Nic West Email & Phone Number

Newark, Ca, Us

Newark, Ca, Us

Austin, Texas, Us

Austin, Texas, Us

Austin, Texas, Us

Austin, Texas, Us

As a member of the process development assay team I developed assays for use on various automated systems. This included validating and successfully launching automation of a multiplex PCR based NGS test for fetal aneuploidies and microdeletions using the Hamilton STAR systems, an automated version of library preparation using Tecan Evo systems, automation of a Fragile X test and automation of a hybrid capture based NGS test for Carrier Screening.• Designed and performed experiments individually and as part of a team for various development and troubleshooting efforts.• Developed assays with COGS and TAT reduction in mind.• Assisted in preparing validation testing and generating validation report before launching in a CLIA environment.• Wrote development plans and reports to document all work done during the development phase of various projects.• Wrote detailed SOP’s and performed training sessions with CLIA operators to train them on new procedures and instruments before launching in the clinical lab.• Heavily involved in ongoing troubleshooting efforts for many workflows in multiple products.• Developed and wrote quality control procedures to test new incoming reagent and control lots.• Worked with many different functional teams on projects including CLIA production teams, bioinformatics teams, software engineering teams, automation teams and medical directors.• Experience working with external CRO’s on projects.• Experience analyzing large amounts of data in Microsoft Excel and JMP.• Experience presenting experiment results in cross-functional team technical meetings.• Involved in feasibility and development testing for a novel microfluidic device.

Austin, Texas, Us

Processed hundreds of patient samples per day both manually and semi-automated in a high throughput CLIA laboratory. As a lead on the team, was one of the go-to people for any sample processing issues that arose during the workflow.• Prepared libraries of samples for next generation sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 2500. • Used Tecan automation robot for PCR purification via AMPure.• Performed qPCR, BioAnalyzer and Labchip as quantitative checks, AMPure PCR purification and performed targeted PCR assays.• Ran samples had experience troubleshooting on Illumina HiSeq 2500.

San Francisco, Ca, Us

Worked with Dr. Terrence Gosliner on the systematics of the nudibranch genus Favorinus.Planned and organized a research projectSequenced three markers from multiple species and created phylogenies from the sequence dataAnalyzed anatomical features using SEM, dissecting and light microscopyDescribed six new species of FavorinusTwo manuscripts are currently in review for publication

San Francisco, Ca, Us

Split time between working as a lab technician for the Research department and working with high school interns in the Careers in Science program for the Education department at the California Academy of Sciences. Sequenced multiple molecular markers for various organisms in the Center for Comparative Genomics.Created a curriculum with lesson plans and activities and lead a four month long course in Marine Invertebrate Zoology from February to May in 2011 and 2012.Collaborated and developed multiple lectures and activities about science related topics for bi-weekly training meetings with the interns.Created and managed an interactive station on the public floor of the California Academy of Sciences about extracting DNA from tissue samples. Also, trained interns on the presentation and talking points of the station.Lead teams of interns in performing field work, creating original research posters and presenting them at the AGU science conference.

Worked with Dr. Katherine Dickson on cranial endothermy in mako sharks and the ocular muscles’ role in heat production.Dissected specimens and identified ocular musclesRan Citrate Synthase assays on muscle samples using spectrophotometryPerformed statistical analysis of dataWon best research poster in Ecology at 2009 SCAS MeetingCo-author on manuscript pending publication

Master Of Science, Biology

Bachelor Of Science, Biology