Business Development Intern

Kashyap Rao

Somerset, NJ, *****

732-***-****(Cell); *************@*****.***

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS Graduation: 05/2025

Rutgers University – B.S. in Biotechnology – GPA: 3.5

● Dean’s list recipient

WORK EXPERIENCE

OptiBrandRx

Business Development Intern 02/2025 – Current

● Led comprehensive situational and competitive analyses, leveraging clinical trial data, market research, and behavioral science literature to inform strategic brand positioning and uncover market opportunities for pharmaceutical products.

● Developed and tailored presentation decks, proposals, and case studies for client meetings and RFPs, effectively communicating complex data and focusing on crafting compelling value propositions that resonate with healthcare professionals and patients alike.

● Supported brand naming initiatives and regulatory submissions, including drafting reports for FDA and Health Canada, ensuring compliance and optimizing brand identity across patient support programs and digital platforms.

● Collaborated with cross-functional teams to draft Statements of Work, outreach communications, and kick-off proposals, aligning project objectives, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations for business development initiatives, helping secure two new client contracts valued at over $500K and strengthening long-term client relationships. Rutgers University

Animal Microtechniques and Tissue Culture Lab Researcher 01/2025 – 5/2025

● Maintained and subcultured animal cell lines using aseptic technique to ensure contamination-free cell growth, resulting in reliable experimental outcomes.

● Induced and quantified adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells through biochemical assays, demonstrating successful cellular differentiation and data analysis skills.

● Performed liposome-mediated transfection of animal cells and measured gene expression using protein and enzyme assays, validating transfection efficiency and molecular biology proficiency.

● Conducted immunohistochemistry and PCR genotyping on embryonic tissues, accurately identifying protein localization and genetic sex through advanced histological and molecular methods. Microbiology Research Assistant for Dr. Zhao lab 09/2023-2/2025

● Led a study to evaluate the impact of dietary fiber supplementation on antibiotic-perturbed gut microbiota, employing techniques such as in-vitro digestion, fermentation, short chain fatty acid analysis, and microbiome analysis to investigate its potential to modulate dysbiosis.

● Conducted 16S rRNA sequencing and analyzed the microbiome data with RStudio using a guild-based approach to identify health-relevant bacterial interactions, contributing to insights on gut health and dysbiosis modulation.

● Performed DNA extraction using Qiagen PowerFecal Pro Kit, executed quality control assessments via NanoDrop spectrophotometer, Qubit fluorometer, gel electrophoresis, and managed cryopreservation and handling of biological samples to ensure long-term viability and integrity for downstream microbiome analyses

● Amplified bacterial 16S rRNA sequences through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), contributing to robust gut microbiome analyses and downstream DNA sequencing processes.

Freshpet

R&D Project Management Intern 05/2024 – 08/2024

● Worked on several exploratory projects on decreasing lipid oxidation, increasing shelf-life, and decreasing microbial counts in pet products.

● Collaborated cross functionally with many departments to standardize antimicrobial technologies in pet food manufacturing, ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); This process is currently implemented

● Investigated novel natural antimicrobials for pet food products to achieve log reduction of bacterial counts as a substitute for currently used cost intensive processes. The technology is anticipated to achieve annual cost savings of greater than $1 million

● Cultivated a deep understanding of organizational operations through collaborative partnerships with QA, microbiology, engineering, marketing, and regulatory affairs.

SKILLS

● PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, protein and enzyme assays, bioinformatics, mammalian cell culture, cell line maintenance, transfection, immunohistochemistry, sample handling, ELISA.

● Data analysis (R, Python, Excel), experimental design, GMP/GLP compliance, FDA report drafting, scientific communication, problem-solving, adaptability, attention to detail, teamwork, and strong organizational and time management skills

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