Sarah Talbot
Canberra,ACT
Summary
Tertiary Level Biomedical and Ecology Animal Facility Manager, Compliance Officer and Technical Services Team leader. Specialist skills in Animal Husbandry, breeding, experimental techniques, and technical services. Management of Compliance requirements of Physical Containment and Quarantine Facilities through the deep understanding of the relationship between animal, researcher, facility, and staff to produce high quality research. Proven ability to deliver gold standard services, facility management and innovation to researchers fit for purpose to support the output of high-quality research goals for Biomedical and Ecology projects. Track record of delivering world leading expertise to native animal husbandry, breeding and management, innovating animal welfare in the research sector, implementation of new and revised Standard Operating Procedures, risk assessments and safe work practices, providing invaluable insight and experience on animal experimental and husbandry matters, and the delivery of facility management and sustaining compliance requirements, both equipment and users of varying levels of experience. Technical Services support administration including but not limited to waste processing, laboratory resource management, under graduate laboratory practical activity, equipment, maintenance, repair and upgrades. Highly Reliable Quality Control Specialist with abilities in blueprint interpretation, operations monitoring and quality control inspections. Outstanding communication, active listening and organizational talents. Physically fit and adaptable with the capability to work in various work environments. Experienced Technical Services support with demonstrated track record of improving products and procedures by leveraging hands-on inspections, testing methods and data analysis. Disciplined professional with systematic approach to Laboratory processes. Applies excellent attention to detail and critical reasoning to successfully conduct experiments. Quick-thinking Supervisor recognized for success in guiding teams and boosting performance. Practical problem-solver with excellent issue and conflict resolution skills to drive team and organizational success. Highly effective and knowledgeable in process improvement and inventory control. Experienced Quality Control Analyst with demonstrated track record of improving products and procedures by leveraging hands-on inspections, testing methods and data analysis. Disciplined professional with systematic approach to competing priorities. Applies excellent attention to detail and critical reasoning to successfully conduct experiments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Officer
Capital Pathology
02.2023 - Current
- Providing support with company quality management system and document control
- Responsible for reviewing company documentation including manuals, standard operating procedures and associated documents
- Testing company test system in preparation for system updates before installing live systems
- Creating and implementing test code within laboratory operating system.
Animal Technician
University of Canberra
02.2023 - Current
- Provide animal husbandry and animal treatment for various animal species.
- Stocked, cleaned, fed and disinfected habitats of all species of animals within the UC animal facility to protect animal health and wellbeing.
- Improved animal health by conducting routine monitoring and maintaining detailed records of animal behaviour and wellbeing.
Technical Laboratory Assistant
Therapeutic Goods Administration
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Providing technical support to the Laboratory Business Operations Section of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, specifically in regards to the relocation of the laboratory equipment
- Assisting with lab coordination requirements, quality management, and procurement of goods and services.
Team Leader, Senior Technical Officer
Research School of Biology
05.2019 - 12.2020
- Technical Services Team leader, providing facility operation management and technical support to research groups of the Research School of Biology and the Fenner School of Environment and Society
- Divisional technical officer, providing oversight of multiple laboratories and managing waste processing, safety assurance, chemical stock takes, consumable management, and media preparation.
- Established clear communication channels that ensured timely exchange of information between team members and stakeholders.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Streamlined workflows for increased efficiency, reducing turnaround times for critical tasks.
- Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response.
- Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity, accuracy, and commitment to friendly service.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute projects on time, within budget, and with high-quality outcomes.
- Coordinated resources effectively to meet project deadlines and achieve desired results.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Optimized resource allocation to maximize overall team output while minimizing costs.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Conducted risk assessments for each project phase, proactively identifying potential obstacles before they became significant challenges.
- Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
Senior Technical Officer
Research School of Biology
06.2016 - 05.2019
- Enhanced animal care by implementing advanced techniques in handling, feeding, and monitoring.
- Improved facility efficiency by streamlining daily routines for animal husbandry tasks.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment with diligent sanitation practices and regular inspections.
- Reduced stress levels in animals through proper handling techniques and environmental enrichment strategies.
- Administered medications and treatments accurately, ensuring optimal animal health.
- Collaborated with researchers to facilitate study projects, providing crucial data on animal behavior and welfare.
- Assisted in surgical procedures for research purposes while adhering to strict ethical guidelines.
- Managed breeding colonies effectively, maintaining accurate records of lineage and genetic information.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of new equipment and supplies, ensuring suitability for use within an animal research setting.
- Trained junior technicians in proper handling techniques and disease prevention measures, fostering a culture of expertise among staff members.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations governing the care and use of laboratory animals through meticulous record-keeping practices.
- Conducted regular inventory checks on food, bedding materials, and other essential supplies to prevent shortages or disruptions in care routines.
- Monitored overall population health at the facility by regularly reviewing medical records and conducting visual assessments of individual animals.
