Victoria Bravo

Oversee daily laboratory operations, manage and mentor a team of 5 technical staff, and ensure compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards.

Developed and implemented analytical methods, led quality investigations, and maintained laboratory instrumentation to uphold quality standards.

Contributed to site quality systems and supported FSSC 22000 compliance through cross-functional collaboration with operations and manufacturing teams. Participated in relevant conferences to enhance industry knowledge and share best practices.

Led the lab to align with ISO 17025 and implemented operational improvements that reduced waste and increased efficiency, including strategic initiatives for insurance compliance.

Collaborated with production and planning teams to align testing schedules with manufacturing processes and production timelines, enhancing product delivery. Developed proactive measures to identify and react to bottlenecks and support customer satisfaction.

Designed a stocktake system and improved SAP inventory accuracy, supporting both the lab and broader production facility.

Identified cost-saving opportunities, optimized workflows, and supported strategic initiatives that positively impacted financial and operational performance.

Anticipated issues before they escalated and responded with quick reprioritisation of tasks, maintaining compliance and productivity.

Promoted a strong health & safety culture and championed GMP standards throughout lab operations.

Contributed to the development and implementation of procedures that ensured alignment with regulatory principles, quality expectations, and operational goals while leveraging relevant technical know how.

The role involved managing three laboratories and overseeing three culture and incubation rooms, with a focus on compliance with ISO 17025 standards. Responsibilities included leading a diverse team of 12, promoting innovative problem-solving and safety in advanced courses. Key tasks encompassed waste sterilization, regulatory compliance, chemical maintenance, inventory management, PC1 containment, and procedural enhancements to minimize discrepancies and optimize quality control. Coordination with all laboratory users was essential to support their research and teaching needs effectively.

Essential technical support was rendered for undergraduate courses, involving management of teaching rooms, maintenance of labs, and regular replenishment of consumables. Ensuring efficiency, safety in labs, and compliance with MPI regulations and University Health and Safety guidelines was integral to the role.

Assisting with laboratory workshop relocation, mechanical repairs, and maintenance of crucial equipment, aligning with Academic and Professional Staff requirements. Support was provided for PhD student research, especially on fish tissue. Maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including Technical Manager, Property Services, and external suppliers was central to the position.

In the company I developed my skills in the environmental area, I carried out the measurements of emissions of particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, emission of gasses which include SO2, CO, CO2, NH3, O2, NOx, VOC, SO3, etc., measurement and certification of CEMS system, statement of emissions and alert management norm with the finality of not only take care of the company sustainability but also the environment, diagnosis in occupational health, special measurements of dioxins and furans, heavy metals, halogenated compound, SO3, etc.

The role involved performing analyses of dioxins (TCDD), furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) using classical chromatography techniques, including column extraction, elution, cell inoculation, and luminometer readings. Responsibilities encompassed maintaining a food safety unit within a biotechnology company focused on biotherapeutics for the veterinary industry, particularly in Aquaculture. This included overseeing a Dioxin Detection Laboratory and a Fish Genetics unit that integrated a Handling Genetic Program and molecular genetic analysis. The primary focus was ensuring that test results adhered to applicable European directives, culminating in the production of detailed reports to verify compliance.