Conor O'Neill
Richmond,Australia
Summary
Experienced Scientist with 4+ years in the in vitro diagnostic industry, specializing in molecular biology and NGS platforms. Proven track record in enhancing laboratory efficiency through automation and leading successful team projects. Holds a BS in Biomedical Sciences with a solid foundation in research methodologies and laboratory management. Adept at SOP creation, process optimization, and equipment validation, contributing to high-quality diagnostics and research outcomes.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Packing Operator
Ego Pharmaceuticals
Melbourne , Vic
02.2025 - 02.2025
- Followed GMP guidelines, and lean processes to minimize accidents.
- Complied to safety and quality protocols for pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Worked collaboratively with other team members in order to meet daily production goals.
- Performed regular maintenance on machinery used in the packing process including lubrication, cleaning and changing parts as necessary.
- Assisted in unloading stock from delivery trucks when required.
- Performed qc checks on pharmaceutical products before batch release
- Operated Norden,ACMA and Secma automated machinery
Senior Scientist-Genetics
Randox Laboratories
09.2022 - 12.2024
- Responsible for the automation of all NGS and genotyping processes within the Genetics department to produce a more efficient lab with higher sample throughput
- Operated and maintained Evo (Tecan), Epmotion (Ependorf), Mosquito and dragonfly (SPT Labtech) liquid Handlers
- Utilized Freedom Evo Software for programing and controlling Liquid handling systems
- Ensured precision and accuracy in liquid handling through the optimization of liquid classes for varying samples and reagents
- Planning Of comparison studies between automated and manual protocols to determine if automated process is fit for use
- Developed and implemented SOPs for new protocols, leading staff training sessions to ensure competency and compliance
- Performed Miniaturization studies for NGS protocols
- Attendance of weekly lab meetings with management to provide updates on current projects
- Proposing new projects to management and providing supervision and technical guidance to staff members
- Managed Laboratory upkeep by monitoring inventory levels and placing orders for reagents and equipment as required
- Calculated Costing of NGS and Genotyping runs, providing detailed financial data to support the sales department in determining customer pricing strategies
Next Generation Sequencing Scientist
Randox Laboratories
04.2021 - 09.2022
- Worked within a genetic diagnostic laboratory using NGS and genotyping techniques to identify patients' relative risk of developing hereditary cancers, cardiac and neurological diseases from sequenced DNA
- Conducted extraction of DNA/RNA from various biological samples including Blood, Saliva and Faecal samples
- Quantification of extracted DNA/RNA to obtain quality and concentration metrics using Nanodrop, Qubit, Tapestation and Varioscan instruments
- Performed cDNA synthesis of RNA samples to be sequenced
- Operation and maintenance of Illumina sequencing platforms: NovaSeq 6000, NextSeq 2000 and MiSeq
- Preparation and loading of indexed libraries onto Illumina sequencing platforms for shotgun sequencing, exome sequencing, Whole Genome Sequencing and proteomic studies (Olink)
- Amplicon Sequencing (16S/18S) in microbial genomics for the identification of bacterial and fungal species within a patient faecal sample
- Genotyping Using Illumina's ISCAN bead chip technology for use in nutrigenetics and pharmacogenetic testing
- Familiar with Illumina's Basespace Sequencing Hub and NGS run metrics
- Conducted research to correlate genetic variants with metabolic phenotypes
- Designed Brochures outlining the genetic testing services we provide for marketing to sell to customers
- Designed patient reports
- Poster and PowerPoint presentation experience at conferences
- Validation of Infinium global diversity array bead chip for use in diagnostic genotyping in compliance with UKAS accreditation standards
COVID PCR Scientist
Randox Laboratories
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Conducted high-throughout qPCR testing for the detection of SARS-COV-2 In patient samples, ensuring timely and accurate results to support public health initiatives
- Performed nucleic acid extractions from nasopharyngeal swabs
- Accessioning of biological samples received, ensuring they meet sample acceptance criteria and subsequent logging of samples to LIMS
- Ensured stringent sample management and tracking allowing for timely and accurate results to be released to patients
- Adhered to safety protocols and biosafety practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines when handling infectious samples and reagents hazardous to health (GLP, GMP, COSSH)
- Ensured all Laboratory processes are conducted accurately in conjunction with ISO17025 guidelines
- Mastermix generation for PCR using Perkin Elmer primers that targeted SARS-COV 2
- Interpreted CT values on Quantstudio to accurately determine if a patient was positive for SARS-COV 2 virus
- Participation in quality/audits and close monitoring of contamination levels within the lab
- The operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of automated machinery: Quantstudio, Kingfisher, thermocycler as well as Tecan and Perkin Elmer liquid handlers
- Experience working within a controlled environment (Category II)
- Carrying out lab techniques in strict line with generated SOP's, guaranteeing quality and consistency across laboratory operations
Research Project
Queens University
09.2019 - 07.2020
- Successfully executed a study to determine whether under expression of KDM4C elevated the risk of female Hodgkin lymphoma patients developing breast cancer, following radiotherapy treatment
- Performed routine cell culture and cell counting of breast epithelial cell lines
- Irradiation of breast epithelial Cell lines
- Conducted DNA damage Assays using immunofluorescent staining techniques
- Analyzed DNA repair Foci using immunofluorescence microscopy
- Performed clonogenic assays of breast epithelial tissues, post-irradiation
- Recording of results to excel/GraphPad and subsequent statistical analysis
- Performed literature Review and Research write up
Education
BSc. - Biomedical Sciences
Queens University Belfast
01.2020
Skills
- Technical Skills: Nucleic Acid extraction, PCR, NGS Automation, DNA library preparation,genotyping,routine cell culture,Illumina Sequencing analysers
- Professional Skills: SOP creation, Quality control/assurance,ISO compliance,process/equipment validation Team leadership, Staff training, project management, Microsoft excel,Qpulse,LIMS,GMP/GLP
References
- Dr. Kyle Thompson, Research Fellow at Patrick G Johnston Centre for cancer research, Kyle.thompson@qub.ac.uk
- Angela Mckee, Genomics Team Lead at Randox Laboratories, Angela.mckee@randox.com
- Dr. Nick Orr, Associate Director at Patrick G Johnston Centre for cancer research, nick.orr@qub.ac.uk
Timeline
Packing Operator
Ego Pharmaceuticals
02.2025 - 02.2025
Senior Scientist-Genetics
Randox Laboratories
09.2022 - 12.2024
Next Generation Sequencing Scientist
Randox Laboratories
04.2021 - 09.2022
COVID PCR Scientist
Randox Laboratories
09.2020 - 04.2021
Research Project
Queens University
09.2019 - 07.2020
BSc. - Biomedical Sciences
Queens University Belfast