DENNIS CONLEY
Cambridge
Summary
Results-oriented Research/Development Associate with over 10 years of professional experience and 5 years of experience in fast-paced biotechnology startups; driving improvements to impact bottom-line success. Confident in ability to learn and execute skills quickly and accurately and work independently or cooperatively. Advocate for training and development to drive high performance among employees. Committed to continuous improvement and impacting team success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Research Associate
Mori
Charlestown, MA
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Process Development Team Leader for researching and developing novel food formulations to improve yield and efficacy of spray dried food products.
- Optimized parameters of spray driers and bioreactors to scale-up and method transfer to pilot plant and commercial production facilities, successfully implementing changes to improve throughput and operating efficiency
- Designed and synthesized complex experiments and results using statistical software and authored multiple validation reports
- Characterized and optimized shelf life for aqueous and shelf-stable food products through stability testing and packaging improvements.
- Researched, evaluated, and tested emerging technologies from multiple vendors for potential integration into ongoing development efforts.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, including traveling to co-packers and suppliers, ensuring timely completion and high-quality deliverables.
- Conducted sensory evaluations to ensure consistent product quality.
- Communicated project status to management verbally and through technical documentation and data-driven presentations.
- Mentored junior scientists on research techniques and project management skills, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Maintained regulatory compliance in all product development activities, adhering to FDA guidelines and industry best practices.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products in a timely manner.
Development Associate II
Finch Therapeutics
Somerville, MA
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Developed, qualified, validated, and transferred novel analytical cell-based assays to support research, quality, and manufacturing teams
- Performed laboratory experiments for evaluation of product quality attributes, characterization studies, and stability analysis, and carried out special projects independently as required and assigned by management
- Assisted in developing more efficient, cost-effective, robust, and high-throughput microbial analytical protocols, and trained new departmental personnel in standard operating procedures and analytical methods
- Planned and performed preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance
- Followed safety requirements, maintained good housekeeping of lab areas, and ordered lab supplies to maintain inventory
- Communicated results to Analytical Development team both verbally and in writing, recorded and interpreted data using Excel and statistical software, and authored development reports, study protocols, and technical methods
- Demonstrated good documentation practices including regularly updating laboratory notebooks and databases
Research Technician I & II
Finch Therapeutics
Somerville, MA
07.2020 - 09.2022
- Performed a diverse array of experimental and laboratory maintenance work including media preparation, anaerobic cell culture, cellular quantification, ELISA, DNA extraction, (q)PCR, WGS, lyophilization, spray drying, tablet formulation, Karl Fisher water content determination, preparation, shipment, storage, and registration of biological samples, vendor coordination, and general equipment and consumables maintenance
- Independently performed troubleshooting and problem solving when performing lab work
- Communicated results and deviations in formal and ad hoc formats to managers and scientists without a template
- Identified and proposed process improvements in alignment with improving efficiency and accuracy across all laboratory departments
- Cross-trained on essential research and development workstreams, supported the development and onboarding of new assays, supported generation of training materials for newly transferred methods, and trained new team members on these workstreams
- Maintained and organized a detailed electronic lab notebook, LIMS, workspaces, and freezers
Research Associate
Indigo Ag
Charlestown, MA
11.2019 - 04.2020
- Executed experiments to advance microbial products through the research and development pipeline
- Performed high-throughput quality control operations to validate identities of bacterial and fungal isolates using both manual and automated DNA extraction/sequencing methodologies
- Organized, maintained, and archived an expansive library of bacterial and fungal isolates
- Generated detailed quality control reports to be submitted to colleagues within research and development
- Assisted with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and development of corrective actions to improve efficacy of quality control operations
- Worked cross-functionally with teams throughout research and development to achieve company goals
- Adhered to safe laboratory practices and demonstrated excellent aseptic technique
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
Windsor Locks, CT
07.2014 - 11.2019
- Quickly and accurately processed prescription data in a busy, high-stress environment
- Calculated, prepared, and dispensed prescription medication to patients
- Communicated with inter-professional staff to obtain or amend prescription data
- Maintained and organized confidential patient health information and prescription inventory
- Discussed critical health information, answered questions, and provided excellent customer service
- Adhered to HIPAA and company safety/compliance standards
Undergraduate Researcher
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Conducted antibiotic discovery and development research
- Isolated and identified unique isolates of bacteria from soil, then screened for their antibiotic activity
- Extracted secondary metabolic material in hopes to discover novel antibiotic properties effective against the growth of ESKAPE pathogens
- Studied antibiotic material through mass spectrometry
- Synthesized and interpreted complex experimental results
Education
Bachelor of Science - Molecular and Cell Biology
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CTSkills
- Spray Drying
- Bioreactors
- Lyophilization and Tablet Formulation
- Gas Permeability Chromatography
- JMP Statistical Analysis Software / Python
- Pipetting / Automated Liquid Transfer Systems
- Aseptic Technique
- PH, Conductivity, Turbidity Measurement
- DOE / SOP Authoring
- GMP / GDP Compliance and Training
- DNA Extraction and Optical Density Quantification
- PCR / qPCR
- Bioanalyzer / Gel Electrophoresis QC
- WGS via MinION Nanopore & MiSeq Library Preparation
- Microscopy & Cellular Quantification
- ELISA - Toxin Inhibition
- Flow Cytometry
- Karl Fisher Water Content Determination
- Media / Reagent Preparation
- Benchling Laboratory Notebook and LIMS
Certification
Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate (In Progress)
Timeline
Sr. Research Associate
Mori
05.2023 - 05.2024
Development Associate II
Finch Therapeutics
09.2022 - 02.2023
Research Technician I & II
Finch Therapeutics
07.2020 - 09.2022
Research Associate
Indigo Ag
11.2019 - 04.2020
Undergraduate Researcher
University of Connecticut
01.2018 - 12.2018
Pharmacy Technician
CVS Pharmacy
07.2014 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Science - Molecular and Cell Biology
University of Connecticut
Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate (In Progress)
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