Advait Ramesh Aithal
Norwich,UK
Summary
PhD student specializing in bio-organic chemistry with a focus on protein engineering, molecular diagnostics, and assay development. Proven track record in leading teams and managing projects targeting cancer and infectious diseases. Dedicated to applying expertise to drive advancements in healthcare.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
PIPS Intern
Bactobio Ltd.
London
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Enhanced antimicrobial discovery pipeline by developing high-throughput plate-based assays.
- Tested elicitors and multiple culture conditions to activate silent biosynthetic gene clusters.
- Optimised culture preparation and assay timing to enhance throughput and reproducibility.
- Built custom R-based workflows for streamlined data analysis and visualisation.
Head of Technology and Operations
Equine Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
Bangalore, India
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Spearheaded start-up ventures focused on molecular diagnostics for animal infectious diseases.
- Developed Standard Operating Protocols for accurate and timely diagnosis.
- Created novel assays for sex determination in non-dimorphic birds.
- Directed development of ICMR-approved COVID-19 qRT-PCR IVD kit.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement technology strategies, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Optimised resource allocation and streamlined processes across departments.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify technology needs and align with organisational goals.
Research Fellow
Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore
Bangalore, India
05.2019 - 07.2022
- Developed novel multiplex PCR diagnostic assay for canine babesiosis, reducing turnaround time by 50%.
- Established innovative Klebsiella pneumoniae serotyping method with clinicians, achieving 20% decrease in assay time.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify research gaps and inform project direction.
- Mentored junior researchers and students in experimental techniques and data analysis.
Head of Molecular Biology
Mediclu Diagnostics & Multispeciality Center
Bangalore, India
05.2020 - 10.2020
- Established COVID-19 diagnostic lab, achieving NABL accreditation and ICMR approval.
- Implemented Standard Operating Protocols for sample collection, storage, and RNA extraction.
- Led development of molecular biology protocols to enhance laboratory efficiency.
- Evaluated laboratory workflows to increase daily testing capacity tenfold by streamlining procedures and reducing turnaround time.
- Supervised staff training programmes to ensure compliance with best practices in techniques.
- Managed quality control processes to uphold regulatory standards and guidelines.
- Worked flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Education
PhD - Bioorganic Chemistry
University of East Anglia
UK 10.2022 -
Master of Science - Microbiology
St. Joseph's College (SJC)
India 06.2017 - 04.2019
Skills
Technical Skills
- Molecular Biology: Site-specific incorporation of non-canonical amino acids, cloning, mutagenesis, PCR/qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, mammalian cell culture
- Protein Engineering & Biochemistry: Recombinant expression, purification (Ni–NTA, HIC, SEC), bioconjugation, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, LC–MS
- Chemical Biology: Site-specific labelling, click chemistry, photochemical activation workflows
- Assay Development: Functional, binding, and cytotoxicity assays; high-throughput plate-based screening
- Microbiology: Culturing/fermentation of diverse isolates, susceptibility and fitness assays
- Data Analysis & Software: R (data processing/visualisation), Prism, ImageJ, Illustrator, automated liquid-handling workflows
- Imaging & Analytics: Fluorescence imaging, plate-reader analytics, quantitative assay interpretation
Soft skills
- Project Management: Planning multi-stage workflows, managing parallel research streams, maintaining rigorous documentation
- Communication: Scientific writing, oral presentations, preparation of publication-quality figures and reports
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Cross-disciplinary lab collaboration; training and supervising junior researchers
- Problem Solving: Troubleshooting complex experimental and analytical bottlenecks; workflow optimisation
- Leadership: Mentoring students, supporting lab operations, contributing to method development and SOP refinement
- Industry Awareness: Experience in biotech R&D environments, high-throughput screening pipelines, and operational decision-making
PUBLICATION(S)
- Proteo-Genomic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2: A Clinical Landscape of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms, COVID-19 Proteome, and Host Responses; Sheetal Tushir, et al. Journal of Proteome Research; doi:10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00808
- Nonperturbative Fluorogenic Labeling of Immunophilins Enables the Wash-Free Detection of Immunosuppressants. M. Bertolini, et al.; ACS Central Science; doi:10.1021/acscentsci.3c01590
- Genetic Code Expansion in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 Allows Site-Specific Incorporation of Bioorthogonal Functional Groups into a c-Type Cytochrome; C. Lockwood, et al.; ACS Synthetic Biology; doi:10.1021/acssynbio.4c00248
Affiliations
- Musician
- Reading
- Trekking
Accomplishments
Awarded the BBSRC NRPDTP scholarship.
Certification
Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)
Languages
English
Native
Hindi
Elementary
Kannada
Fluent
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
PIPS Intern
Bactobio Ltd.
06.2025 - 08.2025
PhD - Bioorganic Chemistry
University of East Anglia
10.2022 -
Head of Molecular Biology
Mediclu Diagnostics & Multispeciality Center
05.2020 - 10.2020
Head of Technology and Operations
Equine Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
03.2020 - 07.2022
Research Fellow
Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore
05.2019 - 07.2022
Master of Science - Microbiology
St. Joseph's College (SJC)
06.2017 - 04.2019