Open To Work
SARAH BRANNAN
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Clinical Engineering Technician with over two years of experience designing, validating, and deploying laboratory automation solutions, supported by more than seven years of hands-on expertise in regulated clinical laboratory workflows. Proven ability to optimize processes, validate and troubleshoot complex instrumentation, and maintain compliance with CLIA, CAP, and ISO standards. Known as a collaborative partner to clinicians, informatics, IT, and quality teams in fast-paced, high-complexity environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Engineering Technician
Caris Life Sciences
Phoenix, AZ
09.2023 - Current
- Executed and documented Installation, Operational , and Performance Qualifications (IQ, OQ, PQ), and Function Verification (FV) activities for clinical laboratory instrumentation following new installations, repairs, upgrades, and preventative maintenance. Compiled, analyzed, and submitted validation data against predefined acceptance criteria to support regulatory approval and audit readiness.
- Drafted, revised, and standardized preventative maintenance procedures, SOPs, and work instructions to ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, ISO, NYS, and internal quality standards. Ensured ongoing departmental compliance with routine preventative maintenance requirements through documentation review and coordination.
- Programmed diagnostic routines and integrated ARTEL systems into Hamilton and Tecan automation platforms, significantly improving troubleshooting efficiency, calibration accuracy, and system reliability. Identified equipment failures, performed root cause analysis, and recommended corrective actions to minimize downtime.
- Led technical efforts in the startup and commissioning of a liquid profiling laboratory by establishing equipment workflows, validation strategies, training documentation, and operational standards.
- Conducted initial acceptance inspections of newly acquired equipment, verified manufacturer specifications, confirmed safety and electrical limits, and completed all required qualification and acceptance documentation.
- Performed manufacturer-directed equipment modifications and upgrades to maintain validated states and operational reliability. Coordinated vendor installations, repairs, preventative maintenance visits, and technical trainings to align with laboratory schedules and compliance needs.
- Collaborated with laboratory operations, quality, IT, and external vendors in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement initiatives. Responded to urgent equipment failures in clinical environments, providing on-site technical support while maintaining strict patient data confidentiality.
- Participated in the training and onboarding of new technicians on laboratory equipment use, operation, and service expectations. Maintained accurate records of all maintenance, repairs, validations, and service activities.
- Continuously expanded professional expertise in laboratory automation, medical technologies, instrumentation, and regulatory requirements through formal training and hands-on application.
Molecular Technologist
Caris Life Sciences
Phoenix, AZ
04.2022 - 09.2023
- Performed high-complexity molecular diagnostics in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory supporting oncology testing.
- Demonstrated proficiency across the full next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, sequencing operations, quality control, and result review.
- Led training and technical oversight of laboratory technicians performing clinical NGS assays, reinforcing assay integrity, contamination control, and adherence to SOPs.
- Maintained strict compliance with regulatory and quality standards while executing clinical assays and documenting activities in laboratory information management systems.
- Prepared, standardized, and validated volumetric solutions and reagents in accordance with established laboratory formulas and SOPs.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives by identifying workflow inefficiencies and assisting with method optimization.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams including quality, automation, and engineering to support laboratory operations.
- Performed routine instrument checks, troubleshooting, and corrective actions to maintain assay performance in a high-throughput clinical environment.
Seed Pathology Laboratory Technician
HM Clause
Modesto, CA
04.2019 - 04.2022
- Conducted molecular and serological testing for seed and plant pathogens using Real-Time PCR and ELISA methodologies.
- Ensured accurate data analysis, reporting, and traceability within StarLIMS.
- Performed high-precision DNA and RNA extractions using automated platforms and manual techniques to support reliable diagnostic workflows.
- Maintained laboratory instrumentation through routine maintenance and troubleshooting, addressing both hardware and software issues.
- Prepared, verified, and documented laboratory media, reagents, buffers, and controls in accordance with established protocols.
- Assisted with method validation activities, data review, and quality documentation to support audit readiness.
- Collaborated with scientists and laboratory personnel to meet testing timelines while maintaining compliance, safety, and data integrity standards.
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Mérieux NutriSciences
Modesto, CA
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Performed microbiological testing for foodborne pathogens including Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria in a regulated laboratory environment.
- Prepared, inoculated, and monitored bacterial cultures in temperature-controlled incubators to support accurate growth, identification, and confirmation testing.
- Assisted microbiologists with routine and specialized testing procedures, ensuring strict adherence to SOPs, quality standards, and contamination control practices.
- Maintained precise documentation of sample handling, incubation conditions, and test results to support traceability and audit readiness.
- Followed established biosafety, sanitation, and laboratory safety protocols while handling pathogenic organisms.
- Operated effectively in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment requiring strong attention to detail, time management, and accuracy.
- Supported timely sample processing and testing turnaround to meet client and regulatory requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12.2018
High School Degree -
Modesto Christian School
Modesto05.2014
Skills
- Clinical laboratory automation
- Hamilton/TECAN scripting (Python, C#, VBA)
- Cross-functional collaboration (engineering, PDV, QA, lab ops)
- Troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- 3D printing and rapid prototyping
- Regulatory compliance (CLIA, CAP, NYS, ISO)
- Continuous improvement and process standardization
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Equipment cross-correlation and calibration oversight
- High-throughput laboratory operations
- Clinical and molecular laboratory workflows
- Time-sensitive issue resolution
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
$80000/yr - $136000/yrTimeline
Clinical Engineering Technician
Caris Life Sciences
09.2023 - Current
Molecular Technologist
Caris Life Sciences
04.2022 - 09.2023
Seed Pathology Laboratory Technician
HM Clause
04.2019 - 04.2022
Microbiology Laboratory Technician
Mérieux NutriSciences
05.2018 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Grand Canyon University
High School Degree -
Modesto Christian School