Kimberly Costello
Mims,FL
Summary
Quality-focused professional with proven expertise in laboratory environments. Skilled in conducting tests, analyzing results, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Strong collaborator, adaptable to changing needs, and consistently delivers reliable outcomes. Adept at utilizing advanced lab equipment and following stringent protocols. Highly dependable with commitment to maintaining high standards and achieving consistent results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Safety and Quality Laboratory Technician
General Mills
Albuquerque, NM
04.2025 - 12.2025
- Conducted sample preparation, titrations, and HPLC testing on in-process cereals and final products to ensure vitamin, fat and sugar content are within the desired range and safe for consumer consumption.
- Conducted daily quality tests on raw materials and finished products to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Implemented corrective actions for non-conforming products.
- Kept accurate records of all tests performed, enabling easy identification of trends or potential issues over time.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of testing results, ensuring traceability and adherence to regulatory requirements
Production and Quality Control Chemist
MP Biomedicals
Solon, OH
03.2016 - 04.2021
- Performed wet chemistry and analytical testing on incoming chemicals to determine if quality requirements are met. Performed ion-exchange chromatography, antisera production, delipidation and FITC/HRP conjugations on raw materials in the Immunology Lab for use in universities and research facilities. Increased productivity by 100% upon joining the team.
- Streamlined workflow processes in the lab, enhancing efficiency and reducing turnaround times for quality assessments.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling diverse responsibilities by swiftly transitioning between tasks without compromising quality or deadlines.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify process improvements and optimize testing procedures.
- Developed and optimized production protocols to enhance efficiency in laboratory operations.
- Implemented safety protocols and best practices, fostering a culture of compliance among staff members.
- Conducted internal audits for compliance with regulatory standards, maintaining accreditation status.
- Conducted weekly calibrations of 30+ balances throughout the building to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Research and Compliance Associate
Physician’s Choice Laboratory Services
Rock Hill, SC
01.2014 - 03.2016
- Conducted research for adding additional biomarkers to the CertNDx Bladder Cancer Assay for release into the market. Compliance lead for the research team.
- Optimization, implementation and execution of all protocols and procedures.
- Trained new personnel on laboratory techniques, instruments, and safety procedures to ensure smooth integration into the team.
- Routine pipette and instrument calibrations to ensure consistent and accurate results.
- Inventory management and ordering of laboratory supplies, consumables, reagents and standards ensuring availability for continuous operations.
Molecular Biology Laboratory Technician
Predictive Biosciences
Cleveland, OH
12.2010 - 06.2013
- Worked as a part of a team to complete individual assays and real-time PCRs: DNA extraction, quantification, purification, Next Generation Sequencing via Ion Torrent PGM platform and ELISA. All results were combined and analyzed to report one conclusive cancer diagnosis for each patient (CertNDx Bladder Cancer Assay).
- Reviewed technicians’ data and reported patient results, alongside Laboratory Manager.
- Received reagents into lab, scheduled quality testing, analyzed results and accepted/rejected reagents.
- Strong ability to multi-task and maintain high quality results in a fast-paced, start-up lab environment.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to enhance consistency in testing processes.
Quality Control Laboratory Technician
Amresco, LLC
Solon, OH
10.2008 - 12.2010
- Performed wet chemistry and analytical testing on incoming chemicals. Worked as the sole technician responsible for completing quality control testing on all in-house manufactured QIAGEN reagents. Customer complaints went from numerous to non-existent after I was promoted to this position.
- Initiated the integration of an Auto-Titrator into the lab, allowing for increased productivity and quicker turnaround time of results.
- Performed scheduled analysis of standards and samples on equipment to monitor baseline performance.
- Proficient when working alone as well as part of a team and indispensable in a time-sensitive, high-volume laboratory environment.
- Provided timely feedback to production teams for expedited resolution of quality issues.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Chemistry
Lake Erie College
Painesville, OH05-2007
Associate of Arts - Scientific Technology
Lakeland Community College
Mentor, OH05-2005
Skills
HPLC, ICP-OES/MS, FTIR, microscopy, wet lab techniques, sample preparation, ISO6 cleanroom
OSHA HAZWOPER training
HAZMAT team member
DNA extraction (blood, FFPE tissue, urine)
Creation, revision and review of SOPs and related documents
Laboratory equipment calibrations, maintenance and troubleshooting
Laboratory safety
Lab ordering and inventory management
Experience working in compliance: CAP, CLIA, FDA, ISO, OSHA regulations
Superior multi-tasking and prioritization skills
Timeline
Food Safety and Quality Laboratory Technician
General Mills
04.2025 - 12.2025
Production and Quality Control Chemist
MP Biomedicals
03.2016 - 04.2021
Research and Compliance Associate
Physician’s Choice Laboratory Services
01.2014 - 03.2016
Molecular Biology Laboratory Technician
Predictive Biosciences
12.2010 - 06.2013
Quality Control Laboratory Technician
Amresco, LLC
10.2008 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Science Degree - Chemistry
Lake Erie College
Associate of Arts - Scientific Technology
Lakeland Community College