Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
CAREER BREAK (FULLY RESOLVED)
Timeline
Generic

Zach Piller

Summary

Analytical chemistry and laboratory quality professional with experience in HPLC, GC, HS-GC, LC-MS, wet chemistry techniques, method development, instrument troubleshooting, sample preparation, and GMP-style documentation. Background includes pharmaceutical quality control testing, analytical method support, and maintenance of laboratory and diagnostic instrumentation. Returning to the workforce after a planned career break and fully ready to contribute to quality control, analytical testing, or instrument technician environments.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Endoscopy Technician

Lakeland Hospital (St. Joseph, MI) & Memorial Hospital (South Bend, IN)
12.2014 - 11.2019
  • Operated, calibrated, and maintained endoscopy instrumentation and diagnostic tools.
  • Performed equipment setup, troubleshooting, sterilization, and functional checks.
  • Ensured compliance with safety protocols, cleanliness procedures, and equipment standards.
  • Supported high-pressure clinical environments while managing multiple procedures daily.

Owner

Lawn Sprinkler Business
04.2005 - 11.2009
  • Installed, maintained, and repaired mechanical systems.
  • Managed scheduling, customer service, bids, troubleshooting, and system diagnostics.
  • Oversaw inventory, equipment upkeep, and quality of workmanship.

Analytical Research Chemist

Pfizer
03.2003 - 03.2005
  • Developed and validated analytical methods using HPLC, GC, HS-GC, and LC-MS for drug development.
  • Supported colleagues as a "super-user" for a new data accusation software rollout.
  • Performed potency, purity, impurity profiling, and quantitative analyses on pharmaceutical compounds.
  • Supported synthetic chemists with analytical data, method troubleshooting, and instrument optimization.
  • Maintained rigorous documentation and data integrity practices.

Quality Control Intern

Pfizer
03.2002 - 03.2003
  • Conducted HPLC testing on active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in a regulated QC environment.
  • Generated accurate potency and impurity results following SOPs, documentation protocols, and lab safety requirements.
  • Calibrated and maintained HPLC systems to ensure performance reliability.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Mathematics Minor

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
01-2003

Skills

  • Chromatography: HPLC, GC, HS-GC, LC-MS
  • Instrumentation: Calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair
  • Laboratory Testing: Potency testing, impurity testing, stability testing, raw material testing, sample preparation
  • Regulatory & Documentation: SOP compliance, GMP-style documentation, electronic logs, data review, audit readiness
  • Techniques: Wet chemistry, solution prep, equipment qualification
  • Software: Chromatography data systems (CDS), LIMS, instrument control software
  • Other: Mechanical aptitude, safety procedures, root-cause investigation

Accomplishments

  • Successfully executed analytical testing on pharmaceutical raw materials and API samples using HPLC, GC, HS-GC, and LC-MS, achieving 100% accuracy in documented potency and impurity results.
  • Improved consistency of instrument uptime by performing routine calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance, reducing unexpected equipment downtime.
  • Supported analytical method development at Pfizer by preparing standards, validating system suitability, and compiling data that contributed to development decisions for multiple investigational compounds.
  • Processed high sample volumes while maintaining strict SOP, GMP-style documentation, and traceability, resulting in zero corrective actions during internal documentation checks.
  • Demonstrated strong mechanical aptitude through hands-on repair, calibration, and setup of complex equipment in both laboratory and hospital environments.
  • Maintained sterile, audit-ready workspaces and reduced procedural delays by preparing reagents, ensuring instrument readiness, and organizing lab workflows.
  • Recognized for reliability and accuracy when supporting physicians in high-pressure diagnostic settings, demonstrating transferable precision and instrument-handling skills valuable for analytical technician roles.

CAREER BREAK (FULLY RESOLVED)

  • 2009-2014
  • Planned career break for personal recovery and family responsibilities. Fully recovered and re-entering the workforce with complete availability and commitment.

Timeline

Endoscopy Technician

Lakeland Hospital (St. Joseph, MI) & Memorial Hospital (South Bend, IN)
12.2014 - 11.2019

Owner

Lawn Sprinkler Business
04.2005 - 11.2009

Analytical Research Chemist

Pfizer
03.2003 - 03.2005

Quality Control Intern

Pfizer
03.2002 - 03.2003

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry, Mathematics Minor

Western Michigan University
Zach Piller