DEEPA SEBASTIAN
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Results-driven Microbiologist with over 5 years of experience in environmental and food microbiology laboratories, specializing in microbial analysis, pathogen detection, and quality control. Highly skilled in implementing and maintaining ISO/IEC 17025-compliant quality systems, ensuring GLP adherence, data integrity, and regulatory compliances. Experienced in environmental monitoring, food safety testing, and laboratory operations using LIMS and advanced microbiological testings. Proven ability to deliver accurate, reliable results, support audit readiness, and drive continuous quality improvements in fast-paced laboratory environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Microbiologist
PBR Laboratories
Edmonton, Alberta
05.2022 - Current
- Perform microbiological analysis of environmental samples(water,surface swabs,air monitoring,soil) to assess microbial contamination and regulatory compliances.
- Conducting food microbiology testing for detecting pathogens by using culture based and rapid methods.
- Execute cannabis microbiological testing for total yeast and mold(TYMC), total aerobic microbial count(TAMC), bile-tolerant gram negative bacteria(BTGN) and specified pathogens in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Media preparation,sterilization,maintaining media,reagents, and laboratory equipment following SOPs and aseptic techniques.
- Perform microbial identification using biochemical, and rapid detection methods.
- Maintained strict adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements, ensuring method validation, calibration, traceability, and quality control documentation.
- Operation in compliances with Good Laboratory Practices(GLP), ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and integrity of test results.
- Documentation, reviewing and maintain laboratory records, test worksheets, LIMS entries, and quality control data in accordance with regulatory and audit requirements.
- Conduct internal quality checks, proficiency testing participation, and support external audits.
- Ensured proper sample receipt, chain of custody documentation, storage, and disposal following biosafety and regulatory standards.
- Investigation out-of-specification(OOS) results and implemented corrective and preventive actions(CAPA).
- Maintain laboratory cleanliness, safety standards, and compliance with biosafety protocols.
Microbiology Analyst
Eastern Condiments Pvt Ltd.
Ernakulam, Cochin, Kerala, India
07.2019 - 12.2021
- Performed routine microbiological analysis of raw spices, blended masalas, finished food products, and in-process samples to ensure product safety and quality.
- Conducted tests including Total Plate Count(TPC), Yeast&Mold Count, Coliforms, E.Coli, Salmonella, and other foodborne pathogens as per FSSAI and internal quality standards.
- Monitored environmental hygiene through air sampling, surface swabs, water testing, and personnel hygiene checks.
- Ensured compliance with ISO 17025 guidelines, maintaining proper documentation.
- Followed Good Laboratory Practices(GLP) and adhered to food safety systems such as HACCP during routine testing and reporting.
- Performed media preparation, sterilization, equipment maintenance and quality control of reagents and media.
- Coordinated with Quality Assurance and Production teams to ensure microbiological standards were maintained across all processing stages.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations and company SOPs for contamination control and sanitation verification.
Quality Technician
Pavizham Healthier Diet Pvt Ltd.
Ernakulam, Cochin, Kerala, India
06.2016 - 06.2017
- Assisted in testing raw materials, in-process, and finished food products.
- Performed basic physiochemical and microbiological tests as per SOPs.
- Maintained accurate documentation, batch records, and laboratory data.
- Followed GLP, GMP, and HACCP guidelines to ensure product safety.
- Supported hygiene monitoring, equipment cleaning and laboratory maintenance.
- Reported deviations and assisted senior analysts in quality investigations.
Education
Master of Science - Microbiology
Kristu Jayanti College
Bengaluru07-2019
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Sree Sankara College
Kalady06-2016
Skills
- Microbial Identification
- ISO 17025/GLP Compliances
- Media preparation/Sterilization
- Contamination control/biosafety
- Aseptic techniques
- WHIMS
- Laboratory documentation& data integrity
- Software: LIMS, Microsoft Excel/word
Certification
Biosafety Training
Timeline
Microbiologist
PBR Laboratories
05.2022 - Current
Microbiology Analyst
Eastern Condiments Pvt Ltd.
07.2019 - 12.2021
Quality Technician
Pavizham Healthier Diet Pvt Ltd.
06.2016 - 06.2017
Master of Science - Microbiology
Kristu Jayanti College
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Sree Sankara College