Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Publications
Timeline
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Sophie Sarafconn

Summary

Results-driven scientific professional specializing in research and pharmaceutical quality control. Demonstrated adaptability in dynamic environments and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams. Committed to continuous improvement and ensuring audit readiness for internal and external assessments.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Food Safety & Quality Laboratory Technician

Maola Local Dairies
Landover
11.2025 - 01.2026
  • Performed standardized food safety and quality testing on raw, in-process, and finished milk products to ensure compliance with company policies and state and federal regulatory standards.
  • Maintained strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in a regulated dairy production environment.
  • Collected, prepared, and processed samples following Standard Methods for Examination of Dairy Products, ensuring accurate assessments of total solids, homogenization efficiency, organoleptic evaluation, sediment testing, viscosity, titratable acidity, and pasteurization efficiency.
  • Conducted microbiological and microscopic analyses, including direct microscopic counts, standard plate counts, total coliform, yeast, and mold testing.
  • Performed operational quality checks, including temperature, weight, and volume verification; chemical concentration testing on CIP and sanitation systems; water quality testing; and allergen swab testing.
  • Executed pre-operation inspections on processing equipment and storage tanks, verifying sanitation standards and readiness for production to maintain compliance and product quality.
  • Documented results in laboratory notebooks and digital systems, effectively escalating out-of-specification and non-compliant results to uphold quality assurance protocols.
  • State Certified in Raw Milk Sampling and Antibiotic Residue Testing.

Bacteriophage Therapeutics Research Technician II

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
Silver Spring
02.2025 - 03.2025
  • Trained in research and development of bacteriophage therapies targeting multidrug-resistant ESKAPEE pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, contributing to innovative treatment approaches.
  • Contributed to compassionate-use research efforts for national and international clinical applications, facilitating access to novel therapies for patients.
  • Ensured compliance with biosafety and documentation standards in regulated research environment, supporting safe and effective laboratory practices.

Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)

Nesher Pharmaceuticals
Bridgeton
01.2019 - 06.2019
  • Performed daily microbiological testing of pharmaceutical products and industrial water systems under FDA and USP standards.
  • Ensured laboratory readiness and regulatory compliance during FDA inspections and audits.
  • Operated in GMP/GLP-compliant and BSL-2 laboratory environments.
  • Collaborated with QA and senior scientists on SOP updates and process improvements to enhance compliance and operational efficiency.
  • Trained and directed laboratory technicians on quality and safety procedures, fostering a culture of safety and adherence to protocols.

Molecular Biology Research Associate (Contract)

Bayer Crop Science
Chesterfield
02.2018 - 08.2018
  • Performed molecular biology techniques including PCR, gene cloning, Sanger sequencing, and electrophoretic analysis.
  • Supported advanced genome editing and modification projects in corn and soybean.
  • Facilitated plant tissue culture, genetic transformation, and greenhouse operations to support research objectives.
  • Analyzed experimental data, refined protocols, and presented findings to project leads across multiple concurrent studies.

Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)

Sigma-Aldrich
St. Louis
12.2016 - 11.2017
  • Conducted routine microbial enumeration and specified organism testing in accordance with USP and .
  • Performed environmental monitoring, including water, coliform, and surface swab testing across production facilities.
  • Managed laboratory operations and maintenance during FDA and client facility visits, ensuring readiness and compliance with regulatory expectations.
  • Functioned as QC Microbiology representative on the Safety Committee, facilitating BSL-2 compliance and preparing for audits.
  • Supported QA investigations for OOS, CAPA, and nonconformance, facilitating timely resolution and adherence to quality standards.

Education

Master of Science (M.S.) - Microbiology and Cell Science, Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
05-2023

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Biological Sciences, Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Biosciences Track

Smith College
Northampton, MA
05-2016

Summer Coursework - Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
08-2015

Publications

Nanotechnology Meets the Clinic: Using Chitosan/Silver Nanocomposites to Target Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections During Burn Wound Therapy, Sarafconn, S. G., 2023, GEN Biotechnology, https://doi.org/10.1089/genbio.2023.0005

Timeline

Food Safety & Quality Laboratory Technician

Maola Local Dairies
11.2025 - 01.2026

Bacteriophage Therapeutics Research Technician II

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
02.2025 - 03.2025

Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)

Nesher Pharmaceuticals
01.2019 - 06.2019

Molecular Biology Research Associate (Contract)

Bayer Crop Science
02.2018 - 08.2018

Quality Control Microbiologist (Contract)

Sigma-Aldrich
12.2016 - 11.2017

Master of Science (M.S.) - Microbiology and Cell Science, Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry

University of Florida

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Biological Sciences, Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Biosciences Track

Smith College

Summer Coursework - Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology

Harvard University
Sophie Sarafconn