Biotechnology Education:

Associate of Applied Science Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI 2001

Employer:

Bone Care International, Middleton WI

Bone Care is currently developing and commercializing improved Vitamin D-hormone therapies for a broad spectrum of human diseases. The FDA approves our lead products, Hectoral Injection and Hectoral Capsules, for managing Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis. Research is underway on Hectoral and other formulations for treatment of osteoporosis, psoriasis, and cancers of the breast, colon and prostate.

Job Description and Responsibilities:

• Perform calibration procedures on equipment
• Write, maintain and enforce calibration and maintenance procedures
• Schedule and perform preventive maintenance
• Research purchase and validate software equipment
• Write and execute equipment installation and operational qualifications

Personal Background:

I worked at for 5 years, as a loss prevention specialist and floor associate in a retail store. I chose the program because it was the closest thing to a forensic science program I could find at the time. Many of the same skills are used for a different application. I also chose it due to the high rate of employment offered by the program

Commonly Used Skills and Techniques:

        PH standardization and measurement

        Spectrophotometer use/calibration

        Solution preparation

        Documentation practices: Writing SOPs and protocols

        HPLC theory

        All basic instrumentation skills: Pipettes, graduated cylinders, volumetric flasks, thermometers, water baths, ovens, hoods

        Calibration and use of balances (top loading and analytical)

        Troubleshooting equipment and process problems

        Performing preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment

Most Rewarding Job Attributes:

Taking a process that isn't working efficiently and improving it

Completion of the qualification cycle to release the equipment for use

Most Challenging Job Attributes:

Learning and applying the FDA regulations on a daily basis. Ensuring that all work meets or exceeds those regulations while still being able to ensure minimum down time for equipment users.