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
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