Nadeesha Kaluwitharana
Mississauga,ON
Summary
Senior Research Associate specializes in establishing project objectives, developing experimental plan and effectively prioritizing tasks to meet time sensitive delivery goals. Serves as point person for executing microbiological research projects and disseminating findings to leadership. Displays strong written and oral communication skills to present complex analyses effectively.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Research Associate - Microbiology
NutriAg Ltd
05.2022 - Current
- Developing research proposals, identifying research objectives and creating research plans.
- Conducting microbial based growth optimization studies and compatibility testings.
- Isolating beneficial microbes from environmental samples.
- Interpreted research findings and summarized data into reports.
- Keeping accurate databases of microbial specimens collected and stored in repository.
- Communicated project status to senior management verbally and through technical documentation and presentations.
Analyst - Food Microbiology
Bureau Veritas Laboratories
02.2018 - 03.2022
- Identified and confirmed Listeria spp and monocytogenes by following SOP according to Health Canada guidelines. (Trainer for Listeria station).
- Detected and confirmed Salmonella serotype following FDA, USDA, and Health Canada methods.
- Executed dyna beads technology to isolate and confirm E. coli O157:H7 from food and environmental samples.
- Processed post-incubated samples including cell lysis, DNA amplification and detection on BAX or Bio-Rad real-time PCR platforms, and pathogenic antigen-antibody reaction by ELFA methodology on VIDAS system.
- Guided microbiology proficiency training for junior staff. (HC, USDA, and FDA methods)
- Met quality and LIMS-TAT specifications required by the client and ensured samples were analyzed within holding time requirement.
Manager - Microbiology
Sri Biotech Lanka (P)Ltd
10.2013 - 04.2017
- Planned and evaluated large scale bio fertilizer and bio pesticides production using bio- fermenters.
- Conducted various research programs in Tea plantations and Rubber plantations to enhance soil microbial activity.
- Conducted awareness programs to Sri Lankan planters .
- Researched and formulated new bio-fertilizer products
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Junior Executive
Hayley's Agro Biotech (Pvt) Ltd
04.2012 - 09.2013
- Maintained laboratory Global GAP requirements and audited LIMS system.
- Developed laboratory systems to minimize contamination levels.
- Evaluated tissue cultured plants quality before shipments and directly communicated with international customers .
- Proofread technical and creative outputs and deliverables for adherence to quality standards.
- Conducted regular meetings with team to discuss issues, concerns and updates.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Global Business Management
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Kitchener, ON01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Bangalore University
India06.2011
Skills
- Research and Analysis
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Research Program Planning
- Experimental Design
- Lab Operations
- Quality Improvement Activities
- Method Validation
- Laboratory Equipment Maintenance
- Lab Safety
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research
- Sample Processing
- Microsoft Office
Certification
- International Computer Driving License ,ICDL Canada.
- Antimicrobial Resistance - Theory and methods , Technical University of Denmark.
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) - University of Michigan
Timeline
Senior Research Associate - Microbiology
NutriAg Ltd
05.2022 - Current
Analyst - Food Microbiology
Bureau Veritas Laboratories
02.2018 - 03.2022
Manager - Microbiology
Sri Biotech Lanka (P)Ltd
10.2013 - 04.2017
Junior Executive
Hayley's Agro Biotech (Pvt) Ltd
04.2012 - 09.2013
Graduate Certificate - Global Business Management
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Bangalore University
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