Sushma Sarayu Mandala
Cambridge,UK
Summary
Laboratory-based neuroscience researcher with extensive hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and GPCR signalling assays. Achieved approximately 15% improvement in experimental reproducibility through systematic protocol refinement and meticulous documentation. Skilled in managing parallel experiments and maintaining audit-ready records, contributing to advancements in translational neuroscience. Open to opportunities as a Research Assistant or Laboratory Technician in biotech, CRO, or academic research environments.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Postgraduate Neuroscience Researcher
University of Dundee, UK
Dundee, UK
2024.01 - 2024.08
- Conducted GPCR signalling studies using BRET and cAMP assays to investigate inhibitory G-protein coupling by Mu-opioid receptors.
- Performed routine mammalian cell culture and transfections, ensuring sterile techniques across multiple experiments.
- Systematically identified sources of experimental variability, refining protocols to enhance assay reproducibility by approximately 15%.
- Analysed and visualised experimental data with Excel, R, and GraphPad Prism to support statistical interpretations.
- Maintained accurate laboratory notebooks while adhering to SOPs, GLP principles, and health & safety requirements.
- Communicated results effectively during internal lab meetings and troubleshooting discussions.
- Contributed data as co-author to forthcoming peer-reviewed manuscript.
- Supported laboratory organisation and compliance with tracking consumables and workflow planning.
- Facilitated successful completion of complex studies by diligently meeting deadlines.
Anatomy Tutor
ASRAM Medical College, India
India, India
2023.01 - 2023.08
- Delivered laboratory practical sessions and supported student training, demonstrating strong communication and technical instruction ability.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.
Education
MSc - Applied Neuroscience
University of Dundee
UK 2023.09 - 2024.09
MSc - Medical Anatomy
Kasturba Medical College
India 2020.09 - 2022.10
BSc - Microbiology, Biochemistry & Chemistry
Sir C.R Reddy College
India 2017.07 - 2020.03
Skills
- Cell & Molecular Biology: Mammalian, human and primary cell culture, sterile techniques, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, DNA/RNA extraction, reagents preparation
- Assays & Platforms: GPCR signalling, BRET assay, cAMP assay, assay development and optimisation
- Histology & Imaging: Immunohistochemistry, microscopy
- Data & Analysis: GraphPad Prism, Excel, SPSS, R (basic), data interpretation and reporting
- Research Methods: Clinical Research, Systematic Review, Scientific Writing
- Compliance & Quality: GLP-aligned workflows, SOP adherence, COSHH, risk assessments, GCP (NIHR certified)
- Academic publishing
- Literature review proficiency
- Research methodology knowledge
- Qualitative research
- Critical evaluation
Laboratory Operations & Compliance Experience University of Dundee, UK
- Maintained sterile working environments and adhered to laboratory risk assessments and COSHH documentation
- Supported laboratory organisation, consumables tracking, and workflow planning
- Worked in compliance with GLP-aligned SOPs, health & safety policies, and quality standards to maintain an audit-ready laboratory
- Managed multiple experiments simultaneously while meeting defined timelines
- Communicated clearly with senior researchers and peers to report progress, resolve issues, and respond to data requests
Certification
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification - NIHR.
- Research Methods and Statistics Training and certification- KMC Mangalore.
- Participant, Interdisciplinary Conference on Healthcare and Technical Research (ICHTR) 2021.
Additional information
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication skills and technical documentation skills
- Flexible, quick learner, attention to detail and open to acquiring new technical and clinical competencies.
- Visa status: Currently on the UK Graduate Route visa (valid until January 2027) and seeking a long-term progression in academic, industry based or clinical neuroscience research. (full right to work during FTC period)
- Career goal: To develop as a research scientist in neuroscience and long-term progression within laboratory and research environments.
- 2025: Active job search and skills development within UK research environments.
Timeline
Postgraduate Neuroscience Researcher
University of Dundee, UK
2024.01 - 2024.08
MSc - Applied Neuroscience
University of Dundee
2023.09 - 2024.09
Anatomy Tutor
ASRAM Medical College, India
2023.01 - 2023.08
MSc - Medical Anatomy
Kasturba Medical College
2020.09 - 2022.10
BSc - Microbiology, Biochemistry & Chemistry
Sir C.R Reddy College
2017.07 - 2020.03