Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
LEADERSHIP
Timeline
Generic

SHIRLEY CHIN SU THIN

Bukit Batok

Summary

Experienced Senior Chemist with a strong background in lab operations, quality control, and R&D. Proficient in analytical techniques, method development, and fostering team collaboration. Committed to driving innovation, ensuring safety, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Seeking opportunities to leverage expertise and leadership skills in a dynamic work environment.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Research Scientist I (Analytical)

YSQ International Pte Ltd
07.2024 - Current
  • Utilized expertise in testing laboratory, manufacturing, and chemistry to help with root cause analysis and problem solving for multiple projects.
  • Utilized expertise in Lean Sig Sixma to actively drive continuous improvement projects and Kanban system in the laboratory, resulting in at least 50% improvement of overall work efficiency.
  • Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects.
  • Streamlined laboratory workflows, resulting in reduced 20% costs (annually) and increased 65% productivity.
  • Recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results.
  • Generated data models and performed analysis to produce reports outlining results.
  • Spearheaded cross-functional projects, ensuring timely completion while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Managed laboratory budgets effectively, allocating funds strategically for maximum impact on research outcomes.
  • Mentored junior chemist and scientists, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
  • Streamlined laboratory processes, significantly reducing experiment setup times and increasing throughput.
  • Enhanced team collaboration by implementing centralized data repository, facilitating easier access to research data for all team members.
  • Optimized resource allocation, ensuring critical experiments were prioritized and adequately funded.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to laboratory safety guidelines.
  • Evaluated new technologies for potential integration into existing research processes, driving continuous improvement efforts.
  • Collaborated with others scientists to develop strategies and analytical test method for extraction of natural extracts, characterization of various flavours, etc.
  • Led multidisciplinary teams in solving complex problems, leveraging diverse expertise to achieve innovative solutions.
  • Method development and validation for multiple projects using ICH Q2(R2) and CORESTA method.

Senior Chemist

YSQ International Pte Ltd
04.2022 - 06.2024
  • Leading analytical team and collaborating with cross-functional departments of Research and Innovation (R&I) to support various projects, providing analytical expertise and insights.
  • Actively applying and driving Lean, continuous improvement, process optimization to improve laboratory productivity by 80% to 90% and enhance operational efficiency by reducing downtime.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support various projects, providing analytical expertise and insights.
  • Performed routine GC-MS analyses to detect and quantify nicotine content, ensuring accurate identification and measurement of chemical substances.
  • Conducted routine HPLC analyses for toxicity analysis (Carbonyls), ensuring precise quantification and high-quality results.
  • Developed and optimized HPLC, GC-MS/FID/HS/SPME and ICP-MS methods to improve sensitivity and specificity for various analytical applications.
  • Implemented rigorous quality control measures, including calibration checks and spike recovery, to uphold data integrity and reliability.
  • Identified and implemented improvements in analytical methods and laboratory workflows, enhancing overall efficiency and accuracy.
  • Managed the operation and maintenance of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, gas chromatography (GC) system and inductive couple plasma (ICP-MS), ensuring accurate and reliable analytical results.
  • Designed and executed experiments to ensure robust, accurate, and reproducible methods for analytical analysis including tobacco extract, plant extract, foods, flavour samples, and other ad-hoc samples.
  • Designed and conducted stability studies of pure nicotine to determine the shelf life and evaluate the effects of temperature, humidity, and storage environment on nicotine stability.
  • Core member of Labware LIMS Implementation Project and 100% successful implementation of a comprehensive Labware LIMS, resulting in a 20% reduction in data entry errors and a 25% improvement in sample tracking efficiency.
  • Validated and optimized analytical methods for determination of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the aerosol of e-liquid by using GC-MS and GC-FID, leading to a 20% increase in laboratory throughput and a 52.2% reduction in total program time per sample.
  • Applied Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and improve 40% process efficiency for Toxicity Analysis.
  • Identified and executed process optimization initiatives for Analytical Lab Sample Requisition Form and Logsheet, leading to an 80% improvement in overall laboratory work efficiency.

