Sarah E. Collins
Riparius,NY
Summary
Knowledgeable Laboratory Professional with a solid foundation in optimizing operational processes and driving efficiency improvements. Proven track record of managing cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and streamline workflows. Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning and problem-solving, ensuring continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory and Formulation Operations Manager
Etain LLC
11.2015 - 01.2025
- Duties include management of in-house laboratory services, management of formulation operations, management of third-party testing scheduling, and management of compliance labeling operations.
- Improved compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring adherence to industry guidelines.
- Responsible for all in-house testing protocols, product formulations, product development, quality control, SOP development, laboratory staff training, and formulation staff training.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
- Coordinated logistics operations to enhance delivery timelines and customer satisfaction.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration, ensuring seamless communication across departments.
- Provide upper management with data driven risk assessments.
- Works closely with Officers, department heads, technicians, engineers, third party testing labs, government regulators and assistants to produce consistent and high-quality products for New York Medical Marijuana patients and NY Adult use customers.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.
Genetic Quality Control Technician
Trudeau Institute - Mouse Production and Screening
05.2014 - 10.2015
- Duties include management of mouse breeding programs; genetic stability, setting up matings, tissue sampling, genetic testing (PCR and FACS), and colony documentation.
- Performed quality assessments for enhanced genetic and phenotypic consistency.
- Responsible for quality control (genotypic and phenotypic), pedigrees, developing SOPs, and training staff.
- Works closely with Animal facility Director, Investigators, scientific staff, animal care personal, and veterinary staff.
- Documented inspection results to support quality assurance processes.
- Monitored production processes for adherence to quality and regulatory guidelines.
Technologist
Charles Rivers Laboratories-Genetic testing Services
01.2014 - 05.2014
- Duties included high throughput PCR genotyping, gel electrophoresis and digital imaging
- Maintenance of the PCR control DNA repository
- Assist with new assay transfer & validation
- Assist with troubleshooting new and existing PCR assays
- Maintain the PCR database and maintenance of protocols
- Assist with results interpretation and analysis
Bti- Application Technician (Seasonal)
Bio-Conservation
03.2011 - 07.2013
- Applied Bti to streams for the management of black flies within the Adirondack Park
- Duties included Pre Application Stream Monitoring, Sample Collection, Documentation, Stream Flow Rate Calculations, Pesticide Application Calculations, Pesticide Dilutions, Pesticide Application, Application Documentation & Logging, Post Application Monitoring, Sample Collection, and Documentation
Research Biologist
Albany Research Institute - Koeppen Lab
06.2011 - 10.2012
- Executed systematic analysis of the 'cerebellar module' on human brain tissues of patients with spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA's) and Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA)
- This research used immunohistochemical markers to identify histopathological changes in hereditary ataxia and PCR based genotyping confirm the presence of the genetic mutation
- Maintained precise documentation of experiment protocols, results, and analyses to ensure reproducibility of findings.
- Developed new methodologies for studying biological systems, enhancing overall understanding of complex phenomena.
- Presented research findings at national and international conferences, engaging with fellow experts and sharing valuable insights.
Laboratory Manager
Syracuse University - Albertson Lab
10.2006 - 05.2011
- Conducted experiments involving the evolution, development, and genetics of east African cichlid fishes
- Maintained a large colonies of African Cichlids and Zebra Fish.
- Methods of study included QTL mapping, genome-wide transcription profiling, experimental embryology, and quantitative shape analysis
- Assisted the primary investigator with the management of post docs, graduate students, and undergraduate students with ongoing experiments
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on technical skills development and career growth opportunities.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for laboratory processes, resulting in consistent quality of work.
- Collected and analyzed data used in scholarly research papers, abstracts, and conference presentations
- Kept equipment maintained, facility clean, and organized and inventory stocked to maximize performance.
- Managed a team of technicians, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and proper handling of lab equipment.
Laboratory Colony Manager
Syracuse University - Pepling Lab
06.2008 - 07.2009
- Maintained a large mouse colony that comprised multiple transgenic mouse lineages
- These duties included breeding, genotyping, resource delegation, and record keeping
- Led team in achieving project goals, ensuring alignment with laboratory objectives.
- Improved operational efficiency with streamlined processes and resource allocation.
- Ovarian cell culture and immunoassay (hormone)
Psittacine Colony Manager
Animal Dreams
09.2004 - 09.2006
- Colony Management : Diet, Breeding, Husbandry, Hand-rearing offspring, and Training
- Training staff to effectively and efficiently care for the birds while minimizing stress.
- Improved customer satisfaction, addressing concerns promptly and effectively.
Laboratory Technician
Cornell University - Currie Lab
05.2002 - 08.2004
- Assisted the primary investigator with data collection and analysis for a bovine genotyping project
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in test results by following strict quality control procedures.
- Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize purity of specimens.
- Oocyte cell culture and immunoassay
- Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, spectrophotometer, autoclave and thermocycler.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
Education
Graduate Course Work - Biology: Molecular Bio Complexity
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY05.2011
Bachelor's Degree: BS - Animal Science
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY12.2003
Associate’s degree: AAS - Veterinary Technology
SUNY Delhi
Delhi, NY05.2001
Skills
- Laboratory Management
- NY Cannabis Regulation
- Research Design and Implementation
- Cannabis Product Formulation & Testing
- Auditing & Investigation
- Site Inspection Preparedness
- CGMPs
- Genotyping, Genome Scanning, & SNP Identification
- Bacterial Plating/Culture
- LC - MS, UPLC, & HPLC
- Risk management
- Data analysis
- Continuous process improvement
- Problem solving
- Crisis Management
- Conflict Resolution
Timeline
Laboratory and Formulation Operations Manager
Etain LLC
11.2015 - 01.2025
Genetic Quality Control Technician
Trudeau Institute - Mouse Production and Screening
05.2014 - 10.2015
Technologist
Charles Rivers Laboratories-Genetic testing Services
01.2014 - 05.2014
Research Biologist
Albany Research Institute - Koeppen Lab
06.2011 - 10.2012
Bti- Application Technician (Seasonal)
Bio-Conservation
03.2011 - 07.2013
Laboratory Colony Manager
Syracuse University - Pepling Lab
06.2008 - 07.2009
Laboratory Manager
Syracuse University - Albertson Lab
10.2006 - 05.2011
Psittacine Colony Manager
Animal Dreams
09.2004 - 09.2006
Laboratory Technician
Cornell University - Currie Lab
05.2002 - 08.2004
Bachelor's Degree: BS - Animal Science
Cornell University
Associate’s degree: AAS - Veterinary Technology
SUNY Delhi
Graduate Course Work - Biology: Molecular Bio Complexity
Syracuse University
Similar Profiles
Anita NeedhamAnita Needham
Cultivation Operations Manager at Etain LLcCultivation Operations Manager at Etain LLc
Peter PatronPeter Patron
HR Generalist at Cansortium/EtainHR Generalist at Cansortium/Etain
Kristiane TeskeraKristiane Teskera
Assistant Manager of Operations at Rockstar Living Enterprise & JetSetHospitality & 8250 Sunsest Blvd. & Supreme Enterprise Holding, LLC. & MAC 1 Holdings, LLC.Assistant Manager of Operations at Rockstar Living Enterprise & JetSetHospitality & 8250 Sunsest Blvd. & Supreme Enterprise Holding, LLC. & MAC 1 Holdings, LLC.
Toni MillingtonToni Millington
CNA at Adirondack Tri CountyCNA at Adirondack Tri County
Lisa HentzeLisa Hentze
Paraprofessional Educator at Department Of EducationParaprofessional Educator at Department Of Education