Carlos Cruz

Experience

• 

  University of Havana

  Sept 2013 - Jan 2015

  Teaching Assistant

  • Courses taught: Developmental Biology and Biophysics

• 

  University of Manitoba

  Jan 2016 - Oct 2022

  • Developed and updated regularly standard operating procedures for auditing human research studies, research contracts and University labs that use cannabis for research purposes.• Developed, implemented and managed an internal audit program to ensure compliance with university policies, TCPS2, PHIA, FIPPA and other legislative and regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.• Ensured all protocol deviations, unanticipated events and adverse events are identified, properly documented and reported to the appropriate individuals and later resolved.• Summarized and reported audit results including any breaches that have been identified to the Vice-President and Research Ethic Board (REB), as well as other potential offices such as the Environmental Health and Safety Office (Biosafety) and Access and Privacy Office.• Consulted with appropriate offices, REB and Vice-President to determine the appropriate course of action(s) to deal with breaches as per university and federal policies.• Developed collaborative relationships with research units within the University as well as associated/affiliated institutions/facilities regarding matters related to research compliance.• Developed and maintained trustworthy and productive working relationships with other compliance officers across Canada, stakeholders, including University researchers, other University departments, external sponsors and Health Canada contacts.• Conducted investigations into invention claims by university researchers, reviewing Invention Disclosure Forms and Provisional Patent Applications to determine Intellectual Property (IP) ownership• Oversaw data sharing practices with industry partners during project evaluations to ensure protection of the University’s IP in research• Reviewed Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Confidentiality Agreements and report breaches to Principal Investigators and the Associate Vice-President Research for correction Show less • Managed a team of unionized laboratory technicians and research assistants defining a functional organizational structure for the unit and resolving staff-related issues when they arise • Presided over the Laboratory Management Committee outlining the duties and responsibilities of each member of the laboratory staff during plans for business disruptions and continuity• Liaised with the Chief Administrative Officer in the recruitment process of new laboratory personnel and annual and end-of-probation performance evaluations • Administered the operating budget for research and teaching laboratories keeping expenditures on equipment and consumables within approved limits, performing cost-effectiveness and operational feasibility analysis, and reporting expenses to the Leadership Team• Performed inventories of laboratory supplies and equipment on a regular basis and obtain quotes from multiple suppliers when placing orders of high-value equipment ($5,000+) to support research and teaching activities• Collaborated with Project Managers during laboratory renovations ensuring decommissioning procedures are followed according to Health & Safety regulations• Performed systematic audits and risk assessments to anticipate potential ergonomic, chemical and biological hazards in research laboratories and implement mitigation strategies• Tracked and updated Chemical and Biosafety permit information on the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) database on a regular basis ensuring compliance with University and Public Health policies• Supported the Accident/Incident reporting process collecting information on root causes and completing required documentation for internal investigations• Designed and created an online Laboratory Safety course using Learning Management Systems to train staff on good laboratory practices Show less • Trained and supervised students and junior staff on molecular biology techniques, including: DNA/RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, PCR, qRT-PCR, in vitro transcription, gel electrophoresis, plasmid-based cloning, etc.• Designed and conducted proof-of-concept experiments to demonstrate the occurrence of the RNA interference phenomenon in insects by silencing genes through dsRNA treatment• Developed protocols to properly handle, store and dispose of biohazardous materials and contaminated waste according to EHS guidelines• Coordinated shipments of biological samples to international partners completing required documentation, such as: commercial invoices, custom clearance forms, etc.• Monitored amendments to Chemical and Biosafety regulations for containment spaces and informed Principal Investigators of required measures for compliance• Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for weekly inspections to ensure laboratory staff stored, handled and disposed of controlled substances properly, according to University guidelines• Updated the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) database with new chemicals daily and informed students and staff on how to access it and use it properly• Sourced and reviewed scientific and patent literature to determine patentability of DNA sequences in study models to be targeted with RNAi technologies• Researched the market to explore the economic potential of RNAi technologies in the implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique for pest management and control Show less • Courses taught: Advanced Developmental and Cellular Biology• Assisted Instructors with the creation of support materials (manuals, protocols, quizzes) for undergraduate courses providing detailed information on laboratory techniques • Coordinated chemical and equipment requirements for Advanced Cell and Developmental Biology teaching laboratories in consultation with Instructors• Identified the challenges and needs of students to complete laboratory activities successfully and developed troubleshooting guidelines for assistance• Graded and marked exams for first-year Biology and Cell Biology courses based on guidelines provided by course coordinators• Engaged with undergraduate Biology students on a regular basis to obtain feedback on laboratory planning and organization and improve content delivery Show less

  • Research Compliance Officer

    Jan 2021 - Oct 2022

  • Lead Laboratory Manager

    May 2019 - Jan 2021

  • Research Technician

    May 2017 - May 2019

  • Teaching Assistant

    Jan 2016 - Apr 2017
• 

  University of Toronto

  Nov 2022 - now

  Manager, Undergraduate Lab Operations

  • Oversee the day-to-day operational needs for the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology labs. • Apply established standards when determining material requirements for labs based on timetables and requisitions information• Ensure material needs of laboratory exercises and/or courses are available• Coordinate tasks for projects and other strategic initiatives with stakeholders• Liaise with course instructors to coordinate experiment set-up to compliment theoretical material• Schedule the use of lab equipment and resources• Create and edit standard operating procedures• Verify inventory records• Maintain equipment and supply inventory• Troubleshoot issues with lab equipment and/or workstations• Liaise with vendors to coordinate services and resolve issues• Analyze new equipment and/or reagents and recommending upgrades• Provide safety training and ensuring adherence to safety procedures and standards• Update and maintaining procedures and protocols to comply with Federal Government legislation• Analyze and make recommendations for the purchase of new equipment and supplies• Monitor accounts for projects and programs• Direct the activities of a group of staff-appointed employees all performing a similar function• Assign and check the work of casual staff and work-study students Show less