Resume - Jack Pflaum
Professional Summary
I am excited to bring my analytical skills and problem-solving abilities to full-stack web development
after my decision to change careers from an Organic Chemist to a junior developer. With a Certificate 4 in
Information Technology (Programming) and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Sustainable Energy Management,
I have developed a solid foundation in React, Django and the Django REST Framework. Along with that I have
good knowledge of HTML, CSS and Material UI.
The desire to understand how things work is the main reason I decided to become a programmer. My drive for
self-improvement constantly pushes me to research new programming skills and approaches to problem-solving,
resulting in my proficiency in using Visual Studio Code and Github to create my personal projects.
As I transition into a career as a full-stack developer, I am confident that my experience in laboratory work
has provided me with transferable skills that will prove valuable in my new role. My ability to analyze
data and troubleshoot problems will be an asset as I work to develop robust and efficient systems.
Overall, I am a driven and enthusiastic individual with a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous
learning. I look forward to bringing my skills and passion to a new career in programming.
Professional Experience
FinClear
Junior Software Engineer (June 2024 – Aug 2024)
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Reformatted UI components and layouts to ensure a cohesive look and feel across the platform.
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Implemented features with React, Next.js and Material UI to improve user experience.
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Utilized React Hook Form to manage and validate form inputs and React Query for effective data fetching.
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Took part in sprint-based development, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.
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Leveraged GitLab for version control and collaboration, including creating and managing feature branches,
and merging code changes into the main branch to ensure seamless deployment.
Intertek – Exploration & Production
Organic Chemist (May 2014 –June 2024)
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Sample preparation, solvent extraction, GCMS oil compositional analysis, GC gas compositional analysis,
water anion and cation analysis, glycol purities and impurities.
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Laboratory equipment maintenance and troubleshooting. Performing reagent stock count and laboratory
cleanliness.
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Instructed and trained new employees in analysis procedures and operation of analytical equipment.
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Utilize Excel spreadsheets for accurate calculation and presentation of results.
- Employ Microsoft SharePoint as the primary platform for data sharing and Teams for effective communication
within the team.
- Operated and maintained gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Pyrolysis
equipment.
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Demonstrated proficiency in tuning and maintaining precision instruments to ensure accurate results.
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Managed helium as a carrier gas for gas chromatography, emphasizing the importance of addressing leaks for
optimal performance and longevity.
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Successfully troubleshooted leaks and detector issues by isolating different areas and gathering essential
information such as pressure and detector output.
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Utilized Agilent software for data processing, calibration, and graph integration across various equipment.
Offshore Work Experience
Woodside, North Rankin Complex
Laboratory Technician (Nov 2019 – Jan 2020)
- Routine oil in water testing on produced water samples.
- Participating in daily safety toolbox meetings.
Inpex, Ichthys Venturer FPSO (Floating Production, Storage & Offloading)
Laboratory Technician (Oct 2018 – Aug 2019)
- Routine and ad-hoc sampling and testing on production products and chemicals.
- Logging in samples and entering data into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- Maintaining Laboratory reagents and equipment.
- Shift handover and coordinating with Operators for sampling out in the field.
Transferable Experience
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I am work-ready with 15 years of experience in the workforce.
I have engaged with people at different levels of a company.
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Analytical skills and attention to detail ensuring precision and accuracy in preparing QC (Quality Control)
standards, running calibrations, and producing results for clients. These results have a significant impact
on the companies' processes, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting and the environmental regulations
these companies must adhere to.
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My knowledge and experience in the scientific field can be beneficial in programming applications for industries,
such as mining, environmental science, or engineering.
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Tracing equipment problems back to the source by isolating different components and eliminating the areas
that are not a problem. I have successfully applied this method to debug my own personal programming projects.
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Working in teams and individually with minimum supervision as shown in the laboratory and offshore.
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Participating in toolbox safety meetings before starting the job.
These communication skills will be equally important in a programmer job to collaborate with team members,
effectively convey ideas and listen to clients.
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Operating several laboratory equipment with different software UI and capabilities. Adapting to different
software for each piece of laboratory equipment demonstrates my ability to learn new technologies quickly.
This adaptability can be valuable in a programmer job, where technologies and programming languages may
change frequently.
Education
ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming)
Upskilled (Feb 2021 – Oct 2022)
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry and Sustainable Energy Management)
Murdoch University (2010 – 2013)
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
Gilmore College (2009 TER 80.15)
Skills
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- React
- Python
- Django
- Django REST Framework
- HTML
- CSS
- Material UI
- Bootstrap
- Visual Studio Code
- Github & GitLab
- Jira
- Sprint-based development
Academic Achievement
Nicholas Searcy Prize in Organic Chemistry
Murdoch University – Awarded for the Best Academic Performance in ‘Molecular Design’ (2012)
Portfolio Website Configuration
- Hosting Service: Render.com
- Database: PostgreSQL
- File storage: AWS S3 bucket
- Contact form email service: AWS SES (Simple Email Service)