Xandra Daphne Tortoles
Chula Vista
Summary
Detail-oriented Senior Lab Technician with extensive experience in clinical, BSL-1/BSL-2, wet, and cryoTEM laboratory environments. Proficient in specimen preparation, laboratory equipment operation, and accurate documentation of lab reports. Skilled in a variety of laboratory techniques, including COVID testing and preparation of human and animal specimens, as well as cryoTEM sample prep. Recognized as a reliable team player, leader, and trainer with a strong commitment to lab safety and quality standards. Actively seeking Scientist I and lab management positions to apply technical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for advancing laboratory operations in research or diagnostic settings.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Lab Technician
Nanoimaging Services
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Knowledgeable in microscopy/cryoTEM
- Preparation of various samples for multiple applications
- Packing and transferring samples between internal sites and external clients with guidance from the various team lead
- Closely collaborating with other team members to ensure that projects are completed within demanding deadlines and to the highest quality possible
- Maintaining accurate records and performing data entry of experiments, projects, and other sample related information.
- Organizing, monitoring and maintains lab spaces and equipment, including client samples, general lab supplies, and microscopy specific lab supplies
- Maintained accurate files and entered test results into computer system.
- Produced and updated lab records, logbooks and test procedures.
- Led team meetings with technicians and Lab Manager to discuss test results and status of tests in progress.
- Trained technicians to operate lab equipment.
- Used computers and variety of automated test equipment.
- Prepared samples for shipping and disposed of bodily fluids in proper containers.
- Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab.
- Oversaw items in inventory and reordered before supplies diminished.
Clinical Lab Technician (Genome Sequencing)
Illumina
11.2022 - 01.2023
- Assists CLS with automated steps in the analytic testing phase for patient diagnostic testing under the direct and constant supervision of licensed CLS
- Participate in laboratory support work as required by the team needs and at the direction of laboratory management
- Assist with specimen receipt and preparation when needed, Maintaining lab equipment.
- Following the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling, receipt and data entry into the lab information management system (LIMS)
- Handling and working with potentially hazardous materials
- Extract DNA from saliva samples in a BSL2 Laboratory
- Adhere to SOPs for all processes of the lab including but not limited to processing DNA samples through the Infinium assay
- Daily operation of liquid-handling robots and array scanners to meet daily and weekly production goals
- Carry out maintenance schedules to ensure that the laboratory equipment is operating properly
- Packaging functions that include sending saliva samples and DNA back to customer(s)
- Keep lab stocked of appropriate reagents and materials
- Track and report all lab incidents, Sample disposal
- Operated wide range of laboratory equipment and instruments to complete analysis.
Clinical Lab Technician (Point of Contact)
Helix Op. Co
11.2021 - 11.2022
- Provide laboratory support in the clinical laboratory under the direct supervision of licensed personnel
- Adherence of all laboratory procedures and protocols for specimen collection, handling, and processing, and patient sample testing with strict adherence to Quality Assurance standards
- Assisting Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) with a variety of functions associated with technical procedures, including basic clinical functions and operation of robotic systems (Hamiltons) used for coding and dispensing every agent and specimens
- Preparation of reagents according to approved SOP's.
- Careful and accurate documentation of work in assigned areas.
- Assist with preventative maintenance, testing troubleshooting, maintaining inventory supplies, and validation of test methods for existing and new products for the clinical laboratory
- Analyzed and interpreted data, accurately identifying and reporting laboratory results.
- Followed Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) consistently across daily activities and special products.
- Set up, maintained and verified sterility of lab equipment and tools.
- Maintained safe work environment free of unnecessary hazards to protect staff and testing results.
- Identified and traced quality control issues impacting laboratory results.
Education
B.S. - BIOLOGY, Woman Studies Minor
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA05.2021
Skills
- Laboratory techniques
- COVID testing
- Preparation of human and animal specimens
- CryoTEM sample prep
- Team player
- Trainer
- Commitment to lab safety
- Commitment to quality standards
- Technical expertise
- Advancing laboratory operations
- Sampling procedures
- Inventory management
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Chemical handling
- Precision measurement
- Team leadership experience
- Laboratory safety protocols and procedures
- Effective communication
- Sample handling
- Specimen handling and preparation
- Document processing
- Clinical lab settings
- Sample logging
- Laboratory information systems
- Supply restocking
- Verbal and written communication
- Workflow coordination
- Laboratory work supervision
Certification
- Shipping Infectious Substances (and Dry Ice)
- Hazmat Packager
- Hazardous Waste
Awards
- SDSU Honor Roll Member
- SDSU Deans List (2017-2018, 2020-2021)
- Compact for Success Scholar
- Woman in Science Society Member
Timeline
Senior Lab Technician
Nanoimaging Services
01.2023 - 06.2025
Clinical Lab Technician (Genome Sequencing)
Illumina
11.2022 - 01.2023
Clinical Lab Technician (Point of Contact)
Helix Op. Co
11.2021 - 11.2022
B.S. - BIOLOGY, Woman Studies Minor
San Diego State University
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