Sarah Petiwala
New Hyde Park
Summary
Clinical laboratory professional with hands-on experience in molecular diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, and fertility laboratory operations, including endocrine testing and andrology. Backed by a Master’s in Project Management and a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences, I bring a strong mix of technical expertise and operational leadership across high-throughput testing, EMR, and LIMS systems, and clinical data analysis. I enjoy mentoring laboratory teams, improving workflows through automation, and working closely with clinicians and IT to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely results. I’m passionate about the role that laboratory medicine plays in fertility care and patient outcomes, and I’m seeking a clinical lead or manager role where I can support teams in delivering high-quality, compassionate care.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Kindbody
New York
02.2023 - Current
- Conduct manual semen analysis and endocrinology testing, ensuring precise results.
- Perform specimen cryopreservation and storage, maintaining specimen integrity.
- Implement quality control procedures, monitoring KPIs to ensure laboratory excellence.
- Lead process improvement initiatives within the endocrinology laboratory, streamlining workflows, and reducing turnaround times for critical tests while improving operational efficiency.
- Provide training and technical guidance to laboratory staff on testing procedures, quality standards, and best laboratory practices.
- Support CLIA-regulated laboratory compliance by reviewing and preparing documentation for CAP and New York State inspections, and assisting with audit readiness and corrective action planning.
Clinical Data Analyst
Sema4
Stamford
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Led clinical data analysis for MLPA-based SMA testing, reviewing capillary electrophoresis results in gene marker software to support accurate variant calls, and compliant clinical reporting.
- Analyzed pharmacogenomics Agena MassARRAY (MALDI-TOF) data, including CYP variants and UGT1A1, while working closely with lab and clinical teams to support precision medicine testing and result interpretation.
- Built and standardized Excel-based JANUS automated plating templates for 364-well plates, helping to streamline daily lab workflows, reduce manual setup errors, and improve overall throughput.
- Supported APOL1 and GUARDIANN clinical trial datasets by performing data validation, QC checks, and report preparation to ensure data integrity and protocol compliance.
Research Specialist
Weill Cornell medicine
New York
09.2021 - 11.2021
- Developed and optimized ddPCR protocols for precise DNA quantification, supporting assay development and research workflows.
- Performed qPCR quantification and validation, ensuring accurate titration and reproducible results for downstream analysis.
- Worked closely with research teams to document methods, troubleshoot assays, and support early-stage protocol development.
Lead Molecular Tecnologist
Mount Sinai Hospital
New York
01.2019 - 09.2021
- Performed and oversaw high-throughput molecular assays including NGS carrier screening, NIPT library prep, MLPA, capillary electrophoresis, and MALDI-TOF Agena for clinical and research programs.
- Independently analyzed pharmacogenomics data for ADOPT and IGNITE clinical trials, supporting accurate reporting and study timelines.
- Trained and mentored multiple lab staff across assays, helping improve coverage, consistency, and day-to-day workflow efficiency.
- Developed an automated sample plating protocol for pharmacogenomic assays, increasing throughput and reducing costs by ~40%.
- Worked closely with postdoctoral fellows and lab leadership to refine SOPs, support QA/QC activities, and maintain CLIA-compliant operations.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
St John's University
New York
12.2016 - 05.2018
- Conducted research in molecular biology and pharmacogenomics, including AAV viral vector plasmid amplification using PCR techniques, protein expression studies, and Western blotting.
- Supported and supervised undergraduate laboratory sessions covering PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, Western blotting, and pharmacogenomics-focused assays, providing hands-on instruction and troubleshooting.
- Managed student lab operations, including lab setup, equipment readiness, inventory, grading, and documentation, ensuring smooth course execution and safe lab practices.
Pharmacist
Burhani Medical Idara
Mecca
10.2014 - 11.2014
- Reviewed, verified, and dispensed inpatient and outpatient prescriptions, ensuring accuracy, patient safety, and compliance with clinical guidelines.
- Counseled patients on medication use, adverse effects, and drug interactions, supporting safe and effective therapy management.
- Supervised pharmacy operations including inventory control, recordkeeping, and workflow coordination, maintaining consistent medication availability.
Education
Master of Science - Project Management
Harrisburg University of Science And Technology
Harrisburg, PA12.2024
Master of Science - Pharmacology
St. John's University-New York
New York05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
Allana College of Pharmacy
Pune, India08.2010
Skills
- Clinical Laboratory Operations Management
- Staff Supervision, Training & Competency Assessment
- CLIA & CAP Compliance
- Quality Assurance (QA) & Quality Control (QC)
- Workflow Optimization & Laboratory Process Improvement
- Laboratory Automation & Test Automation
- EMR & LIMS Systems
- Molecular Diagnostics, Endocrinology, Andrology
- Project management in healthcare
- Quality Metrics, KPI Tracking & Reporting
Clinical Dashboard Development (Tableau) - Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder communication
Certification
Molecular Biology(ASCP), 7382, 04/23
Medical Lab Scientist (ASCP) – Expected 02/2026
Lean Six Sigma White Belt – Certified
Medical Lab Scientist (ASCP) – Expected 02/2026
Lean Six Sigma White Belt – Certified
Personal Information
Title: Clinical Scientist
Timeline
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Kindbody
02.2023 - Current
Clinical Data Analyst
Sema4
09.2021 - 01.2023
Research Specialist
Weill Cornell medicine
09.2021 - 11.2021
Lead Molecular Tecnologist
Mount Sinai Hospital
01.2019 - 09.2021
Graduate Teaching Assistant
St John's University
12.2016 - 05.2018
Pharmacist
Burhani Medical Idara
10.2014 - 11.2014
Master of Science - Project Management
Harrisburg University of Science And Technology
Master of Science - Pharmacology
St. John's University-New York
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
Allana College of Pharmacy