- Hiking and running
- I enjoy sketching and drawing, which helps improve my creativity and attention to detail
- Gardening
- Mindfulness Practices
- Playing Sports
- Yoga
- Volunteering
- Gym Workouts
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
Yeganeh (Tara) Eslami
Tauranga,New Zealand
Summary
- Qualified Team Leader with background in science and operations to streamline processes and enhance productivity. Proven track record of fostering team collaboration, resulting in improved efficiency. Demonstrated ability to manage resources effectively and adapt to changing operational needs.
- Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
- Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Team Lead
Zespri International Ltd
01.2023 - Current
- Leading a diverse team and guiding both seasonal and permanent staff members
- Lead and supported recruitment, selection, and onboarding of seasonal and permanent staff, ensuring role fit, operational readiness, and a smooth induction experience
- Managing the laboratory and cool store during the kiwi fruit season
- Oversee day-to-day onshore Cool Chain operations, including the scheduling and managing of FMTs (Fruit Monitoring Technicians - offshore and onshore), Operations Technicians, and Lab Technicians
- Lead onboarding, training, and certification for seasonal and permanent staff, ensuring compliance with safety standards and SOPs
- Manage equipment inventory, maintenance, calibration, and user training for temperature loggers and ethylene analysers
- Conduct vessel pre-departure planning, risk assessments, and ensure conditioning activities are executed according to protocol
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational, efficiency, sustainability, and risk reduction
- Liaise with internal teams, service providers, and shipping agents to maintain seamless logistics coordination
- Generate weekly reports, manage KPI metrics, and provide insight into workforce optimisation and team strategy
- Leading recruitment and training for 25 seasonal staff members each year.
Laboratory Supervisor
Hill Laboratories
12.2022 - 02.2023
- Oversaw laboratory operations and technician performance during the kiwifruit maturity testing season
- Delivered training and quality assurance across sampling, and equipment maintenance
Nursery Supervisor
SCH
11.2022 - 12.2022
- Supervised research trials and supported the data collection in the Greenhouse - part-time
Research & Development Technician
Road Science
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Conducted laboratory road experiments for new enhanced products of emulsion and bitumen
Laboratory Technical Manager
Seeka - Verified Lab Services
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Directed technical aspects of laboratory operations and equipment, ensured full compliance with Zespri standards and prepared meticulous compliance documentation for audits.
- Led compliance efforts across lab operations, achieving successful Zespri and IANZ audits through proactive quality assurance and team alignment
- Increased staff competency by delivering training sessions to a hundred employees and supporting the execution of SOPs.
GMO Glasshouse Manager / Scientist
Scion Crown Research Institute (CRI)
12.2019 - 01.2022
- Managed and supervised genomic research projects within a PC2 (physical containment class 2) glasshouse facility, overseeing the team activities and ensuring strict adherence to biological safety protocols and MPI compliance
- Led trials in PC2 containment facilities, coordinating research, compliance, and safety protocols
- Supported COVID-19 vaccine research - recognized as the Best Stakeholder Award winner
Soil Molecular Biology Technician
Scion Crown Research Institute (CRI)
07.2016 - 12.2019
- Conducted field and lab work, including DNA extraction, soil respiration testing, and microbial analysis using qPCR and PCR in various research-funded projects
- Conducted Kauri Dieback and Biuret weed mortality research trials
Laboratory Technician & Lab Demonstrator Roles
AgResearch & Lincoln University
07.2014 - 07.2016
- Participated in bacterial pathogen trials, PCR assays, and pasture nutrient analysis
- Conducted estrogen extraction and quantification from Lucerne, prepared media, cultured fungal pathogens, and performed pasture analysis using ELISA and NIR techniques
- Delivered laboratory practical classes, prepared teaching specimens for plant science and chemistry courses, and assessed student projects
- Conducted an experiment to determine the magnitude of soil biological constraint to pasture production, with a focus on clover within dairy-based systems at AgResearch. Aimed to calculate a conservative economic cost of root diseases to system profitability
Microbiologist - Lab Technician
Arad Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Performed microbial diagnostics, qPCR, and antibiogram testing and ensured sterile procedures in a clinical lab setting
Education
NZ Certificate - Business
Learning Works - Wintec
01-2024
Master of Science (MSc) - Industrial Microbiology
Islamic Azad University
01-2013
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Cellular and Molecular Biology
Islamic Azad University
01-2010
Skills
- DNA/RNA extraction
- PCR/QPCR
- Microsoft Suite
- Analytical skills
- Project management
- Compliance management
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
Certification
- Public Speaking With Confidence workshop
- STCW Marine Practical Safety, Toi Ohomai
- Confined Space, Vertical Horizon
Interests
Award
Best Practice of Customer Service/ Stakholder in Covid 19 Vaccine Project at Scion
Timeline
Operations Team Lead
Zespri International Ltd
01.2023 - Current
Laboratory Supervisor
Hill Laboratories
12.2022 - 02.2023
Nursery Supervisor
SCH
11.2022 - 12.2022
Research & Development Technician
Road Science
08.2022 - 11.2022
Laboratory Technical Manager
Seeka - Verified Lab Services
01.2022 - 08.2022
GMO Glasshouse Manager / Scientist
Scion Crown Research Institute (CRI)
12.2019 - 01.2022
Soil Molecular Biology Technician
Scion Crown Research Institute (CRI)
07.2016 - 12.2019
Laboratory Technician & Lab Demonstrator Roles
AgResearch & Lincoln University
07.2014 - 07.2016
Microbiologist - Lab Technician
Arad Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2013
NZ Certificate - Business
Learning Works - Wintec
Master of Science (MSc) - Industrial Microbiology
Islamic Azad University
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Cellular and Molecular Biology
Islamic Azad University
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