Santiago Munera Valencia
Hawthorne ,NJ
Summary
Detail-oriented Microbiology Laboratory Technician with expertise in clinical diagnostics and GMP-regulated biopharmaceuticals. Specializes in organism identification, environmental monitoring, and aseptic processing, ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, GMP, GLP, GDP, and ALCOA+ standards. Experienced in managing high-volume workflows while maintaining accuracy, documentation integrity, and operational reliability.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
St. Michael's Medical Center
Newark, NJ
09.2025 - Current
- Process 200+ high-complexity clinical specimens weekly, ensuring accuracy and turnaround within CLIA/CAP standards.
- Perform organism identification and susceptibility testing using: MicroScan system (Neg MIC 101, PC45, MicroScan Strip Plus 2), API systems (yeast ID, Enterobacteriaceae, non-enteric Gram-negative assays).
- Interpret culture and susceptibility results to support targeted antimicrobial therapy decisions.
- Maintain strict aseptic technique and contamination control, ensuring specimen integrity across workflows.
- Document results in LIS systems (Epic) in compliance with GDP and ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
- Support QA initiatives, audit readiness, and deviation documentation, contributing to consistent regulatory compliance.
Microbiology Environmental Technician
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)
Warren, NJ
08.2025 - 01.2026
- Performed viable and non-viable environmental monitoring in ISO-classified and Grade A/B cleanrooms supporting biologics and cell therapy manufacturing.
- Collected and processed air, surface/contact, and personnel monitoring samples under controlled aseptic conditions.
- Conducted bacterial endotoxin testing (BET), BioFire, and sterility-related assays using validated GMP methodologies.
- Executed cleanroom gowning and aseptic procedures to maintain contamination control in high-risk production areas.
- Ensured compliance with GMP, GLP, and GDP standards, adhering strictly to SOPs and regulatory requirements
- Reviewed and completed batch documentation to ensure adherence to ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
- Supported QA during audits by preparing documentation and ensuring traceability of microbiological data.
- Identified environmental trends and deviations to support root cause analysis and implementation of CAPA.
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Hudson Regional Hospital
Secaucus, NJ
02.2024 - 07.2025
- Processed 140+ clinical samples weekly for bacterial, fungal, and viral identification under CLIA/CAP standards.
- Performed organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using VITEK 2 (GP, GN, YST, NH cards).
- Performed 120+ immunoassay tests weekly using the Vidas 3 (mumps, measles, varicella, rubella), ensuring accurate serological detection and compliance with CLIA/CAP standards
- Calibrated and maintained laboratory instrumentation to minimize downtime and ensure reliable testing outcomes.
- Conducted biochemical and manual assays to support automated identification results.
- Managed inventory to reduce reagent shortages by 40%, ensuring uninterrupted testing processes.
- Maintained compliance with GLP and documentation standards to support lab accreditation and readiness for audits.
Educator
Lululemon
Paramus, NJ
11.2022 - 07.2024
- Delivered product education and customer support to 200+ customers weekly, strengthening communication and interpersonal skills.
- Analyzed customer feedback and sales trends to identify areas for improvement and implement effective solutions.
- Collaborated across teams to optimize workflows and resolve operational inefficiencies.
- Developed strong adaptability and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
Lifeguard
A Squared Management
Wayne, NJ
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Monitored safety of 50+ patrons daily, maintaining vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Identified and mitigated hazards proactively, enhancing overall safety for patrons.
- Maintained detailed incident awareness and accountability, supporting compliance with safety regulations.
Education
Technologist in Microbiology -
American Society For Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Nationwide05-2026
Bachelor of Science: Biology B.S. -
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ04-2025
Phlebotomy Technician Certification - Phlebotomy
Branford Institute
Paterson, NJ05-2021
Emergency Medical Technician Training - Emergency Care
Passaic County Safety Academy
Wayne, NJ04-2021
Nursing Assistant Training - CNA Training
Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools
Wayne, NJ07-2020
Skills
- Laboratory automation
- Automated identification
- Microbial testing
- Microscopy Skills
- Sterility testing
- Endotoxin testing
- Environmental monitoring
- Aseptic technique
- Cleanroom operations
- GLP, GDP, GMP, & SOP standards
- Documentation management
- Data integrity
- Audit support
- Corrective actions
- Effective communication
- Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Technical Skills
MicroScan (Neg MIC panels, PC45, MicroScan Strip Plus 2), API (Yeast ID, Enterobacteriaceae, Non-enteric Gram-negative ID), VITEK 2 (GP, GN, YST cards), PCR / Molecular diagnostics (BioFire), Vidas 3 (immunoassay testing), Environmental Monitoring (viable & non-viable), Endotoxin Testing (BET)
Timeline
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
St. Michael's Medical Center
09.2025 - Current
Microbiology Environmental Technician
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)
08.2025 - 01.2026
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Hudson Regional Hospital
02.2024 - 07.2025
Educator
Lululemon
11.2022 - 07.2024
Lifeguard
A Squared Management
06.2021 - 09.2022
Technologist in Microbiology -
American Society For Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Bachelor of Science: Biology B.S. -
Seton Hall University
Phlebotomy Technician Certification - Phlebotomy
Branford Institute
Emergency Medical Technician Training - Emergency Care
Passaic County Safety Academy
Nursing Assistant Training - CNA Training
Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools