Brett Palaschak

About Brett Palaschak

Self-motivated and enthusiastic lab operations manager and research scientist with 10+ years of laboratory experience in molecular biology, animal handling, and cell culture, with a long-standing interest and passion in gene therapy leading to 6 publications in scientific journals and textbooksGoal-oriented leader and team player with strong work ethic, reliability, safety awareness, and communication skills working in multicultural environments and collaborating with cross-functional groups using high multi-tasking and prioritization ability to ensure steady workflow for 40+ team membersIndependent decision maker with strategic and critical thinking mindset utilizing good problem solving skills, scientific judgment, and adaptability with a methodical and open-minded approach to overcoming challenges while championing best practices and working on constant improvement of myself

Experience

1. Manager, Laboratory Operations

   Aavantibio, Inc

   Dec 2020 — Present · Gainesville, FL, US

   Established equipment management system for 500+ individual items totaling over $2.5M including working internally with all departments to troubleshoot equipment or system issues and external manufacturers and vendors for installation, IQ/OQ, calibration, PMs, repairs, etc to ensure timeline success through equipment readiness/uptime, works with landlords for building maintenance and access issuesManages a team of 4 laboratory technicians and supply chain associates who collectively support lab operation duties such as basic cloning work, buffer preparation, cell culture, lab cleaning and restocking, and receipt of lab materials among several other tasksLeads EH & S as designated principal investigator for the company, chair of the interdepartmental safety committee focusing on safety SOP establishment and compliance, safety-related corrective actions and preventative actions (sCAPA) resolution, site risk assessments, safety onboarding for new hires, performing safety walkthroughs of lab areas and training lab staff on safety-related matters in accordance with local, state and federal regulations while also managing the relationships for EH & S-related contractors and vendors for biological and hazardous waste managementWorks with all departments to constantly evaluate current labs and offices for potential operational improvements, including supporting with technical training, leading operational update meetings, scheduling training sessions, and adding potential new equipment; currently helping lead the planning and design for construction of a new facility with department heads and external consultantsEstablished a robust material inventory management system for the 300+ different materials in-stock to help reduce the impact of supply chain constraints and works with vendors and suppliers to negotiate agreements and contracts for materials, equipment, warranties, and services, while also ensuring packing slips/invoices are processed and paid in a timely manner

Education

• University of Florida

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Philosophy

  2010 — 2013

• Western Governors University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General