1. RAFAEL SOTO
5830 California Ave, Tracy CA 95304
c4if4s@hotmail.com 4156064029·(C)
QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
 Laboratory Skills: Skilled analyzing raw chromatographic data, which includes
creating excel spread sheets and standard curves under GMP regulations.
Experienced using RP-HPLC and GC (FID direct injection and head space) to quantify
API’s and residual solvents, respectively. Knowledgeable in chromatographic method
development/optimization and validation (GC and RP-HPLC). Skilled reviewing and
executing validation protocols as well as preparing and writing respective validation
reports in compliance with cGMP guidelines.
 Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals in
variety of environments; keep record of clear and concise information, provided to
audiences of varying technical skills; function as presenter in both group and one-on-
one settings.
 Administration: Solid research and analysis skills with traditional and electronic
methods; talent creating and maintaining comprehensive lab notes to serve as
communication and research tools; ability to organize and manage priorities and
resources to consistently meet expectations.
 Achievements/Strengths: Excellent self-discipline and motivation along with
reliability, consistently meeting deadlines and requirements. Strong commitment to
continuous growth, with ambition to become a high quality scientist. Demonstrated
ability to follow compendial protocols and standard operation procedures (SOP’s);
perform them in a safe, accurate and ethical manner. Fluent in English and Spanish
as well as multiple cultures.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY, San Francisco, CA
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:
Equipment: GC (FID, TCD,) GC Head Space, Agilent HPLC, DEAE-Sephadex
column, GPC, VersaMax microplate reader, UV-Vis, Particle size
analyzer (HIAC), FTIR spectrometer, Nitrogen/Sulfur analyzer (Antek
9000), Rheometers (Brookfield), Coulometric KF Titrators (Mettler
Toledo), and general laboratory equipment
Techniques: Chromatography (GC, HPLC and GPC), protein concentration assays
(Bradford / DC protocols), enzymatic assays, SDS-PAGE, protein
extraction and purification, ion exchange chromatography.
Software: ChromPerfect, Chemstation, ChemStation Open Lab, Cirrus, Softmax,
Kaleidograph, Excel, PowerPoint, LIMS (Thermo Scientific), SAP LIMS,
SLIM (H & A Scientfic) and Outlook.
2. EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Heron Therapeutics, 123 Saginaw Drive, Redwood City, CA
Chemist II Analytics and Development 2014- Now
ï‚· GC and HPLC Method development/optimization
ï‚· HPLC and GC method validation and co-validation--in harmony with external
contract laboratories--for NDA submission
 Data review and SOP’s writing
ï‚· Review and execution of validation protocols and writing of validation
reports.
ï‚· Training of other analysts while implementing cGMP and GDP guidelines.
ï‚· Instrument trouble shooting
ï‚· Lab investigations (OOS/OOT)
ï‚· QC data review
Heron Therapeutics (Formerly AP-Pharma), 123 Saginaw Drive, Redwood City, CA
QC chemist I October 2012- 2014
ï‚· Responsible for QC activities which include but are not limited to physical and
visual inspection of products necessary for release and stability exercising
cGMP and GDP.
ï‚· Related substances assays by HPLC
ï‚· In Vitro Release (dissolution)assays by HPLC
ï‚· Determination of molecular mass distribution of polyorthoesters by Gel
Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
ï‚· Viscosity analysis
ï‚· IR identification
ï‚· Particle counting by light obscuration (HIAC)
Dow Chemicals, Hayward, CA
QC Technician, August 13th 2012 – October (Temp)
 Performed quality control analysis on all different manufactured products—
water based paints— using GC, Particle size analyzer, FTIR, pH meter, and
Titrators.
ï‚· Data entry and acquisition through SAP
ï‚· Decision making in regards to how to proceed with bad product batches, by
being in constant communication with the production and chemical engineers
teams.
Sasol Wax, Richmond, CA
GC Technician, March 5th 2012- March 23rd 2012 (Temp)
ï‚· Responsible for optimizing suitable GC methods for the analysis of wax
samples produced and or imported by Sasol Wax.
ï‚· Determine quantitative carbon number distribution of petroleum waxes in the
range from n-C17 through n-C44 by GC direct injection (FID).
ï‚· Compile and reported results to R&D manager.
Intertek Caleb Brett, Benicia, CA
Analytical chemist, July 2010-July 2011
ï‚· Run and documented statistical quality control data (SQC) on various
analytical instruments.
3. ï‚· Analysis of Nitrogen, Sulfur, Bromine, Chlorides, particulate matter, and
water content on different petroleum derivatives such gasoline, diesels, jet
fuels, crude oils, lube oils, ethanol, among others, using a wide variety of
ASTM methods, techniques and instruments such as Karl Fisher, GC, HPLC,
Antek 9000 and Horiba.
ï‚· Improve other methods suitable for evaluating enhancer quantities in
gasoline, using gas chromatography.
ï‚· Evaluate obtained results and reported them into LIMS Thermo Scientific.
ï‚· Receive samples delivered by inspectors, and logged them in into LIMS.
ï‚· Other tasks included prioritizing samples and tests, given the fact that clients
often require sample analysis on a rush basis.
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Biochemistry Student, January 2005 – May 2009
Acquired and applied understanding of biochemistry theories, history, standards, practice
and applications in academic environment. Conducted extensive research and information
analysis; planned and conducted laboratory experiments and projects. Partnered with
colleagues to plan and manage lab and research projects; developed and delivered
presentations in individual and group environments.
 Enzymatic assays on β-galactosidase.
ï‚· Purification of E. coli Alkaline Phosphatase by heat treatment, ammonium sulfate
precipitation, dialysis, and DEAE-Sephadex column
ï‚· Protein analysis by SDS-PAGE.
ï‚· Successfully utilized gas chromatography (GC) and high-pressure liquid
chromatography (HPLC) to quantify organic compounds using Kovats indices.
ï‚· Conducted quantitative analysis of organic compounds in commercial flavorings,
pharmaceuticals, and caffeine and antioxidants in commercial teas, using GC and
HPLC.
ï‚· Separated acid, basic and neutral components found in over-the-counter (OTC)
pharmaceutical product