Peter Lenz
Minneapolis
Summary
Laboratory technician with a strong foundation in molecular biology and DNA extraction, complemented by extensive experience in project management. Demonstrated ability to uphold quality standards and safety protocols while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve production and research goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Molding Technician
Escape Climbing, LLC
Little Canada
11.2024 - Current
- Complete mold requests to meet customer needs
- Conduct daily work to establish high-quality standards
- Collaborate with team members to meet production goals
- Track production progress using internal computer tools
- Adherent to company safety protocols
Genomics Laboratory Technician II
Diversigen, Inc.
New Brighton
10.2020 - 12.2023
- Microbiome sample processing
- DNA Library preparation
- Collaborate with team members to meet project goals
- Track project progress using internal LIMS
- Adhere to lab safety protocols
Quality Lab Technician
Surly Brewing Co.
Brooklyn Center
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Quality Assurance & Quality Control
- Microbiological Testing
- Environmental Monitoring
- Aseptic Sampling Techniques
- Beer Chemistry Analysis (ABV, IBU, SRM)
- Sensory Evaluation
- SOP Compliance
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Communication issues with team
- Continuous Process Improvement
QA Microbiologist
Aveda
Blaine
07.2019 - 11.2019
- Follow existing SOPs
- Adhere to cGMP standards
- Aseptic technique
- Making media
Biological Science Technician
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
St. Paul
11.2014 - 07.2019
- Conducted laboratory, greenhouse, and field research supporting plant pathology and agricultural science projects focused on alfalfa-associated bacterial populations.
- Isolated and identified Pseudomonas syringae from alfalfa stem samples using PCR-based molecular techniques.
- Analyzed genetic diversity of bacterial isolates through rep-PCR and gel electrophoresis.
- Developed and validated a multiplex PCR assay to differentiate Pseudomonas viridiflava from Pseudomonas syringae.
- Performed bioinformatics research to identify species-specific DNA sequences, designed custom PCR primers using online software tools, and validated primer performance through in silico and laboratory testing.
- Successfully transformed Pseudomonas syringae isolates with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) for bacterial tracking and visualization studies.
- Investigated genetic diversity of Sinorhizobium meliloti populations collected throughout Minnesota using rep-PCR techniques.
- Maintained alfalfa populations in greenhouse environments and inoculated plant cuttings with various P. syringae isolates for disease and host-interaction studies.
- Collected alfalfa plant and soil samples during field research activities and collaborated with research teams on experimental data collection and sample processing.
- Applied molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and plant pathology techniques to support agricultural research objectives.
Senior Laboratory Technician - Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
University of Minnesota
St. Paul
07.2004 - 01.2014
- Managed a large-scale fungal sequencing project involving thousands of plant-associated fungal endophyte samples, ensuring efficient workflow execution and data integrity throughout the project lifecycle.
- Cultured fungal endophyte-containing plant samples under sterile laboratory conditions and maintained compliance with USDA regulations governing biological materials imported from Papua New Guinea.
- Performed DNA extractions, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis verification for fungal identification using molecular markers commonly employed for taxonomic classification.
- Prepared sequencing-ready amplicons and coordinated sample submission for high-throughput DNA sequencing.
- Organized, curated, and managed sequencing datasets using Geneious software, facilitating downstream analysis by research scientists and postdoctoral researchers.
- Supervised and mentored junior laboratory personnel, including recent graduates, providing technical guidance and ensuring adherence to laboratory protocols and quality standards.
- Supported multiple fungal genomics and molecular biology projects, troubleshooting and optimizing DNA extraction methods and PCR conditions to improve experimental outcomes.
- Trained undergraduate and graduate students in molecular biology techniques, laboratory best practices, and experimental procedures.
- Maintained laboratory operations, including inventory management, procurement of supplies, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and implementation of laboratory safety protocols.
- Managed proper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
Senior Laboratory Technician - Department of Plant Biology
University of Minnesota
St. Paul
07.2004 - 10.2009
- Performed molecular biology techniques including RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR amplification, and microarray preparation.
- Supported postdoctoral research on gene expression analysis using DNA microarray technology in the model legume Medicago truncatula.
- Assisted graduate researchers with large-scale RNA extraction workflows, enhancing research project outcomes through timely support.
- Cultivated and maintained plants in a specialized aeroponic growth system, executing time-sensitive tissue collection protocols to ensure experimental accuracy.
- Prepared and validated laboratory media, reagents, and buffer solutions with strict adherence to experimental protocols and quality standards.
- Maintained comprehensive laboratory documentation, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility to uphold regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams in a fast-paced academic laboratory, fostering effective communication and project advancement.
Education
Biology -
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities01-2014
Skills
- Laboratory Skills
- Quality Control
- Molecular Biology
- Equipment Maintenance
- Process Optimization
- Troubleshooting Techniques
- DNA electrophoresis
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Safety Procedures
- Gel Safety Procedures
- Manufacturing Practices
- Process Improvement
- Team Collaboration
- Production Standards
- Assembly Techniques
- Quality Assurance
- Documentation Processes
- Inventory Management
Volunteering And Leadership
- The Sandstone Ice Park, 10/01/21, Present, Manager, The Sandstone Ice Park is a partnership between the city of Sandstone, MN and The Minnesota Climbers Association. The Sandstone Ice Park is in the city-owned Robinson Park in Sandstone, MN. Robinson Park is home to an abandoned quarry which provides cliff faces perfect for facilitating vertical climbable ice. The Sandstone Ice Park is among the largest ice climbing parks in North America. In my role as ice Park Manager/Team Lead, I organize workdays and coordinate volunteers, primary via a Slack channel I created. The team and I closely monitor temperature forecasts from December to February to choose optimal days to 'farm' or make ice by running water over cliff faces. In my role I am responsible for leading the effort to repair or replace any pipes, hoses, shower heads that are part of the ice making infrastructure. One of my favorite tasks in the role is to update the Midwest ice climbing community on ice conditions via fun social media posts.
- Minnesota Climbers Association - a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, 08/01/15, Present, Board of Directors, Advocate safe climbing and land stewardship. Social Media Hack - Maintain the Minnesota Climbers Association's social media presence. Event organizer/kitten herder. Ice Farmer - Devote countless hours building, repairing, optimizing and running the Sandstone Ice Park in Sandstone, Minnesota. This is the original ice climbing park in the state.
Timeline
Molding Technician
Escape Climbing, LLC
11.2024 - Current
Genomics Laboratory Technician II
Diversigen, Inc.
10.2020 - 12.2023
Quality Lab Technician
Surly Brewing Co.
12.2019 - 03.2020
QA Microbiologist
Aveda
07.2019 - 11.2019
Biological Science Technician
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
11.2014 - 07.2019
Senior Laboratory Technician - Department of Plant Biology
University of Minnesota
07.2004 - 10.2009
Senior Laboratory Technician - Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior
University of Minnesota
07.2004 - 01.2014
Biology -
University of Minnesota