Nikki Kuhr
Minden,NE
Summary
Dynamic Laboratory Manager with a proven track record at Ward Laboratories, Inc., specializing in LIMS integration and performance optimization. Excelled in enhancing efficiency and quality assurance, with a knack for training and coaching teams. Expert in a broad range of lab procedures, demonstrating both technical proficiency and exceptional leadership skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Manager
Ward Laboratories, Inc.
08.2019 - Current
- Established and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory operations, ensuring adherence to over 200 different SOPs.
- Managed the testing of approximately 370,000 soil samples, 20,000 feed samples, 30,000 water samples, 30,000 plant samples, 3,000 manure samples, 3,000 slurry samples, 200 wastewater samples, and 700 fertilizer samples annually.
- Interviewed, hired, and trained lab technicians to perform procedures and analyze results, supervising a team of 2 direct reports and 8 indirect reports, with additional temporary staff as needed based on sample volume.
- Collaborated closely with R&D and other department managers to align laboratory operations with company goals.
- Maintained lab equipment, ensured a clean and organized facility, and managed inventory to maximize performance. Equipment inventory includes multiples of ICP-OES, ICP-MS, GC, combustion analyzer, auto titrator, pH/EC robots, NIR, plate reader, microwave digest, block digest, fume hood, and more.
- Designed processes to increase efficiency, minimize errors, and reduce repetitive tasks.
- Created business and technical requirements documentation and developed solution designs for LIMS implementation.
- Evaluated supervisor performance, providing coaching and addressing inefficiencies through weekly one-on-ones.
- Communicated directly with the company president to relay progress, identify needs, and resolve bottlenecks.
Soil Department Supervisor
Ward Laboratories
08.2006 - 08.2019
- Performed soil testing and quality control using standardized laboratory procedures and instrumentation, processing approximately 4,500 samples daily during peak season.
- Personally responsible for analyzing DTPA-extracted and Ammonium acetate-extracted soils on ICP-OES, reporting 36,000 data points daily to assist farmers in land management decisions.
- Planned and organized work routines to maximize productivity and meet established turnaround times. Supervised the task list of 4 soil technicians alongside my testing duties.
- Troubleshot and performed routine repairs on equipment such as peristaltic pumps, vacuum pumps, ICP-OES, flow injection analyzers, automated pH/EC, organic matter weighers, and auto-titrators, promptly reporting issues requiring major repairs or replacements.
- As a working supervisor, efficiently transitioned between projects with minimal reorientation.
Education
Associate of Science - Biology
Southeast Community College
Beatrice, NE2003
Skills
- Proficient in Agricultural Testing Methods and Procedures
- Performance Optimization
- Facilities Oversight
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
Affiliations
- ALTA Board - Director
Timeline
Laboratory Manager
Ward Laboratories, Inc.
08.2019 - Current
Soil Department Supervisor
Ward Laboratories
08.2006 - 08.2019
Associate of Science - Biology
Southeast Community College
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