
  • Analyses develop & recommend a new method for the improvement of various standard assays & tests
  • Supported Qualification protocol for animal component-free TSB media for aseptic process simulation
  • Coordinated with management to execute Micro–Dry goods Hold time study protocol for autoclaving to support the establishment of hold time for sterilized equipment and materials used in ASO- Microbiology lab
  • Contributed the ideal amount of time for training and cross-training in the lab
  • Works with cross-functional teams to support parenteral drug manufacturing
  • Participated in aseptic Media fill simulations as SME to support media fill Growth promotion on different batches
  • Preservation of Environmental isolates and Maintenance of Frozen cultures in the lab to support various studies

QC Microbiologist

L’Oréal USA Inc.
Piscataway, NJ
06.2017 - 08.2018
  • Performed microbiological testing of raw materials, finished goods &bulk in accordance with L’Oréal, GMP, FDA and DGO requirements
  • Carefully read and tabulated test results entering all data into SAP or paperwork as needed
  • Conducted laboratory and production equipment validation to ensure compliance
  • Reviewed equipment charts for specification compliance &temperature monitoring
  • Provided method development for Quality Management, Manufacturing processes and for R&D experimental formulations
  • Assumed leadership for completion of numerous projects assigned by the supervisor
  • Reviewed & evaluated raw materials and data for acceptability
  • Participated in issues regarding audits and commitments
  • Reduced reoccurrence of out-of-specification (OOS) investigations by identifying root causes using procedures and process checklists with proper CAPA
  • Coordinated with laboratory personnel for a weekly inventory of testing supplies, temperature monitoring (daily)
  • Engaged in Environmental monitoring for water sample Collection, testing and evaluating equipment, facility surfaces &atmospheric conditions using swabbing, RCS air sampler, settle plates and membrane filtration technique
  • Increased workflow and productivity by organizing workflow and streamlining worksheets to be user friendly
  • Achieved continual safety awareness and work practices through implemented safety procedures
  • Participated in validation activities for compendia microbial methods
  • Participated & conducted RCA & take appropriate corrective& preventive actions (CAPA)
  • Utilized SAP to record all work orders in compliance with Loreal methods
  • Adhered to Good documentation practices, SOP, cGMP, and FDA and DGO requirements

QC Microbiologist

Manhattan Drug Industry
Hillside, NJ
06.2016 - 05.2017
  • Managed daily activities in the microbiology laboratory
  • Routine microbiological analysis of raw materials, bulk & finished products using Bio Lumix
  • Prepared samples for vials using Bio Lumix for microbial enumeration according to SOP
  • Reviewed and evaluated raw materials &finished products for acceptability
  • Prepared &qualified various microbial media used in product &water testing (Growth Promotion)
  • Maintained weekly inventory of testing supplies, temperature monitoring (daily), water samples Collection &testing for environmental monitoring in production, encapsulation and Packaging areas
  • Conducted EM &personnel monitoring during batch production and filling and prepared quarterly trend reports for environmental, water and clean utilities monitoring
  • Ensure all laboratory equipment are maintained and calibrated as per established schedule
  • Maintained the integrity of the laboratory through the introduction of weekly lab cleaning and Maintenance procedures
  • Adhered to SOP, cGMP, and FDA requirements

Education

Master of Science - Microbiology

Andhra University

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology

Andhra University

Skills

  • Analysis of raw materials and finished products using Biolumix
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Cell culture
  • Industrial Microbiology
  • SAP
  • RCA
  • CAPA
  • USP
  • Chromatography
  • DNA sequencing
  • Molecular biology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Aseptic technique
  • PCR
  • CGMP
  • Bioassay
  • Serological and immunological techniques
  • Staining Techniques
  • HACCP
  • Electrophoresis
  • Velquest
  • PDLIMS
  • Endoscan
  • Endozyme
  • BAC-T Sterility
  • MODA
  • BIOFIRE
  • MSID Microseq Microbial Identification System
  • Auto extraction
  • MVM

Projects

Training on Immunological, Molecular & Mammalian cell culture techniques, GIMSR, 06/2008 - 01/2009 Industrial Training & Internship in Biocon (Industrial Microbiology), 06/2008 - 01/2009 Business Email writing & communication workshop, 06/2008 - 01/2009

Timeline

Associate Research scientist, Microbiology center of excellence

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
01.2022 - Current

Bacteriologist

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
09.2018 - 12.2021

QC Microbiologist

L’Oréal USA Inc.
06.2017 - 08.2018

QC Microbiologist

Manhattan Drug Industry
06.2016 - 05.2017

Master of Science - Microbiology

Andhra University

Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology

Andhra University
Deepti Sala