Colton Papst
Longmont
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented Research Associate and technical lead with over six years of expertise in immunoassay testing, process development, and quality execution within regulated diagnostic environments. Proven success in collaborating with Quality Control and Assurance teams to maintain compliant assay execution, ensure data integrity, and drive thorough investigation closures for product readiness. Recognized for independently managing manufacturing and QC-facing technical programs while leading cross-functional workstreams, mentoring team members, and providing stabilizing leadership during investigations and operational transitions. Committed to advancing scientific rigor and operational excellence in a production environment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Associate III — Assay Development → Process Development
Antech Diagnostics (Mars, Inc.) - (formerly Heska Corp.; formerly LightDeck Diagnostics; originally mBio Diagnostics)
Boulder / Longmont, CO
07.2022 - Current
- Selected to transition from Assay Development to Process Development based on demonstrated technical ownership, execution reliability, and cross-functional effectiveness.
- Independently owned manufacturing- and QC-facing technical programs, including cCRP yield recovery, CAPA execution, CRP assay overcoat implementation, and PVA-Tepla surface chemistry development.
- Led and supported investigations related to assay performance variability, yield excursions, and system suitability failures, applying structured root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies aligned with quality expectations.
- Reviewed and trended assay performance, yield, and stability data to support material disposition, backlog resolution, and sustained process control.
- Partnered closely with QC to plan, execute, and review real-time stability studies, ensuring protocol adherence, data integrity, and audit-ready documentation.
- Provided technical guidance and informal leadership to QC and manufacturing personnel on assay execution, troubleshooting, and adherence to SOPs.
- Acted as a stabilizing technical lead during periods of organizational change, ensuring continuity of execution, compliance, and cross-functional alignment.
Research Associate II
09.2019 - 07.2022
- Project lead for the design and development of a canine inflammatory marker diagnostic assay, collaborating cross-functionally to optimize assay configuration, reagent formulation, and bioconjugation strategies.
- Authored work instructions and quality documentation supporting design transfer to manufacturing during a period of team and organizational restructuring.
- Supported verification, validation, and stability activities required for advancement through internal quality stage gates.
Research Associate I
02.2019 - 09.2019
- Designed and executed experiments supporting immunoassay development for regulated diagnostic applications.
- Analyzed and presented technical data to support project reviews and development decision-making.
Manufacturing Technician I
03.2018 - 02.2019
- Performed GMP-compliant manufacturing of disposable diagnostic cartridges and executed in-process and final QC inspections.
- Operated and maintained manufacturing and surface-chemistry equipment, including microarray printers, plasma etch systems, laser welding, and lyophilization systems.
- Maintained strict adherence to SOPs, GMP/GDP requirements, and lot-level documentation and traceability.
Intern / General Utility Technician
mBio Diagnostics
01.2017 - 02.2017
- Supported R&D assay development, QC procedures, and manufacturing operations under GMP systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Sciences
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO01.2017
Bachelor of Business - Agricultural Business
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO01-2017
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Lincoln University
Canterbury, New Zealand07.2017
Skills
- Immunoassay design
- Diagnostic Device Manufacturing
- Quality Control & Data Review
- CAPA / Root Cause Analysis (8D)
- GMP / GDP Documentation
- Compliance with ethical standards
- Technical writing
- Lab operations
- Chemical Safety & Handling
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
- Data interpretation
- Inventory assessments
Certification
- 2-Day 8-D Root Cause & Problem Solving Training (Axeon Corporation)
Timeline
Research Associate III — Assay Development → Process Development
Antech Diagnostics (Mars, Inc.) - (formerly Heska Corp.; formerly LightDeck Diagnostics; originally mBio Diagnostics)
07.2022 - Current
Research Associate II
09.2019 - 07.2022
Research Associate I
02.2019 - 09.2019
Manufacturing Technician I
03.2018 - 02.2019
Intern / General Utility Technician
mBio Diagnostics
01.2017 - 02.2017
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Lincoln University
Bachelor of Science - Animal Sciences
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Business - Agricultural Business
Colorado State University