Jennifer Heflin
Arlington,TN
Summary
Multi-tasking Manager known for strong analytical skills and commitment to achieving results and leading high-performing teams. I am a collaborative leader who partners with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering and a positive work culture. I demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager-QCA Flow Cytometry
Charles River Lab (Formally Cognate Biosciences)
08.2023 - Current
- Serve as an SME and leader for QCA Flow Cytometry department. Oversees all QCA Flow Cytometry personnel with direct focus on the Supervisor and Lead analyst. Coordinates and maintains all In-Process, final product, studies, qualifications, validations and stability testing for our department. Review testing results for accuracy. Assists the team with maintaining proper overall operation of the department including inventory, orders, documentation, safety and training documents. Participates and maintains QC laboratory OOS, CAPA, change requests and other investigations. Assign and mentors direct reports on yearly performance and development goals. Assists all team members with furthering their growth and conducting one on one’s. Participates in authoring and collaborating on new client analytical process documents. Participates as a subject matter expert in regulatory audits including FDA, Health Canada, EMA, HPRA, client audits, client cause audits and potential client audits. With some audit participation as scribe and requestor using the audit app. Prepare and attend daily internal and external meetings to which I have to interact with clients, internal cross functional departments and site leadership. On a yearly basis, performs annual reviews, bonus allocations and budgets for merit increases. Maintains site wide goals for quality metrics and department expectations.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Coordinated with IT department to upgrade technology infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and data security.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
Supervisor-QCA Flow Cytometry
Charles River Labs (Formally Cognate Biosciences)
05.2021 - 08.2023
- Serve as an SME and leader for QCA Flow Cytometry department. Oversees all QCA Flow Cytometry personnel, conducts and/or schedules training for employees. Schedules and coordinates all In-Process and FDP testing for our department. Review testing results for accuracy. Assists the team with maintaining proper overall operation of the department including inventory, orders, documentation, and training documents. Participates in QC laboratory OOS, CAPA, CR and other investigations. Sets and discusses performance and development goals with each team member. Assists all team members with furthering their growth and conducting one on one’s.
QCA Analyst II-QCA Flow Cytometry
Cognate Bioservices
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Became proficient in all active client protocols, trained and mentored other teammates and making to share all my gained knowledge to aid in their success. Worked closely with leadership on writing SOP’s, client assay protocols, Non-conformances, training protocols and procedures and initiating change requests. Along with creating daily and weekly tasks to help the lab stay compliant. Offering support to leadership and my fellow team members when needed. Continually worked towards interdepartmental communication for the success of the company and the samples being processed. Focused on educating myself on Flow Cytometry and troubleshooting the FACS software and general workings of the Cytometers. Stepped in as team lead when current leadership was not available, which included scheduling processes, assisting with issues that may arise and communicating to all parties when necessary. Actively listening to my teammates and praising them when they needed motivation.
QCA Analyst I-Flow Cytometry
Cognate Bioservices
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Processing all Flow Cytometry analytical assays while following SOP’s, and established protocols per GDP and GLP guidelines. Training fellow team members on each client specific process along with making sure they are confident and proficient to perform all assays on their own. Making all necessary reagents, working towards continuous improvement, and working with leadership for better communication.
Manufacturing Associate I
Cognate Bioservices
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Processing blood donation packets to extract the mononuclear cell layers for later use in cell therapy. Assisting all other operators in cell transformations and general duties as a verifier. Training to be proficient in cell counting, best aseptic practices, GDP, GMP and all other company functions. Performing all duties in a cleanroom environment wearing full body PPE designed for sterility. Performing and assisting in various company chores to help all departments running smoothly. Adhere to all documentation regulations.
Lab Technician-Immunology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
02.2016 - 08.2017
- Performing Digestion, PCR, and all Genotyping of animal DNA. Preparing chemical solutions for analytical testing. Assisting other lab employees with various tasks for cancer and influenza research.
Auditor, Customer Service Rep
Advertising Checking Bureau
11.2009 - 08.2014
- Reviewed all forms of advertisements for various media types to either approve or deny according to the manufacturer’s standards. Provided ongoing updates to Toyota dealerships and ad agencies regarding any required changes and modifications that must be made in the different media areas.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ04.2025
Associate of Applied Science - Biotechnology and Forensic Science
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Memphis, TN05.2017
Skills
- Extremely organized with a strong attention to detail
- Able to work under deadlines and handle multiple tasks
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate people
- Proficient in FACS DIVA and FACS SUITES programs
- Compliant with GDP, GLP, GMP
- Experienced in Flow Cytometry
- Excellent analytical skills
- Gel electrophoresis
- Exceptional coach and mentor
- Micro-Pipetting
- Creative problem solver
- DNA isolation and PCR
- Goal oriented
- Excellent Aseptic Techniques
- Proficient in Excel, Power Point, Microsoft suites, trackwise, smart sheet, smart solve
- Proficient with working in a Biological Safety Cabinet
- Experienced in writing standard operating procedures, and assay protocols
- Performing Cell Cultures
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Proficient in various forms of Chromatography
- Understanding and following SOP’s and laboratory protocols
- Adapts quickly to changes and environment
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff management
- Staff training and development
- Goal setting
- Task delegation
- Documentation and reporting
- Relationship building
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Performance management
- Shift scheduling
- Conflict resolution
- Workforce management
- Performance evaluations
- Expectation setting
- Clear communication
- Employee onboarding
- Coaching and mentoring
- Work prioritization
- Data analysis
- Recruiting and interviewing
- Inventory management
- Cross-functional team management
- Disciplinary techniques
- Computer skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective communication
- Problem resolution
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Positive attitude
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Hiring and training
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Team development
- Staff training
- Training and development
- Managing operations and efficiency
- Customer relationship management
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Professional and courteous
- Scheduling and coordinating
- Employee coaching and mentoring
- MS office
- Good judgment
- Active listening
- Process improvement
- Interpersonal relations
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Employee development
- Schedule management
Accomplishments
- Laboratory Project – CytB mitochondrial gene sequencing in Thonomys sp. from California.
- Volunteered for Baptist Hospital’s Camp Good Grief for one year as an assistant to the Counselors.
- Participated in a EMPQ and PPQ for clinical trials to submit to the FDA
- American Association for Clinical Chemistry in Flow Cytometry Certificate (AACC)
Timeline
Manager-QCA Flow Cytometry
Charles River Lab (Formally Cognate Biosciences)
08.2023 - Current
Supervisor-QCA Flow Cytometry
Charles River Labs (Formally Cognate Biosciences)
05.2021 - 08.2023
QCA Analyst II-QCA Flow Cytometry
Cognate Bioservices
08.2020 - 05.2021
QCA Analyst I-Flow Cytometry
Cognate Bioservices
08.2019 - 06.2020
Manufacturing Associate I
Cognate Bioservices
08.2017 - 08.2019
Lab Technician-Immunology
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
02.2016 - 08.2017
Auditor, Customer Service Rep
Advertising Checking Bureau
11.2009 - 08.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Biotechnology and Forensic Science
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Arizona State University
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