Laboratory Manager – Control Union Paraguay
Clara Nuñez Vega
Clara Elizabeth Nuñez Vega from Paraguay
Joined our company in 2015
Laboratory Manager
Tell us a little about your background
I am a Clinical Biochemist with a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry and a specialization in University Didactics. My initial steps in the field of chemistry were in the medical and educational areas, where I developed a strong passion for organic chemistry. I have participated in research projects on this field, mainly focused in analytical laboratory work. Throughout my career, I have worked in laboratories, ensuring the quality of analyses and the accuracy of results. The focus on analytical quality assurance has been a constant in all my projects and jobs.
What is your role at Control Union?
My current position is Laboratory Manager. My main task is to ensure that all laboratory operations run efficiently and that the analysis results meet the quality standards expected by our clients.
In addition to supervising the daily activities of the laboratory, I am also in charge of researching and implementing new analysis methods to meet the evolving needs of our producers, exporters, and the industries in our country. This involves staying updated with technological and scientific advancements in the field of chemistry and ensuring our laboratory is equipped with the most modern and accurate techniques.
In summary, my position requires a combination of technical, managerial, and communication skills, with the goal of maintaining the highest levels of quality and accuracy in all our analytical services.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I find most rewarding in my job is achieving the goals we set for ourselves. Although sometimes the challenges or projects we are working on can be demanding, experiencing the satisfaction of seeing our efforts materialize into successful results is truly satisfying.
Each achievement, whether small or large, represents a breakthrough that reflects the commitment and dedication of the entire team. This sense of accomplishment and contribution makes every day at work meaningful and rewarding for me.
If you were to meet a group of 10-year-olds who are eager to learn about the work that you do, can you tell us what you will say to them?
We work like detectives on the food and products we use every day. When a product comes into our lab, like a mystery, we examine it to make sure it’s safe and healthy. We measure things like nutrients to make sure they have what we need to grow strong and healthy.
We also make sure they don’t have “bugs” that can make us sick. We can even detect viruses like coronavirus in our lab tests. Through our work, people can be confident that the products they use are safe and good for their health.
What’s the question you find people ask you most often in your role?
One of the most frequent questions I receive in my position concerns microbiology. People are very curious about pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and other microorganisms that can affect food safety.
They often ask how they can avoid contaminating their products and what measures they can take to reduce the risk when consuming certain types of food. I explain the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, proper handling, and storage of food.
Additionally, I talk to them about the advanced techniques we use in the laboratory to identify these microorganisms and ensure food safety. These interactions allow me to educate the community and help them understand how they can protect their health through simple preventive measures.