People are the chemistry: Chris Gilmer
At Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, we believe that our people provide our strength. Their dedication to quality, professional competence and hard work are the key elements in the company’s success. In this regular feature, we introduce you to some of the people who have helped make Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories an industry leader.
Chris Gilmer brings more than a decade of experience to his new role as Group Leader of Organism Identification. He recently earned certification in the American Society for Microbiology’s National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM). The goals of the NRCM are to: minimize risk to the public by identifying qualified microbiologists, encourage mastery of microbiological knowledge and skills that contribute to improving the human condition and foster professional pride and a sense of accomplishment in qualified microbiologists. Successful candidates must meet stringent education, work experience, and proficiency exam criteria. Read more on what Chris brings to the bench:
What does your current job entail?
I have recently assumed the Group Leader position of the Organism Identification Group within the Bio/Pharmaceutical Microbiology Department. As we provide internal support testing for the department and offer direct service to client submissions, the daily coordination of operations seem endless. I perform daily review of the current workload for priority scheduling, release of completed testing to internal or external clients and constant evaluation of a wide variety of incoming projects. Involvement in lab operations allows for the most accurate and timely status information, so I enjoy contributing to sample processing, data interpretation and technical troubleshooting. In support of our entire laboratory operation, I serve as the equipment administrator for our environmentally controlled chambers. This demands 24/7 availability to ensure continuous operation under specified conditions. Drawing on previous experience within our Non-Sterile Products Testing Group, I periodically contribute to various bioburden, microbial limits and preservative testing projects.
What is the scope of your group?
The Organism Identification Group utilizes a variety of testing solutions to deliver our clients reliable results. We support our internal testing groups with identification of any microbial isolates recovered, as well as provide identification results for our internal environmental monitoring programs. Clients utilize our direct submission service for environmental monitoring and for manufacturing confirmations or investigations. We perform a variety of tests from morphological to gene sequence characterization.
Why should clients trust us with their projects?
Our group has always been staffed by a dedicated team of analysts with very specialized experience. We have been restructuring our service model to provide our clients with cost-effective solutions to meet their needs and expectations. Sample processing efficiencies have been improved while incorporating timely notifications to clients with status updates. The company has recently invested in emerging specialized identification services to place us in a highly competitive position within the industry.
How would you characterize your leadership style?
Having recently assumed the Group Leader role with a close continued focus on lab operations, I remain aware of the daily challenges at the bench level. The improved efficiencies implemented in the group are proving most effective with a complete team presence in the lab for prompt decision-making, communication, and troubleshooting. I continue to identify opportunities to lead by example and influence a continuous focus on service quality and client satisfaction.
And when you’re not working?
Outside of work, I enjoy camping trips and hiking with my wife Jen and our high-energy boxer Jake. When the weather is nice I try to make time for bike rides. Over the past few years I’ve gained an increasing interest in cycling for exercise and as a way to get out and see more of Lancaster County.
