Sameera Rangwala
Irvine,CA
Summary
Highly motivated biotechnology professional with 10+ years of experience, rejoining the field with renewed enthusiasm. My passion for scientific exploration goes hand-in-hand with extensive hands-on experience in the molecular diagnostics field. My experience in teaching science has honed my communication skills, allowing me to excel in both independent work and collaborative environments. Highly organized and adept at multitasking, I can thrive in slow, moderate, or fast-paced settings and am a team player ready to contribute to a meaningful role. Confident I can bring a wealth of knowledge, adaptability, and enthusiasm to your team
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
All Things Science
03.2024 - Current
- Engaging science teacher with a passion for igniting curiosity and fostering a love of science in students
- Develop and deliver interactive, hands-on science lessons aligned with All Things Science curriculum
- Conduct safe and engaging science experiments, fostering a culture of inquiry and critical thinking
- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Integrate technology and digital tools to enhance student learning
- Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback to promote mastery
- Build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
- Create a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment that promotes scientific exploration
- Experience All Things Science curriculum, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering.
After-School Enrichment Teacher
Parker Anderson Enrichment
09.2023 - Current
- Engage K-5 students in a fun and educational environment by leading after-school enrichment programs
- Inspire creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning through exciting and well-organized lessons in various STEM and Arts disciplines
- Adapt provided curriculum to effectively teach science, technology, art, or other assigned subjects
- Employ creative and interactive teaching methods to captivate and stimulate the minds of young learners
- Foster a safe and inclusive space where students feel comfortable exploring, asking questions, and participating actively
- Ensure clear and consistent communication with students and parents
- Adapt to different class sizes and student needs.
Blog and Social Media Writer
Here To Serve Non-Profit
01.2022 - Current
- Technical blog writer and social media copy editor educating families and communities about pediatric cancer
- Provide support and awareness to anyone needing resources during their cancer journey that may not be found from hospital resources
- Blogs can be viewed at https://heretoserve.org/blog/
- Develop informative and engaging blog posts for Here To Serve to educate families and communities about pediatric cancer
- Focused on content that goes beyond hospital resources, providing a wider range of support and awareness for families on their cancer journey
- Edit and ensure accuracy of social media copy to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by pediatric cancer.
Teacher Assistant/Tutor (Temporary)
Leap Learning Center
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided guided reading instruction to small groups of students under the guidance and support of the site supervisor, a credentialed teacher
- Conducted literacy instruction with small groups (4-6) students selected for LEAP by TUSD
- Conducted instruction according to LEAP and TUSD curriculum and procedures
- Planned daily lessons for groups
- Set group/student objectives
- Maintained student records and notes on student progress
- Created a safe and stimulating environment for students
- Supported students’ oral and written language development
- Built meaningful relationships with students.
Educator Associate II
Bionerds, Inc.
09.2017 - 09.2020
- Developed and implemented captivating biology and bioengineering curriculums for children in kindergarten through 8th grade, fostering a love for science and innovation
- Engaged students through hands-on activities, experiments, and demonstrations that brought biology and bioengineering concepts to life
- Collaborated with fellow educators to share knowledge, develop new teaching strategies, and enhance the overall learning experience
- Demonstrated exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to connect with students, parents, and fellow educators, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Scientist I
Meso Scale Discovery
05.2015 - 12.2015
- Scientist and team lead with 4 direct reports supporting the Life Science Research (LSR) Assay Development team
- Focus on development of electrochemiluminescence ELISA based system for multiplexing and customizing detection of cytokine, chemokine, and pro-inflammatory biomarkers
- Key lead in successful development, internal RUO Validation and Verification, and final product launch of 40+ assays on the MSD U-PLEX platform released in September 2015
- Focus on biomarker assay menu expansion for the MSD U-PLEX multiplex platform
- Responsible for designing experiments and analyzing the resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects
- Heavily involved with project R&D product timeline organization, production time mapping to launch
- Worked heavily with marketing departments to meet marketing collateral time line needs in support of product launch
- Responsible for product development in the form of assays, reagents and/or instruments
- Lead and directed the work of RAs
- Lead efforts for product development configuration of documents, BOMS, and other documentation through Design Change Control
- Worked with QC, Operations, and Manufacturing to create final guidance documents for newly configured assays and reagents for final inclusion into DHF project files
- Responsible for all aspects of raw material, bulk, and kit level product configuration
- Including authoring, creating, editing, and approval of specification documents and SOPs for new assays and existing ones
- Responsible for maintaining team task and project calendars
- Well experienced in preparing, creating, and presenting for project phase and design reviews
- Prepared and executed product/project Verification and Validation per industry, FDA, and CLSI Standards.
