Divya Das
Umeå
Summary
Accomplished in molecular biology and genetic manipulations, I have spearheaded critical research projects at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, enhancing our understanding of malaria. My expertise extends to managing complex laboratory operations and mentoring junior scientists, demonstrating exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Assistant
Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University
Umeå
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Maintained insectary to breed Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Performed independent genetic manipulation experiments on Plasmodium berghei for gene function studies in both mice and mosquitoes.
- Provided administrative support to the project team including scheduling meetings, and ordering supplies.
- Handled inventory and procurement to streamline laboratory processes.
Lab Manager
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences
11.2020 - 05.2023
- Maintained various mammalian cell lines, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
- Produced Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in the lab and developed an iPSC differentiation protocol to generate neurons
- Conducted infections of neural lineage cells with HCMV to study latency establishment
- Ensured smooth laboratory operations by scheduling staff, communicating with company representatives, ordering supplies, and maintaining security protocols and standards.
Project Associate I
CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Investigated autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in Plasmodium as part of the Malaria research team.
- Planned and executed genetic manipulation experiments on P. falciparum and P. berghei
- Trained in and conducted COVID-19 diagnostics
- Administered chemical inventory control and formulated manuscripts for publication.
Project Junior Research Fellow
CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
02.2017 - 06.2020
- Led Plasmodium research projects through design and construction of transfection vectors.
- Generated knock-in/knock-out parasite for gene expression analysis.
- Conducted in vivo experiments in mice, expressed and purified proteins, and generated antibodies
- Trained and mentored master's and new PhD students
- Presented research results at conferences
Trainee
Tectona Biotech Resource Centre
10.2016 - 02.2017
MSc Dissertation Fellow
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
01.2016 - 06.2016
Education
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Ravenshaw University
Odisha, India01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Zoology (honors)
Utkal University
Odisha, India01.2014
Skills
- Molecular Biology: PCR, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, transfection, ELISA, immunoprecipitation, RNA isolation, qRT-PCR
- Proteomics: Recombinant protein production, 2D-PAGE, FPLC, mass spectrometry
- Bioinformatics: Sequence analysis (BLAST, PlasmoDB, Clustal Omega), data visualization (GraphPad Prism)
- Microscopy: Live-cell imaging, light, and confocal microscopy
- Cell and Microbial Culture: Maintenance of mammalian, bacterial, yeast, and malaria parasite cultures
- Animal Handling: Expertise in mouse models for malaria research, including in vivo experiments
- Laboratory Operations: Equipment maintenance, Biosafety Level II/III practices, staff training
Languages
- English, written and spoken, TOEFL iBT, 88/120, 2018
- Swedish, basic written and spoken, Actively learning
Awards
- 'Best Poster', 30th NCP-GSME meeting, 2019, JNU, New Delhi
- Qualified GATE- Biotechnology, 2016, All India Rank 910
- Merit Scholarship during M.Sc., 2014-2016, Govt. of Odisha, India
Publications
- Plasmodium falciparum contains functional SCF and CRL4 ubiquitin E3 ligases, and CRL4 is critical for cell division and membrane integrity., Rizvi, Z., Reddy, G. S., Gorde, S. M., Pundir, P., Das, D., & Sijwali, P. S., PLoS pathogens, 20, 2, e1012045, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012045, 2024
- Plasmodium falciparum Atg18 localizes to the food vacuole via interaction with the multi-drug resistance protein 1 and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate., Sudhakar, R., Das, D., Thanumalayan, S., Gorde, S., & Sijwali, P. S., The Biochemical journal, 478, 9, 1705-1732, https://doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20210001, 2021
- Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum NEDD8 and identification of cullins as its substrates., Bhattacharjee, M., Adhikari, N., Sudhakar, R., Rizvi, Z., Das, D., Palanimurugan, R., & Sijwali, P. S., Scientific reports, 10, 1, 20220, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77001-5, 2020
Teachingandtrainingexperience
- Dissertation Projects, 6 months, 2
- Summer Training, 2 months, 1
- Medical Students Observer Program, 2 weeks, 2
- Trained multiple research scholars to safely isolate and process Viral RNA from patient samples for RT-PCR-based COVID-19 diagnosis during the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in India., March-May 2020
Coursesandinternships
RIS Inspire Programme at 'RIS FALL SCHOOL IN TARGETED NUTRITION', 10/22/21, 11/08/21
Languages
English
First Language
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Swedish
Elementary (A2)
A2
Accomplishments
- Best Poster award at 30th NCP-GSME meeting, 2019, JNU, New Delhi.
- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) - Biotechnology, 2016 (All India Rank 910)
- Merit Scholarship, Master of Science (M.Sc.), Government of Odisha, India (2014-2016)
Timeline
Project Assistant
Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University
10.2023 - 09.2024
Lab Manager
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences
11.2020 - 05.2023
Project Associate I
CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
06.2020 - 08.2020
Project Junior Research Fellow
CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
02.2017 - 06.2020
Trainee
Tectona Biotech Resource Centre
10.2016 - 02.2017
MSc Dissertation Fellow
CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
01.2016 - 06.2016
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Ravenshaw University
Bachelor of Science - Zoology (honors)
Utkal University
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