Project Assistant

SRUJANA SAIBIWAR, M.S.,

Contact: ***- ***-****

Email: *******.********@*****.***

Cell and Molecular biologist with solid research experience. Seeking a Research assistant position where I can apply my skills and work as a key player in a challenging & creative environment that gives me enough exposure and opportunity.

Professional Summary

Around two years of experience as a Research Assistant having extensive academic knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Possess high motivation and self-management skills

Strong experience in performing molecular biology techniques using standard operating procedures.

Hands on experience on maintaining mammalian cell lines and conducted various cell based assays.

Strong experience in Pharmacological profiling of Endogenous G Protein – Coupled Receptors on Label –Free BIND System( SRU Biosystems)

Experience in Cloning and Expression of proteins in E.coli and CHO cells.

Strong experience in performing laboratory experiments and conducted various qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Proficient in RNAi technology and development of lentiviral based shRNA vectors for knockdown of genes (in vitro).

Excellent knowledge of various methods and technologies in molecular biology transgenic technologies, cloning, protein expression and purification.

Highly analytical in developing the methods and measures to meet requirements and solve any issues that arise during the project and experience in preparing reports.

Designed efficient, results-driven experiments and research methods. Strong research, communication, analytical, and problem solving skills.

Enthusiastic team player whose collaborative efforts have led to successful project completions, and to various publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Educational Qualifications

Master of Science (MS) in Cellular and Molecular Biology (Jan 2012)

University of New Haven, West Haven, CT

Master of Science (MS) in Biotechnology, Kakatiya University, India (May 2005)

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Microbiology, Kakatiya University, India ( May 2003)

Technical Proficiencies

Cell Biology: Culturing of different cell lines, primary cell culturing, cell counting, cryopreserving cells using DMSO and recovery, Transfection and Transduction of cell lines, Cell fractionation, Antibiotic selection, immunofluorescent double/triple staining.

Molecular Biology: Cloning and Expression of antibodies in E.coli and CHO cells

RNAi, construction of lentiviral vectors containing shRNA to specifically knockdown genes in vitro/in vivo; construction and screening of Genomic and cDNA libraries; Nuclei isolation and nuclear extract preparation; RNA isolation/purification; isolation of poly-A+ mRNA and synthesis of cDNA; RT-PCR cloning; isolation/purification of phage, plasmid, genomic DNA; gene amplification, PCR and RT-PCR; Real Time PCR; Agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis, elution of DNA fragment from gel; designing and random primer labeling of DNA probes; Southern Blotting; DNA sequencing; Competent cell preparation; DNA Restriction mapping; Recombinant DNA cloning; enzyme purification

Biochemistry: Protein extraction and purification, Protein purification including affinity and gel filtration chromatography (FPLC)

Immunology: SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; Western blotting; Immunoblot assay; Radioimmunoassay; ELISA

Microbiology: Microbial cultures and sample preparation; growth, isolation, and identification of microorganisms; bacterial staining (example Gram staining); microbial isolation techniques (culture media, plating, etc.), microbial assay of antibiotics and determination of Minimum Inhibitory concentration.

Microscopy: Dissection and tissue harvest; Cryosectioning; Immunostaining; Light microscopy, fluorescent/laser confocal microscopy

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Windows, Graph Pad (Prism Software)

Bioinformatics: GenBank searching: BLAST, PSI-BLAST, PHI-BLAST, multiple sequence alignments (Sequence/Structure), protein sequence analysis, ExPASy web site, biological data curation, data mining

Employment Chronology

North Dakota State University

Fargo, ND

Research Intern Jan 2012- April 2012

RESEARCH TOPIC:

This Project focus was to determine the role of APJ (G-protein receptor) and its endogenous ligand (Apelin) in regulation of insulin secretion and pathophysiology of Diabetes.

Research Overview:

This project was aimed to understand the role of novel adipokine system Apelin/APJ system in the pathophysiology of Diabetes. The role of APJ/Apelin system was observed by selectively knocking down APJ receptor in the pancreas of the rats. Results showed knockdown of APJ receptor in the pancreas increased insulin secretion and attenuated pathophysiology of Diabetes.

Responsibilities:

Cell culture- media preparation, culture maintenance.

Cloning and construction of vectors

Gene expression studies using Real Time PCR and Western blot analysis.

Maintenance of animal facility and records.

Laboratory maintenance: ordered lab supplies, maintained lab equipment, updated inventory

Yale University, Department of Pharmacology, Feb 2011 - Dec 2011

New Haven, CT

Research Assistant

Research Topic: Cellular studies of an inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its receptors.

Research overview:

This project was aimed to understand the interplay between MIF and MIF receptors for the activation of intracellular signaling. An innovative technology was employed to measure dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) of signaling proteins in real time upon MIF binding to three known receptors, CXCR2, CXCR4 and CD74. We have used primary monocytes and cell lines expressing these receptors to investigate the interaction between MIF and each receptor.

Responsibilities:

Cell culture- media preparation, culture maintenance with emphasis on suspension and adherent mammalian cell lines

Label – free cell based assay using SRU-Biosystems BIND Reader

Bacterial Transformation, Transfection, Protein prepping, characterization

Cell fractionation using French press and protein extraction.

Protein purification by Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC), Ion-exchange and size exclusion chromatography

Endotoxin level detection and removal, Ultracentrifugation, Sonication, SDS PAGE, Gel electrophoresis, Bradford assay

Laboratory maintenance: ordered lab supplies, maintained lab equipment, updated inventory

Reagent and buffer Preparation, calibrating PH meter, cleaning and autoclaving glassware’s

S.R.R Government College, India. Aug 2005 – Aug 2008

Adjunct Lecturer

Responsibilities:

Taught basics of Microbiology for first year undergrad students

Gave extensive lectures on basics of Recombinant DNA technology for sophomores

Conducted various classes on Plant Tissue culture, Plant Biotechnology and basics of Fermentation technology for final year undergrad students

Helped students in maintaining Plant tissue culture laboratory

Introduced cooperative learning process among students

Provided study material for students and conducted tests to help them in being efficient in the subject

Indian Institute of Genetics, A.P, India April 2004 - July 2004

Research Intern

Responsibilities:

Involved in assessing the risk factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diagnosed disease in patients by performing Rheumatoid factor test and anti-CPP antibody test

Maintained patient case sheets

~ References Available On Request

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