John Bannister Email & Phone Number

Olive Branch, Mississippi, United States

In this role I was responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and QC regulatory aspects of a clinical lab performing moderate complexity CORE chemistry and high complexity molecular testing. This was a rewarding role as when I joined the company, they were not offering any in-house moderate complexity testing. Despite not having managed a lab of this type before, my experience and abilities allowed me to identify several issues to the C-suite that prevented an unsuccessful launch. Under my management and leadership, the company was ready and successfully launched in-house moderate complexity testing 3 months into my tenure. I was the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for clinicians, sales staff, and c-suite. I also served as mentor for lab personnel leading them through personnel development in their roles.I worked with the department leads and Director of Operations to improve inter-departmental communication and processes between the accessioning and lab teams improving efficiency. I also developed the first SOP for sample collection, transport and stability thereby standardizing sample collection for the company. I was told this was extremely helpful for the sales staff as they now had a clear picture of what collections devices, we approved for each test offered thereby significantly reduced sample rejection. These improvements led to the following lab achievements under my tenure as lab manager.• Lab sample throughout increased over 7-fold in 5 months.• The lab team was expanded 3-fold, and a second shift implemented.• The lab stayed within 50% of its potential maximum operating capacity allowing for continued expansion of testing.• Several new tests were validated and launched increasing the testing menu by approximately 30%.• Passed a CLIA inspection with no dings.I developed SOP’s and document tracking systems as well as metrics that allowed a remote c-suite to track lab throughput, inventory usage and progress remotely.

Memphis, Tn

In this role I worked personally with clients to develop custom molecular diagnostic solutions to their projects. With no 2 projects being quite the same, each often had multiple possible solutions. It was rewarding to work with each client and discuss different approaches explaining their pros and cons. I developed the budgets and final proposals for each client and if awarded the final contract, managed each project through to completion. During my tenure we never failed to bring a project to close within the agreed timeframe and budget and often engaged in follow-up projects highlighting client satisfaction with the service provided. As the Lab Director I was able to hire and develop a dynamic team able to adapt to the custom nature of each project and be up to speed on new techniques rapidly, ensuring no delay to project completion. My adaptability and technical acumen allowed me to successfully train each lab team member and develop continual assessment programs to maintain their performance. Under my leadership we completed several noteworthy projects. • We produced the most complete genome assembly of a fungal species to date for a client.• Successfully validated an NGS breast cancer screening test for clinical diagnosis.• Validated a real-time PCR copy number assay for detection of viral copy numbers in urine for a client who went on to launch the test. Of note is a project that was in process when I joined the company. The project was struggling, and the company was in danger of losing the contract. Within 2 days of my involvement the project issues were corrected, I developed a new SOP, and new reporting documents for the client, leading to retention and extension of the contract. I wore many hats including QC manager, safety manager and adopted roles usually the purview of HR. This gave me invaluable experience in the many aspects of managing and directing laboratory operations, not least of which was detailed knowledge of CLIA and CAP regulations.

Memphis, Tn

As the lead scientist for Genome Explorations, the R&D division of Compass Lab Services, my main duties were to ensure that projects were carried out effectively and efficiently, both on time and to budget. The greatest aspect of this was troubleshooting lab developed tests to make sure that any issues that arose were dealt with swiftly and effectively so as not to delay a research projects progress. Attention to detail was an absolute requirement as all of the tests performed follow custom SOP’s that I developed and which required revision if necessary. As lead scientist I also provided training, mentorship, and technical support to the laboratory and biostatistics teams.As the R&D Division of Compass Lab Services the C-suite relied upon me to update them on research and CRO project progress and proposals through weekly meetings, including budget management and spending.

Memphis, Tn

Experienced and enthusiastic research instructor and scientific writer who combined broad responsibility and technical expertise to coordinate and manage research projects, publication plans, maintain lab compliance and provide guidance to fellow researchers.• I provided expert technical support to research projects, including how to execute and trouble shoot scientific methodologies, data analysis, critique and presentation. • Creative problem solver relied upon to develop novel approaches to divergent research questions. One technique, published in Circ Res 2009 105:948-955, resulted in labs sending personnel to the lab to be trained in this technique. • Involved with the planning of publication strategies and research projects. Managed several publication plans navigating cross-functional teams leveraging scientific expertise to achieve publication deadlines.• I was in-lab project manager for multiple concurrent research projects. • I was the lab coordinator for an IRB approved project and was responsible for maintaining records of receipt, use and storage of samples. I was responsible for ensuring that compliance was maintained in accordance with IRB protocols and procedures.• Created and edited novel content for manuscripts, protocols, abstracts and posters for University Regulatory committees, in-house, national and international meetings.• Presented at several conferences and served as a peer reviewer for several journals. • Acted as mentor to junior researchers and medical student interns providing guidance in good research practices, techniques and how to present your data. I provided editorial input into some abstracts submitted to clinical journals.

Memphis, Tn

Experienced scientific communicator leading research into the physiology and function of ion channels in hypertension.• Provided expert technical expertise in biochemical, molecular biology and electrophysiological techniques to ongoing research projects which included training, instruction on trouble shooting, data analysis, critique and data presentation. • A creative problem solver, I was often called upon to overcome technical issues. • As lead author for several projects I was involved with planning and management of publication plans and research projects utilizing exceptional communication and organizational skills to navigate cross-functional teams and leverage scientific expertise to achieve publication deadlines.• I was the in-lab project manager for multiple concurrent research projects providing technical scientific input and utilizing creative problem solving to develop new approaches and overcome issues, whether technical or with personnel to ensure progress of each project.• Created and edited novel content for manuscripts, abstracts and posters for in-house, national and international meetings, and provided instruction to fellow researchers on approaches to presenting and writing and in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and Power Point).• I presented at several international and national conferences and served as a peer reviewer for several journals including Circulation and American Journal of Physiology: Heart and Circulatory Physiology. This allowed me to developed insight into, and provided editorial experience for the requirements for successful scientific presentations.• Acted as mentor to junior researchers and summer interns providing guidance in good research practices, methods and data presentation.

Los Angeles, Ca

Researcher highly experienced in the biophysical study of ion channel physiology and function.• Investigated the biophysical functions of ion channels using a combination of biochemical, molecular biology and electrophysiological approaches. • A creative problem solver, I was often called upon to trouble shoot technical issues in the lab. This culminated in my being responsible for constructing and maintaining a full electrophysiology lab to study all aspects of ion channel function. • I was involved with the planning of publication strategies and research projects combining exceptional communication and organizational skills to navigate cross-functional teams and leverage scientific expertise to achieve publication deadlines.• Proficient in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint I was often called upon to present lab research findings at, and create abstracts and poster for, in-house, national and international meetings. I presented my research findings at several international and national conferences• Acted as mentor to graduate students providing training and guidance in research methods and data presentation.

Ph.D, Ion Channels

Bsc Honors, Biochemistry And Physiology