- Liaised with regulatory agencies during inspections to demonstrate adherence to stringent standards for animal welfare within research settings.
Area Supervisor
John Curtin School of Medical Research
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Husbandry team supervisor, responsible for daily husbandry of research rodents
- Managing rodent orders for both internal and external research groups within the ANU and the medical school.
- Directed daily workflow of 10-strong team in Animal Husbandry.
- Streamlined daily operations by developing and implementing efficient work schedules for the animal care team.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support to improve individual skills and overall team effectiveness.
Compliance Supervisor
John Curtin School of Medical Research
12.2013 - 03.2015
- Compliance role responsible for auditing all Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring quality control of decontamination processes, reviewing ethics protocols, enforcing compliance, and investigating breaches
- Supporting the Quality assurance manager of all compliance matters, which included equipment servicing management, record management, quality control testing, and facility inspections.
- Conducted thorough audits for improved risk management and mitigation strategies.
- Identified potential compliance issues and addressed them proactively to minimize company exposure.
- Evaluated third-party vendors to ensure adherence to company-specific and regulatory requirements, reducing potential liabilities.
- Investigated reported compliance incidents thoroughly, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions swiftly.
- Developed targeted training materials to address specific areas of non-compliance identified during audits or routine monitoring activities.
- Created custom tools for tracking progress towards achieving various regulatory goals consistently over time within the organization.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, promoting a culture of collaboration towards maintaining high standards of ethical behavior throughout the company.
- Investigated and documented all violations of compliance regulations to determine necessary improvements.
- Developed and maintained compliance database, tracking all compliance activities and documents.
- Responded to employee inquiries regarding compliance regulations and procedures.
Senior Animal Technician
Research School of Biology
05.2009 - 12.2013
- Managed over 10 different species colonies, husbandry requirements and research demands.
- Highly technical role including work with various research groups to provide innovative and novel research.
- Improved facility efficiency by streamlining daily routines for animal husbandry tasks.
- Managed breeding colonies effectively, maintaining accurate records of lineage and genetic information.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of new equipment and supplies, ensuring suitability for use within animal research setting.
- Assisted in successful completion of research projects by ensuring that all animal-related aspects were executed according to established protocols and timelines.
Education
BA - Psychology/ Bachelor in Law
University of Canberra
Dip - Animal Technology
Canberra Institute of Technology
12.2005
Skills
- Expertise in Microsoft office
- High Emotional Intelligence
- Accurate record keeping
- Organization representation
- Highly specialized technical laboratory and animal experimental skills
- Compliance monitoring and enforcement
- Staff management and rostering
- Desktop and procedural audits
- Preparation of Corrective Action Reports and investigation
- Work, health, and Safety reporting
- Stakeholder engagement and liaising
- Customer Service
- Training and Coaching
- Facility Review, Restructure and Implementation
- Procedural review, writing and implementation
- Testing Documentation
- Quality SOPs Development
- Audit Assistance
- Staff Training
- Quality Control Data Compilation
- Technical Liaising and Consulting
- Solution Development and Optimization
- Quality Issue Identification
- Safety Compliance; including chemical, WHS, biosafety, radiation, risk assessment
- Regulatory Submission Support
- Laboratory Equipment Calibration
- Attentive and Observant
- Organizational Skills
- Self Motivation
- Goal Setting
- Report Preparation
- Problem-solving abilities
- Testing Procedures
- Adaptability
- Decision-Making
- Performance Testing
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Interpersonal Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Protocol development
- Technical Writing
Affiliations
- Secretary of the Quality Management Committee, APF Dec 2013- Dec 2015
- ANU Animal Experimental Ethics Committee
- ANU Recombinant DNA Monitoring Committee (IBC liaison officer)
- Member of the Animal Users Group (As RSB Facility Manager)
- Member of the Animal Management Group (As RBS Facility Manager)
- Member of RSB Work Health and Safety Committee (HRS Staff representative)
- Fire Warden for RSB
Community Service
- Monash Primary Parents and, Treasurer, 02/20/2019, Present, Canberra
- Tuggeranong United Football Club, Club board member, 2022, Present
- Tuggeranong United Football Club, Team coach, 2021
- Tuggeranong United Football Club, Team manager, 2023
Timeline
Quality Officer
Capital Pathology
02.2023 - Current
Animal Technician
University of Canberra
02.2023 - Current
Technical Laboratory Assistant
Therapeutic Goods Administration
05.2021 - 12.2022
Team Leader, Senior Technical Officer
Research School of Biology
05.2019 - 12.2020
Senior Technical Officer
Research School of Biology
06.2016 - 05.2019
Area Supervisor
John Curtin School of Medical Research
03.2015 - 06.2016
Compliance Supervisor
John Curtin School of Medical Research
12.2013 - 03.2015
Senior Animal Technician
Research School of Biology
05.2009 - 12.2013
BA - Psychology/ Bachelor in Law
University of Canberra
Dip - Animal Technology
Canberra Institute of Technology
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