Chemist I

Veolia ES Industrial Singapore Pte Ltd
06.2021 - 04.2022
  • Proficient in conducting routine chemical and physical waste analysis, with a focus on High Temperature Incineration (HTI) and Physical Chemical Inorganic (PCI) treatment processes.
  • Efficient in waste management, ensured FIFO (First In, First Out) methodology for optimal warehouse clearance.
  • Skilled in executing treatability studies for the PCI process to enhance waste treatment protocols.
  • Adept at reviewing, interpreting, and reporting technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability in documentation.
  • Expert in troubleshooting analytical instruments, maintaining operational integrity and performance.
  • Collaborative communicator, actively engaging with cross-functional teams in problem-solving discussions.
  • Conducted in-depth studies to determine the Method Detection Limit (MDL) for the Screening Test of Waste, including Nitrate & Nitrite, Sulphide, Oxidizers, and Cyanide.
  • Instrumental skilled in developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for streamlined laboratory operations.

Quality Lab Executive (Chemist)

British American Tobacco Singapore Pte Ltd
02.2019 - 06.2021
  • Implemented Integrated Work System (IWS) protocols to enhance laboratory efficiency.
  • Executed ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 documentation and implementation processes to ensure compliance.
  • Developed and established a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework to monitor team performance.
  • Conducted annual cross-checks as part of the Global Analytical Team and participated in Asia Collaborative Studies.
  • Proficient in troubleshooting instrumentation errors, led QA lab instrument and product performance investigations, and formulated corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
  • Identified and capitalized on opportunities to innovate and expedite analysis and reporting processes.
  • Supported the maintenance and upgrade of quality systems to align with evolving business requirements.
  • Fostered lab team development to enhance core and technical skills for precise analytical outcomes.
  • Motivated and led the lab team to deliver high-quality results and provided critical support to other functions.
  • Championed creative problem-solving and efficiency improvements in quality-based processes across product lines.
  • Spearheaded a product lab team, achieving a notable 51.8% improvement in retest rates in the latter half of 2020.
  • Championed innovation through the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) in the QA lab.
  • Utilized statistical analysis to elucidate the correlation between product design and performance, enhancing product knowledge.
  • Initiated and conducted Design of Experiment (DOE) protocols to elevate product performance metrics.
  • Developed the Step-Up (SU) Card, a skill matrix assessment tool, to augment the capabilities and proficiency of the team.
  • Proactively led teams to ideate and implement creative solutions, significantly boosting the efficiency of quality processes.
  • Streamlined consignment release turnaround time from 6 working days to 4.2 calendar days, optimizing lab productivity and reducing finished goods storage costs.
  • Established and routinely updated a strategic 90-day plan for lab operations.
  • Ensured annual maintenance and calibration of lab equipment, maintaining high standards of analytical service for timely business decisions.
  • Adapted the lab to evolving analysis requirements, aligning with dynamic business objectives.
  • Managed inventory control and resource allocation, optimizing analysis capabilities at an optimum cost.
  • Provided leadership and inspiration through effective guidance, coaching, and performance monitoring of the team.
  • Collaborated closely with the compliance & performance manager to maximize resource utilization and operational efficiency.
  • Conducted comprehensive chemical and physical analyses of cigarette products to ensure quality standards.
  • Expertly reviewed and reported technical data, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
  • Skilled in data interpretation, adept at preparing detailed analytical reports.
  • Specialized in troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipment, with a focus on the rotary smoking machine.
  • Developed and validated analytical methods tailored to various cigarette conditioning processes prior to testing.
  • Authored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and One Point Lessons (OPLs) to streamline lab operations.
  • Formulated and implemented Current Best Approaches (CBAs) to optimize quality control processes.
  • Engaged in Regional Analytical Forum Sessions to stay abreast of industry standards and practices.
  • Prepared detailed reports for the Product Development Team to inform ongoing product enhancements.
  • Conducted weekly and monthly performance reviews with stakeholders to ensure laboratory excellence.
  • Collaborated with the Compliance & Performance Manager to maximize resource efficiency and lab productivity.
  • Fostered strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including the Quality Improvement Manager, to align with business objectives.
  • Sustained robust partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to guarantee seamless laboratory operations and consistent supply chain management for consumables.
  • Implemented and enforced rigorous EHS protocols in daily operations, guaranteeing comprehensive compliance within the work environment and its vicinity.
  • Upheld exemplary EHS standards, surpassing local regulations and adhering to BAT guidelines, while handling hazardous materials for analytical procedures.