Research Associate III
Meso Scale Discovery
04.2014 - 05.2015
- Senior associate with three direct reports supporting the Life Science Research (LSR) Assay Development team
- Focus on development of electrochemiluminescence ELISA based system for multiplexing and customizing detection of cytokine, chemokine, and pro-inflammatory biomarkers
- Responsible for independently designing and executing experiments analyzing the resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects
- Responsible for utilizing various techniques for biomarker assay, reagent development, and target validation using cell lysates, CSF, serum or plasma
- Designed protein-based immunoassays on a routine basis with relatively high throughput
- Lead and directed the work of others, to include establishing the scope of work assignments, experiments and work schedules/deadlines
- Lead efforts for product development configuration of documents, BOMS, and other documentation through Design Change Control
- Worked with QC, Operations, and Manufacturing to create final guidance documents for newly configured assays and reagents for final inclusion into DHF project files
- Responsible for all aspects of raw material, bulk, and kit level product configuration
- Including authoring, creating, editing, and approval of specification documents and SOPs for new assays and existing ones
- Responsible for maintaining team task and project calendars
- Well experienced in preparing, creating, and presenting for project phase and design reviews
- Prepared and executed product/project Verification and Validation per industry, FDA, and CLSI Standards
- Laboratory organization.
Scientist IV
QIAGEN
06.2012 - 12.2013
- Managed R&D team of 6 direct reports
- Senior lead scientist of the Assay Development team assigned to optimize and develop a highly multiplex taqman probe based real-time PCR assay for the detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Coordinated cross-functional activities to effectively transition projects from initiation to validation phase
- Focused on development of the assay to the highest FDA standards with the final goal of CE/PMA launch
- Led PCR Assay Development Team that successfully transferred technology and expertise from Qiagen sites Gaithersburg, MD to Manchester, UK, completing phase transfer on time and within budget
- Worked closely with Executive Management team under aggressive deadlines to develop multiplex assays, concept-to-product strategy
- Development with active collaboration between engineers, outside vendors, and cross-functional teams
- Independent planning of PCR based experiments and data analysis conducted and generated on the Rotor-Gene Q cycler
- Transferred novel assay to the already existing fully automated QIAGEN QIASymphony-RGQ Platform
- Data presentation for milestone achievement review by core team leaders
- Setting and analyzing HPLC purity specifications with oligonucleotide vendors
- Reviewed MMRs for bulk scaling of final assay
- Created QC protocols and criterion
- Wrote Verification Protocols such as: LOD, LOB, Specificity, Sensitivity, etc
- Bioinformatics support: design of real-time PCR primers and probes
- Provided direction to a team consisting of six direct reports responsible for developing a real-time multiplex PCR assay to detect 14 high risk HPV types
- Established and screened new vendors including communications to setup new projects, delivery of new products, and product specifications
- Timeline and project management
- Designed and equipped a BSL2-level PCR lab with appropriate airflow for amplicon free, and PCR laboratory space.
Scientist III
QIAGEN
04.2011 - 06.2012
- Key team member successfully transitioned from the genotyping and discrepant analysis group into Assay Development
- Successfully completed feasibility and development of a multiplex real-time PCR assay detecting 14 high risk HPV types
- Worked with global groups over several R&D sites to perform the feasibility of the assay
- Design of feasibility studies for optimizing PCR Primer/Probe concentrations, TaqMan probe dyes, time/temperature cycling profiles, and executing full-factorial DOE for PCR buffer component optimization
- Bioinformatics support: design of real-time PCR primers and probes using Invitrogen’s Vector NTI
- Optimization of sample preparation procedures for Cervical Samples in LBC (Liquid Based Cytology) and Sample Transport Medias
- Laboratory management including maintenance of lab equipment lists, calibration due dates, and organization and writing of PCR workflow
- Data evaluation and presentation to core team leads
- Training junior scientists on various laboratory techniques and statistical analysis
- Management of 3 direct reports.
Scientist II
Digene/QIAGEN
04.2009 - 04.2011
- Performed liaison functions in coordinating outsourced clinical testing functions in support of major development projects
- Formulated and legalized internal protocols for Real-Time PCR genotyping for Human papillomavirus (HPV), Neisseria gonorrhea, and Chlamydia trachomatis
- Performed analysis and review on experimental results
- Assumed full accountability in conducting various genotyping and Luminex based experiments of up to 19 HPV types and other analytes
- Played as key member in pre-clinical trial communications and organization, both internal and external coordination
- Devised and verified molecular diagnostic chemistry for Human Papilloma genotyping assisted in both internal and off-site clinical trial efforts
- Rendered assistance in providing translation of technical data and information, and presented them to various audiences
- Acted as second technical lead of the group that provided support to the entire R&D genotyping and discrepant analysis needs for clinical trial requirements for projects seeking FDA approval
- Developed quantitative PCR assay that was adopted for routine use throughout R&D to support discrepant analysis for all internal projects
- Planned, generated, and implemented verification protocols in accordance with FDA guidelines for specific analysis
- Acquired knowledge with various types of Qiagen nucleic acid purification kits
- Clinical data mining and organization of results using multi-leveled excel spreadsheets.
