Natalia Rivera Contreras
San Juan
Summary
Scientific professional with expertise in laboratory operations, analytical testing support, reagent preparation, and regulatory compliance. Experienced in maintaining laboratory quality systems, supporting research activities, managing chemical inventories and SDS documentation, and ensuring compliance with safety and GMP-aligned laboratory practices.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Laboratory Technician – Chemistry & Biology
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR
07.2024 - Current
- Prepare reagents, chemical solutions, and laboratory materials to support undergraduate and graduate research activities, as well as instructional laboratories in Analytical, Organic, Physical, and General Chemistry.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and hazardous waste disposal regulations. Maintain and organize Safety Data Sheets (SDS) documentation.
- Prepare microbiological media and support biology lab activities
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety protocols.
Manufacturing Technician (PVA II)
Bristol Myers Squibb
Manatí, PR
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Executed equipment preparation and sterilization processes supporting GMP manufacturing batches.
- Operated autoclaves and validated sterilization cycles aligned with regulatory standards. Documented activities using Electronic Batch Records (EBR), ensuring data integrity and compliance.
- Supported aseptic filling operations, contributing to on-time batch execution in high-throughput environment.
- Completed gowning and safety certifications for cleanroom operations.
Biological Operator I – Bulk Drug Substance (BDS) / Visual Inspection Technician – Small Volume Parenteral (SVP)
AbbVie
Barceloneta, PR
08.2020 - 12.2023
- Performed weighing and dispensing of raw materials supporting multiple GMP batches per week
- Prepared and handled large-scale solutions (200–500 kg) with strict adherence to process specifications
- Managed material receiving and staging, ensuring uninterrupted production flow
- Utilized SAP, LIMS, and POMS systems for real-time documentation and traceability.
- Conducted manual and automated visual inspection of thousands of syringes per shift (Humira, Skyrizi).
- Supported regulatory audits and maintained continuous audit-ready documentation practices.
- Certified in Automated Visual Inspection (AVI) systems
Research Assistant
Hacienda La Esperanza
Manatí, PR
11.2017 - 02.2019
- Conducted longitudinal field research contributing to first post-Hurricane Maria population study of Ucides cordatus
- Collected and analyzed biological and environmental data supporting doctoral-level research
- Performed biweekly sampling and data recording under variable field conditions
Education
Master of Science - Molecular Biotechnology
Universidad Interamericana De Puerto Rico
Bayamón, Puerto Rico06.2019
Bachelor of Science - Natural Sciences
Universidad Interamericana De Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico06.2016
Skills
Laboratory Operations
Research Support
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
OSHA & EPA Compliance
Hazardous Waste Management
Chemical Reagent & Solution Preparation
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Management
Laboratory Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Timeline
Laboratory Technician – Chemistry & Biology
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
07.2024 - Current
Manufacturing Technician (PVA II)
Bristol Myers Squibb
11.2023 - 04.2024
Biological Operator I – Bulk Drug Substance (BDS) / Visual Inspection Technician – Small Volume Parenteral (SVP)
AbbVie
08.2020 - 12.2023
Research Assistant
Hacienda La Esperanza
11.2017 - 02.2019
Master of Science - Molecular Biotechnology
Universidad Interamericana De Puerto Rico
Bachelor of Science - Natural Sciences
Universidad Interamericana De Puerto Rico