Chemist

Eurofins NM Laboratory Sdn Bhd
03.2016 - 11.2018
  • Conducted routine chemical analyses for environmental testing to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Revised and updated technical documents and data, maintaining current and precise information.
  • Investigated nonconforming work, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
  • Developed specialized tests and standard operating procedures (SOPs) tailored to customer requirements for rubber analysis.
  • Validated and developed analytical methods for Mercury determination in wastewater using Agilent AAS 240FS and VGA 77A.
  • Validated methods for measuring particulate matter concentrations in stationary source emissions, utilizing various filter media.
  • Interpreted data and prepared detailed reports, delivering clear and actionable insights.
  • Performed troubleshooting and maintenance on analytical instruments, including ICP-OES, AAS-VGA, and UV-Vis, ensuring optimal performance.
  • Provided expert technical consultation to the sales team, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales potential.
  • Managed workflow scheduling to meet departmental demands and customer deadlines, optimizing lab efficiency.
  • Achieved a significant improvement in laboratory turnaround time (TAT), increased from 80% to 100%.
  • Participated in proficiency testing programs organized by the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry, demonstrating technical competence, achieved and maintained a good z-score (± 0.5 to 1.0).
  • Managed inventory control, ensuring the availability of necessary materials and reagents.
  • Upheld quality management standards through meticulous documentation and laboratory controls.
  • Adhered to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), safe work practices, and lean principles to maintain a high-functioning laboratory environment.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry (Hons.) -

University of Malaysia Sabah
11.2015

Skills

  • Method Validation, Verification and Optimization
  • Chromatography system know how (IC, GC-FID, GC-MS)
  • Spectrometry system know how (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS-VGA, XRF)
  • Laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration
  • Waste management/analysis
  • Cigarette/Tobacco analysis
  • Wet Chemistry
  • Environmental analysis
  • Formulation
  • Research & Innovation
  • Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Inventory Control
  • Regulatory compliance and documentation
  • Quality Assurance and Control
  • Lean Six Sigma
  • Management System Analysis (MSA) know how
  • ISO 17025 & 9001 Documentation
  • LIMS
  • Continuous Improvement, Process Optimization
  • Data analysis & Statistical data analysis
  • GLP (Good Laboratory Practice)
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Communication / Collaboration
  • Teamwork
  • Problem Solving
  • Time Management

Certification

  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified
  • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified
  • Certified Chemist of Malaysian Institute of Chemistry

References

To be provided upon request.

LEADERSHIP

  • YSQ INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD
  • Designated as Team Leader/Supervisor of Analytical Lab
  • Appointed as Superuser of Labware LIMS
  • BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • Designated as Lab Supervisor in Quality Lab
  • Appointed as Internal Auditor of ISO 9001:2015
  • Appointed as CIL (Clean, Inspect, Lubricate) DMS (Document Management System) Owner in Quality Assurance (QA) Lab
  • EUROFINS NM LABORATORY SDN BHD (MALAYSIA)
  • Designated as Supervisor/Section Head in laboratory operation department (LOD)
  • Designated as Lean Leader in LOD
  • Appointed as Internal Auditor of ISO 17025:2017

Timeline

Research Scientist I (Analytical)

YSQ International Pte Ltd
07.2024 - Current

Senior Chemist

YSQ International Pte Ltd
04.2022 - 06.2024

Chemist I

Veolia ES Industrial Singapore Pte Ltd
06.2021 - 04.2022

Quality Lab Executive (Chemist)

British American Tobacco Singapore Pte Ltd
02.2019 - 06.2021

Chemist

Eurofins NM Laboratory Sdn Bhd
03.2016 - 11.2018

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry (Hons.) -

University of Malaysia Sabah
SHIRLEY CHIN SU THIN