Sidharth BALAKRISHNAN
Dublin
Summary
A proactive and creative researcher with three years of cross-discipline solid industrial and research experience in Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology in a cGMP/cGLP setting in India and Ireland. Holds significant expertise in Cell Assays, Cell Culture, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting , Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), qPCR, rt-PCR and Bioassays. A focused, results oriented individual, who is flexible to work autonomously or in a team. Looking for opportunities to leverage my knowledge, scientific skills and experience in the Biopharma industry while also being resourceful, innovative and flexible.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Bioassay Analyst
Viatris Therapeutics
Dublin, Ireland
12.2021 - Current
- One of three members who set up the newly formed bioassay laboratory
- Oversaw and handled technical transfers and validation of new methods, which included liaising with an R&D team in an offshore major bio-pharmaceutical company.
- These include cell-based, plate-based bioassays for different monoclonal antibodies.
- Assisted the Instrumentation team for Qualification of instruments such as BD FACS, as well as Biacore T200.
- Trained new analysts in bioassay methods and handling TrackWise records for failures in routine testing.
Gene Therapy Analyst
Eurofins Biopharma Product Testing
Dungarvan, Ireland
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Currently working at Eurofins Biopharma Product Testing (Ireland), part of the newly formed Gene Therapy team involved with QC testing for Gene Therapy Products
- Current job includes feasibility studies for Residual ELISA's as well as Validation procedures
- Determining Capsid Content which forms a part of the viral vector used for gene insertion: this involves determining capsid titer content by both SDS-PAGE (Sypro-Ruby staining) and Residual ELISA's.
Masters Student
University College Cork
Cork
11.2019 - 11.2020
- Worked on elucidating Post-Translational modifications for my masters project titled 'Understanding the role of Ubiquitination of Alpha-Synuclein in Innate immune signaling'.
Molecular Cell Biology Analyst
RELIANCE LIFE SCIENCES
05.2018 - 10.2019
- Adept at Cell-based assays and Immunoassays/ELISA's for a range of cancer-based drug products (DP) and drug substances (DS)
- Worked on generic biosimilars such as Rituximab, Trastuzumab and Erythropoietin (EPO)
- Responsible for maintenance of various types of cell lines, cell culture - including cell line revival and liquid nitrogen monitoring work
- Carried out impurity testing for drug substances such as residual Protein A, Host Cell Protein (HCP) test and Host cell DNA (HcDNA) test
- Responsible for preparing time bound final reports - measuring potency (using PLA software) within the specified limits for various drug substances (DS) and drug products (DP)
- Mediated Technical Transfer (bioassay's) of various biosimilars such as ranibizumab and omalizumab- working with both Research and Development (R&D) and Quality control (QC) and QA (Quality Assurance) departments
- Adept at a variety of potency assays such as Cytotoxicity assays, Cell Proliferation Assays and Neutralization Assays
- Helped author, review and vet documentation between the Research and Development team and the QC team with respect to transfer of technology
- Knowledge of Process and Method Validation- carried out method validation for HCP, Protein A and HcDNA impurity testing
- Monitoring and receiving samples (DS and DP) as well as In-process samples and stability samples on LIMS followed by executing all required testing in the given time frame
- Participated as a member of the Bioassay Department in several audits- both in house Indian FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and audits from companies based outside of India
- Experience in handling samples with deviations in terms of OOS (Out-of Specifications), CAPA'S and other in-accuracies to my team leader in a timely manner
- Aseptic mammalian cell culture and bioassays of both adherent and suspension cell lines (HEK-293T, BT474, L929, BHK).
Research Intern
SCIGENOM LABS
- Isolation of DNA present in human cheek cells using novel techniques such as use of magnetic nanoparticles
- Learnt techniques like DNA extraction, DNA isolation from cheek cells, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis.
Research Intern
SAKSIN LIFE SCIENCES
- Improved plasmid selection based on gene expression
- Worked extensively on improving plasmid copy number and had exposure to competent cell preparation, bacterial glycerol stock preparation, antibiotic resistance marking and IPTG expression.
Education
Master of Science - Molecular Biology and Bioinnovation
University College Cork
Cork, Ireland11.2020
Bachelor Of Technology (Btech) - Biotechnology
SRM UNIVERSITY
Chennai, India06.2017
Skills
- FACS (Flow Assisted Cell Sorting)
- Plate Reader (Softmax Pro 7 software)
- PLA (Parallel Line Assay) - version 20 and 30
- Characterizing proteins such as SDS-PAGE,Western Blotting
- Maintaining and routine maintenance of cell lines such as HEK293, BT474 and Raji cell lines
- qRT-PCR, ddPCR
- Biacore T200- Surface Plasmon Resonance
- Validating, troubleshooting and operating contemporary scientific laboratory instrumentation
- LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), DMS (Document Management System), Trackwise
- Preparation/ Review of validation reports and other protocols and SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) for Biological assays and other contamination tests
Accomplishments
- Selected and appointed representative for HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) from the quality control team - devised and implemented a training methodology for improved environment safety practices for the team.
- Raised 300 euros through a cancer relay awareness as part of the UCC Cancer Society on March 2020.
- Helped organize various professional seminars within Reliance Life Sciences hosted by various heads of life sciences firms focused on the development of new state of the art biologics.
- Greek Mythology and Indian History: I have always enjoyed reading ancient gods. Also, I have had a keen interest in Indian history including the reign of the Marathas and the Mughal empires.
- Sports: I have taken part actively in school tournaments including MSSA U-16 and U-18 tournaments. Football has always been an important recreational activity, rejuvenating me in body and mind.
- Robotics: Worked at school level with robotic components such as 'RCX' and 'NXT' and participated at the Indian Robotics Olympiad.
- Public Speaking: Enjoy taking part in debates, improvs and hosting functions in school as well as in a professional setting.
- Earned a spot at the IRO (Indian Robotics Olympiad) and was part of a team of students to present their robotics design to renowned astronaut Sunita Williams at Vasant Valley School, New Delhi.
- Was the MC for 'Relifest' - the annual fest held by Reliance Life Sciences every year to celebrate their achievements in the bio-pharma industry.
Languages
German
First Language
Timeline
Bioassay Analyst
Viatris Therapeutics
12.2021 - Current
Gene Therapy Analyst
Eurofins Biopharma Product Testing
11.2020 - 12.2021
Masters Student
University College Cork
11.2019 - 11.2020
Molecular Cell Biology Analyst
RELIANCE LIFE SCIENCES
05.2018 - 10.2019
Research Intern
SCIGENOM LABS
Research Intern
SAKSIN LIFE SCIENCES
Master of Science - Molecular Biology and Bioinnovation
University College Cork
Bachelor Of Technology (Btech) - Biotechnology
SRM UNIVERSITY
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