Lab Assistant/Downstream Purification Scientist
Lauren Biggs
Abzena
North Wales,PA
6
years of professional experience
7
years of post-secondary education
Accomplished scientist specializing in upstream and downstream bioprocessing, including LNP/AOC formation, purification, cell culture, and chromatography. Manages lab operations and optimizes processes to enhance yield, supporting critical vaccine development. Experienced in GMP environments, technical writing, and analytical instrumentation, committed to leveraging expertise for innovation and impactful outcomes.
Work History
Lab Assistant/Downstream Purification Scientist
2 Months- Participated in downstream purification of AOC processing for multiple clients and supported analysis of data using Unicorn 7.5 software on both small and pilot scale.
- Prepared laboratory samples following Abzena GMP procedures and SOPs.
- Managed lab operations, leading implementation of 5S system during lab transitions to meet specific requirements.
- Documented test materials, labels, and results in Abzena records.
- Cleaned glassware and equipment in laboratory to ensure operational efficiency.
Downstream Scientist
8 Months- Synthesized and purified lipid nanoparticles for vaccine development utilizing tangential flow filtration (TFF).
- Facilitated data acquisition and archival for two project teams within the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) system, ensuring accurate and accessible research documentation.
- Utilized tee-mixing, dialysis, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)/Static Light Scattering (SLS), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to characterize lipid nanoparticles, contributing to their optimization for vaccine applications.
- Led development of secondary laboratory space, transitioning it into an upstream fermentation suite to enhance research capabilities.
Lab Specialist II
2 Months- Optimized upstream and downstream technical operations, significantly increasing product yield through the application of large and small-scale models.
- Collaborated with technicians to streamline laboratory workflows, enhancing data collection accuracy.
- Partnered with fellow technicians to streamline laboratory workflows and ensure precise data collection.
- Administered routine maintenance and calibration protocols for specialized processing equipment.
- Managed inventory control, documented EHS&S near-miss incidents, and coordinated equipment work orders to ensure operational readiness.
Associate Scientist
1 Year 2 Months- Led the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) implementation, utilizing LabVantage to design templates and coordinating with Quality Assurance to deploy them to the global server.
- Acquired hands-on experience in R&D lab startup processes, authoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and Validation Execution Plans to ensure adherence to GMP/GLP and FDA standards.
- Executed routine calibration of instruments and maintained accurate logbooks and maintenance records to ensure operational reliability.
- Ensured continuous compliance with corporate Environmental Health and Safety policies, promoting a safe work environment.
Biotechnician Level II
1 Year 10 Months- Executed complex protocols for yeast cell culture fermentation, solution dilutions, aseptic techniques, titrations, normal flow filtration, tangential flow filtration, protein purification, buffer preparation, and Ion Exchange (IEX) chromatography in strict cGMP environments, contributing to high-quality product outcomes.
- Operated stainless-steel bioreactors to support upstream and downstream processing, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Monitored bioreactors and recorded process parameters in batch records.
- Prepared buffers, media, and reagents for cell culture work.
- Supported Merck GMP bioprocessing operations in cleanroom environments.
Education
Bachelor's - Biology, Vertebrate Physiology
- Completed the BA in Vertebrate Physiology and Biology in three years; graduated high school early at age 16 and earned the undergraduate degree at 19.
- Maintained a high GPA while concurrently serving as a tutor, peer mentor, and biology lab assistant.
- Enrollment: May 2018 - December 2020
Master of Science - Biotechnology
- Major: Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
- Part of the inaugural cohort into this major
- Dean's List
- Enrollment: August 2022 - Present
Skills
Downstream Purification
Tangential flow filtration
Chromatography
Laboratory Optimization
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Regulatory Compliance
Analytical Techniques
AOC and LNP production and purification
Upstream Fermentation
Equipment maintenance
Technical Writing
Cross-Training Initiatives
Supplier Management
Timeline
Lab Assistant/Downstream Purification Scientist
Abzena
09.2026 - CurrentRead More
Downstream Scientist
Merck
03.2025 - 11.2025Read More
Lab Specialist II
GSK
08.2024 - 10.2024Read More
Associate Scientist
Johnson and Johnson
01.2023 - 03.2024Read More
John’s Hopkins University
Master of Science from Biotechnology
08.2022 - 11.2026Read More
Biotechnician Level II
Merck
02.2021 - 12.2022Read More
Penn State Abington
Bachelor's from Biology, Vertebrate Physiology
05.2018 - 12.2020Read More