Scientist I
Digene/QIAGEN
04.2006 - 04.2009
- Wrote, prepared, and submitted numerous technical reports, formulation reports, and manufacturing process documents
- Complied with strict design control for both CE and ASR product registration and showed findings at international conference (Eurogin 2008)
- Rendered multiplex genotyping, Luminex based experiments of roughly 19 HPV types, including other analytes
- Consistently carried out PCR-like isothermal amplification and HDA amplification-based assays
- Ensured proper maintenance of laboratory equipment, such as balances, centrifuges, pH meters, and equipment commonly used in molecular biology
- Compiled and updated laboratory notebook, and presented it to monthly/yearly reports, at group meetings, and off-site presentations
- Administered Mathematical calculations in the preparation of complex laboratory reagents and planning of appropriate experiments to assess the performance of reagents
- Conceptualized and developed novel molecular diagnostic chemistries, and adjusted in accordance to current and prototype manual platforms
- Conducted feasibility research and designed hybrid capture 2 based genotyping reflex assay for HPV types 16, 18, and 45
- Successfully developed reagents, supervised junior scientist, and educated them on product development process
- Produced subsequent experiments to enhance the process of purification and to detection assay development for Human papillomavirus (HPV), Neisseria gonorrhea, and Chlamydia trachomatis
- Initiated chemistry optimization and formulation for reagents, including lyses buffers, denaturing, antibody concentration, detection reagents, detergents, pH adjustment, and others.
Research Associate
Digene/QIAGEN
10.2004 - 04.2006
- Established feasibility research and assay optimization for novel diagnostics for viral pathogens
- Wrote draft documents for manufacturing and testing procedures
- Supported R&D molecular DNA-based diagnostic by performing numerous functions, including processing samples, performing experimental assays, and maintaining laboratory notebook.
Education
Master of Science - Biotechnology
University of Maryland - University College
Hyattsville, MD08.2007
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD06.2001
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Critical Thinking
- Lesson Planning
- Motivating students
- Student Engagement
- Behavior Management
- Google Classroom
- Instructional Materials Creation
- Immunological Techniques
- Quality Control Procedures
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Time Management Capabilities
- Enzyme Assays Development
- Molecular Biology Expertise
- Statistical Data Analysis
- High-throughput Screening
- Data Collection
- Research Support
- Specimen tracking
- Experimental design
- Record tracking
- Coordination of laboratory phases
- Project Management
Areas Of Experience
Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PPT, Word, Visio etc.), Sharing technology (Google Meet, Google Docs, Google Sheets, SharePoint etc.), Trello and Canva, Advanced Data Entry, Report Writing and Editing, Record Management and Documentation (DHF), Curriculum development for grades K-8, Teaching Science/Biology/Literacy based education, Mentoring students in grades K-8, Medical Blog Writing, Medical and Scientific Subject matter research, ELISA, Configuration Management, Technical Writing, Assay Development, QC/QA functions and working in cross-functional teams, SOP, Protocol, and Report Writing, Reagent formulation, Real-time PCR, qPCR, Firm grasp on the fundamentals of microbiology, Experience using aseptic molecular techniques, instrumentation, and maintaining a sterile environment, Laboratory Management (BSL2, CLIA, and FDA regulations), QA and Regulatory compliance, GMP and GLP Processes, Verification and Validation, Document Control
Timeline
Teacher
All Things Science
03.2024 - Current
Teacher Assistant/Tutor (Temporary)
Leap Learning Center
10.2023 - 12.2023
After-School Enrichment Teacher
Parker Anderson Enrichment
09.2023 - Current
Blog and Social Media Writer
Here To Serve Non-Profit
01.2022 - Current
Educator Associate II
Bionerds, Inc.
09.2017 - 09.2020
Scientist I
Meso Scale Discovery
05.2015 - 12.2015
Research Associate III
Meso Scale Discovery
04.2014 - 05.2015
Scientist IV
QIAGEN
06.2012 - 12.2013
Scientist III
QIAGEN
04.2011 - 06.2012
Scientist II
Digene/QIAGEN
04.2009 - 04.2011
Scientist I
Digene/QIAGEN
04.2006 - 04.2009
Research Associate
Digene/QIAGEN
10.2004 - 04.2006
Master of Science - Biotechnology
University of Maryland - University College
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of Maryland - College Park
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