Sandra Gonzalez-Sayer

I am a diligent and skilled professional with substantial experience in molecular biology techniques and their integrative analysis with NGS data. I possess practical experience in both the production and downstream analysis of Sanger, Illumina, PacBio, and ONT sequencing technologies. My expertise spans genetics, genomics, structural variability, and gene expression. Demonstrated independence, organizational skills, and discipline. Proven track record in human talent training and technology skills transfer. Enthusiastic team player with effective communication skills, seeking opportunities to work in a collaborative team environment.

Postdoctoral position

University of Neuchatel, Switzerland Aug 2022 – Jan 2024

I executed a project on genome structural variation correlated with pathogenicity in a comparative context using high-quality NGS. I developed bioinformatics workflows for quality control, structural genome comparison, and pathogenicity determinants annotation. All analyses are conducted using a SLURM-based HPC cluster. Additionally, I excel in writing project proposals for external funding to support ongoing research.

Postdoctoral position

Institute of Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá. Aug 2021 - Dec 2022

I guided the wet lab for metagenomics data production from environmental samples producing amplicon sequencing by SWIFT AMPLICONTM 16S+ITS PANEL and shotgun WGS. I also conducted the bioinformatics analysis and pipeline development to assess the diversity and biotechnology potential of the soil metagenome.

National service - Lab management

Specialized Laboratory, SANAR - Health Provider Company, Colombia. Apr 2021 - May 2022

I led a diagnostic lab, overseeing the operation and optimizing the protocols. My responsibilities included coordinating, training, and technology transfer of molecular biology techniques such as manual and automated nucleic acids extraction, qPCR, and results and validation analysis.

National service - Lab management Apr 2020 - Dec 2020

Molecular Biology Laboratory | Institute of Biotechnology of National University of Colombia

I led the molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic peaks adapting open-platform reagents aligned with the Charité Berlin protocol in reagent shortages. I provided essential training for specialized professionals overseeing the operation of the COVID-19 diagnosis service within the national laboratory network.

Research experience Feb 2007 – Aug 2016 Institute of Biotechnology – UNAL | Colombian Association for Science Advancement, Bogotá,

Colombia

I participated in launching/managing a molecular genotyping service based on assessing polymorphic molecular markets leading the screening process, standardized protocols, and implemented laboratory automation. My role was managing the laboratory operations and project administration overseeing sampling, reagens supplies, and validation of bioanalyzer profiles and sequence results compiling them in comprehensive reports.

2021- Ph.D. in Biotechnology - Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá. GPA 4.4/5.0 

2013- MSc. in Microbiology - Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá. GPA 4.2/5.0

2008- BSc. Clínical microbiology - Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Bogotá. GPA 3.7/5.0