Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rickey Lawrence

(Drug Substance Manufacturing)Experienced Bioprocessing Engineer
Chicago,IL

Summary

I have developed a proficiency in operating, troubleshooting and training others on several types of bioreactors and filtration systems. I have several years of experience in current good manufacturing practices (cGxP), working in ISO classified cleanrooms and manufacturing gene therapies in a team environment. I am a very upbeat and outgoing person with a passion for all things technology and innovation. I am a motivated team player with a strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Manufacturing Associate II

Kashiv BioSciences
Chicago, IL
07.2023 - 12.2023
  • Monitored and maintained quality control standards, ensuring that products met customer requirements.
  • Conducting HIC(hydrophobic interaction chromatography)
  • Loading and Running AKTA machines and resins columns.
  • Performing caution Exchange chromatograph
  • Taking fraction samples
  • Set up and operate a variety of machinery used in the manufacturing process.
  • 250L bioreactor inoculating, hourly testing (sampling) and harvesting.
  • Enforced company policies, procedures, rules, and regulations among production staff.
  • Examined instruments and equipment to ensure cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Labeled and maintained inventory, submitted requisitions, collected and distributed instruments, trays, crash carts and facility medical equipment.
  • Collected, tested and submitted samples according to quality control standards.
  • Documented batch information on log sheet.
  • Measured batch pH levels during fermentation.
  • Conduct centrifugation and homogenization
  • Formulate super broth, media and other buffers

Lead BioProcessing Engineer III

Novartis Gene Therapies
Libertyville , IL
10.2021 - 02.2023
  • Test for monoclonal gammapathies through both quantitative and qualitative tests
  • Help facilitate the manufacturing of AVXS-101, a gene therapy/medicine for the treatment of SMA type 1, the leading genetic cause of infant death.
  • work with Mammalian cell culture including thawing, and scaling up (expansion) in GMP manufacturing.
  • Perform Bioreactor operations and processes such as transfection and reactor harvest.
  • Perform Tangential flow filtration (TFF) for AAV viral production and purification
  • Assist with training new hires in cell expansion, bioreactor and TFF operations
  • Ensured the Master Batch reports (MBRs) are completed in compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP)
  • Work with lab team to isolate protein through electrophoresis and chromatography
  • Examined instruments and equipment to ensure cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Labeled and maintained inventory, submitted requisitions, collected and distributed instruments, trays, crash carts and facility medical equipment.
  • Collected, tested and submitted samples according to quality control standards.
  • Documented batch information on log sheet.
  • Measured batch pH levels during fermentation.
  • Collected readings on status, temperature, flow rate and other points for documentation.
  • Interfaced with medical, science, engineering and research communities to propose solutions promoting quality healthcare.
  • Monitored biological and chemical wash solution to ensure quality and consistency for decontamination of instruments and medical equipment.
  • Maintained documentation of all process parameters and test results.
  • Collaborated with other departments such as Quality Control and Maintenance on projects related to process engineering initiatives.
  • Managed laboratory testing of raw materials before use in production processes.
  • Assisted in training operators on safe operating procedures for complex machinery.
  • Worked with managers, operators and vendors to perform root cause analysis on failing systems.

Warehouse Supervisor

BCI
Libertyville , IL
01.2021 - 10.2021
  • Monitored daily shipping, handling and receiving to promote smooth operations within warehouse.
  • Complied with standards and protocol requirements regarding warehouse operations, shipping and receiving and material handling.
  • Worked additional hours and shifts to meet tight deadlines during peak periods.
  • Supervised scheduling for freight and package shipments and managed return and transfer procedures.
  • Trained staff on material handling processes to reduce shipping times.
  • Generated warehouse shipping documents, packing lists and invoices.
  • Satisfied reporting requirements with timely and accurate logging of daily activities.
  • Developed weekly schedules for warehouse employees.
  • Enforced strict safety procedures and protocols through successful management of warehouse team members.
  • Organized warehouse design to maximize space for stock while allowing for high volume traffic zones.
  • Increased productivity through cross-training and thorough training of both current employees and new hires.

Biomedical Technician

Abbott
Chicago, Illinois
04.2020 - 05.2021
  • Assembling managing and fulfilling new 15 minute rapid COVID-19 test.
  • Took part in trainings and workshops, learning about upcoming product launches and new merchandise.
  • Demonstrated how to properly use and apply products, enabling customers to learn about features before purchasing items.
  • Followed privacy regulations and safety protocols.
  • Calibrated and monitored devices following installation.
  • Repaired medical equipment after thoroughly testing to diagnose root issues.
  • Evaluated biomedical equipment to assess safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Suggested ways to improve manufacturing processes while meeting or exceeding environmental regulations.

Education

High School Diploma -

Al Raby High School
06.2008

Some College (No Degree) - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • Fast accurate and efficient worker
  • Very dependable
  • Flexible
  • Fast learner
  • Great time and production management
  • Safety guidelines and procedures
  • Cell biology
  • Cell cultures
  • Cell therapy projects
  • Laboratory operation
  • Electrophoresis
  • Apheresis
  • Sample collections
  • Supplies inventory
  • Training and mentoring
  • College-level instruction
  • Cross-functional communication
  • Strategic planning
  • Scientific studies and data

Timeline

Manufacturing Associate II

Kashiv BioSciences
07.2023 - 12.2023

Lead BioProcessing Engineer III

Novartis Gene Therapies
10.2021 - 02.2023

Warehouse Supervisor

BCI
01.2021 - 10.2021

Biomedical Technician

Abbott
04.2020 - 05.2021

High School Diploma -

Al Raby High School

Some College (No Degree) - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

Illinois Institute of Technology
Rickey Lawrence(Drug Substance Manufacturing)Experienced Bioprocessing Engineer