Michael Nichols
San Diego
Summary
Clinical and Translational Research Pathology professional with 8+ years of leadership experience across hospital, research, and pharmaceutical histology laboratory environments. Specialized in immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, Strong oncology understanding specializing in solid tumor work, pharmacology studies and assay development. Strong presentation skills include experience in presenting scientific data and presentations among multiple stakeholders including physicians and research scientists. Strong B2C sales skills with experience in user products and scientific needs. Strong understanding of hospital operations workflow and pharmaceutical research. Business-minded scientist with strong skills in negotiation, resource management, and cross-functional collaboration. Experienced in CLIA certified labs and passing lab inspections. Experience spanning healthcare laboratory sciences, translational research, and clinical trial support with emphasis on precision diagnostics and quality control.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Translational Pathology Lab Scientist
Bristol Myers Squibb
04.2023 - Current
- Manage daily operations of the entire Translational Pathology Laboratory, ensuring on-time project delivery and data accuracy for cross-functional teams.
- Develop and optimize immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays to support antibody validation and translational biomarker research.
- Worked on CAR-T specific therapies and studies to better understand potential toxicology effects.
- Conducting IHC assay transfers with CRO’s and outside laboratories to work towards clinically approved assays.
- Prepare and present detailed assay development presentations to inform clinical development and research strategy decisions to multiple stakeholders spanning many levels of scientists.
- Manage budgets and vendor negotiations to maximize laboratory efficiency and research output.
- Responsible for lab equipment maintenance and work logs, annual PM’s.
- Execute advanced histology techniques including embedding, microtomy, and IHC staining using Leica Bond and Ventana platforms.
Lead Histotechnologist
UC San Diego Health Hospital
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Partnered with pathologists to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize standard operating procedures for laboratory efficiency.
- Performed IF and IHC staining for pathologist diagnosis.
- Lead daily laboratory workflow and ensured CLIA compliance through meticulous recordkeeping and quality assurance.
- Managed 6 histotechnicians successfully in a productive way.
- Handled heavy daily workflows containing over 1000 samples each day.
- Created and edited SOP’s for optimal immunohistochemical staining on fresh tissue samples including cryostat sections.
- Maintained relationships among pathologists and guaranteed quick turn around times.
- Performed IHC staining for patient diagnostics using Ventana Ultra platform and managed high-volume sample throughput.
Lead Histotechnologist
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Executed complex IHC and immunofluorescence assays to support rapid and accurate clinical diagnoses in a high pace high volume clinical hospital.
- Skilled in specialized kidney immunofluorescence stains including cutting fresh tissue using cryostats.
- Was responsible for all IHC requests from pathologists ensuring same-day turn around and accurate results.
- Oversaw laboratory workflows and specimen prioritization to meet diagnostic deadlines and maintain quality standards.
- Lead 8 histotechnologists successfully and efficiently.
- Collaborated with physicians and researchers to ensure consistency and accuracy in diagnostic interpretations.
- Ordered and maintained all necessary IHC reagents needed to support a CLIA certified pathology lab running over 25000 accession numbers annually.
- Served as the laboratory liaison between Physicians, Pathologists and the laboratory scientists, often coordinating around surgery times and needs.
Laboratory Manager
Medsurg Pathology
07.2018 - 03.2020
- Directed daily pathology lab operations, improving workflow and ensuring compliance with CLIA and HIPAA standards.
- Supervised and trained technical staff, optimizing processes for efficiency and reliability in all aspects of histology including routine microtomy, sample processing, IHC staining as well as tissue embedding.
- Lead a team of 2-histotechnicans, gross tech and 2 lab couriers to ensure successful work flows within the laboratory.
- Managed client communication, logistics, and billing operations to maintain business continuity and profitability.
- Managed all lab equipment maintenance including processors, auto stainers and IHC machines.
- Managed data systems and billing codes to maintain records and ensure organized patient data.
Sales Consultant
Toyota of Corvallis
06.2017 - 06.2018
- Developed strong communication and negotiation skills while consistently achieving sales targets.
- Maintained comprehensive product knowledge and delivered tailored solutions to meet client needs.
- Learned to negotiate and follow-up leads to maximize monthly profit and reach monthly sales goals.
- Repeatedly exceeded monthly sales numbers with a knack for connecting with customers and understanding their needs.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, fostering strong relationships with clients and enhancing overall satisfaction.
- Conducted thorough product demonstrations, effectively communicating vehicle features to potential buyers.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
San Diego State University
San Diego, CABachelor of Science - Biohealth Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, ORSkills
- Budget management, vendor negotiation, and resource allocation
- Cross-functional collaboration with pathologists, physicians, and research scientists
- Oncology pathology, solid tumor analysis, and CAR-T translational research support
- Financial and cost awareness in laboratory operations and supply management
- Stakeholder communication and scientific data presentation for decision support
- Turnaround time optimization in hospital and research laboratory settings
Certification
Certified Histotechnologist (HTL), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Translational Pathology Lab Scientist
Bristol Myers Squibb
04.2023 - Current
Lead Histotechnologist
UC San Diego Health Hospital
10.2022 - 03.2023
Lead Histotechnologist
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital
03.2020 - 07.2022
Laboratory Manager
Medsurg Pathology
07.2018 - 03.2020
Sales Consultant
Toyota of Corvallis
06.2017 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biohealth Sciences
Oregon State University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
San Diego State University