An accomplished Postdoctoral Scientist specializing in biomedical research with expertise in analytical chemistry, molecular biology and multi-omics approaches such as: metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomics and biomarker discovery. Seeking a scientist position in industry or academia to leverage my >10 years of experience in biomedical research and contribute to innovative projects in neuroscience, cancer research, diagnostics, or therapeutic development.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Affiliate (Adjunct Senior Lecturer)
Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney
07.2024 - Current
Lead and collaborated on cutting-edge research projects, particularly focusing on biomarker discovery, multi-omics, cancer diagnostics where I developed and applied innovative methodologies and technologies.
Designed and delivered courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing comprehensive instruction in Analytical Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Microbiology.
I have mentored MPhil, Honours and PhD students, guiding them in their academic and research pursuits, and fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
Participated in workshops, lectures, conferences and delivered presentations.
Contributed to postgraduate or undergraduate coursework teaching such as guest or occasional lectures/demonstrations.
Contributed to several high-impact publications, patent applications and have attracted significant funding, further establishing the University of Sydney as a leader in Pancreatic Cancer research.
Postdoctoral Fellow - Pancreatic Cancer Research
The University of Sydney
02.2023 - 06.2024
Conducted advanced biomedical research using LC-MS/MS instruments, focusing on pancreatic cancer biomarkers and multi-omics techniques
Managed and maintained LC-MS/MS systems, ensuring optimal performance and accuracy
Developed and implemented SOPs for LC-MS/MS operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Trained and supervised junior researchers and laboratory technicians in the use of LC-MS/MS equipment and analytical methods
Collaborated with cross-functional teams on research projects, resulting in multiple high-impact publications.
Research Officer
The University of Sydney
10.2021 - 12.2022
Managed HPLC analysis to support research project on therapeutic Drug Monitoring of cancer drug (Osimertinib) in non-small cell lung cancer patients
Conducted metabolomic studies in clinical patients, maintained meticulous laboratory records
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards
Involved in professional activities including attendance at conferences and seminars in the field of expertise
Managed daily laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Research Assistant
The University of Queensland
04.2021 - 02.2022
Conducted LC-MS/MS assays to assess lipid changes in brain to support research project on Memory and Learning in cells and tissues collected from PC12/Neuronal cell lines and mouse brain
Demonstrated excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Oversaw inventory management, ensuring adequate supply of laboratory consumables and reagents.
Clinical Research Assistant
St. Johns Research Institute
01.2016 - 01.2017
Monitor clinical trials and take notes on activities
Transfer data from paper formats via computer
Prepare correspondence, documentation, or presentation materials on findings
Oversee clinical site activities
Assist with research protocol development
Screening patient records, databases and physician referrals to identify prospective candidates for research studies
Demonstrated advanced knowledge of regulatory compliance guidelines.
Scientific Officer
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
12.2011 - 01.2016
Leveraging skills in method development for analysis of drugs of abuse using LC-MS/MS technique
Coordinated facilities in different locations to achieve efficient and effective lab operations
Worked with marketing and grants department to pitch ideas to large donors to secure needed funding
Recruited and hired talented scientific team that handled research and analysis tasks for busy laboratory
Oversaw management of budgets for scientific research programs and resource allocation.
Senior Technical Associate
Institute of Animal Health
08.2010 - 12.2011
Carrying out cell culture experiments as per protocol and direction of the scientific team and maintaining thorough electronic records of cell culture data
Diagnosis of Animal Related Diseases like Sheep Pox, PPR and Classical Swine fever using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Collaborated with supervisors to escalate and address customer inquiries or technical issues.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Biomedical Science
The University of Queensland
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Bioscience and Drug Discovery
The University of Salford
Manchester, UK
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Biochemistry
Bangalore University
Bangalore, India
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Biochemistry
Bangalore University
Bangalore, India
Skills
Extensive experience with LC-MS/MS instrumentation, including operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and method development
Proficient in analytical biochemistry and biomedical research methodologies
Strong knowledge of NATA accreditation standards and regulatory compliance
Skilled in data analysis and interpretation using relevant software tools
Excellent problem-solving abilities and technical support skills
Effective communication and training skills, with experience in mentoring junior staff
Developed and validated novel LC-MS/MS methods for the detection of cancer biomarkers, contributing to significant advancements in biomedical research. The findings have been currently filed for patent application. (Patent Application No: 2024-018-PRO-0).
Published >10 peer-reviewed research articles in high-impact scientific journals (Nature Communications, EMBO, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology etc.) showcasing the application of LC-MS/MS technology in biomedical science.
Successfully mentored one MPhil student at the University of Sydney, who has since graduated. Currently mentoring one Honors student and one PhD student, providing guidance on research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis in pancreatic cancer research.
Managed the operation and maintenance of multiple LC-MS/MS systems, ensuring high accuracy and reliability in analytical results.
Affiliations
Member: ANZMS (Australia and New Zealand Mass Spectrometry Society).
Member: ILS (International Lipidomic Society).
Review Editor: Frontiers in Oncology, Cancer Metabolism.
Co-Supervisor: M. Phil, Honors and PhD Students, Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney.
Awards
Ramsay Research Grant 2023: OVERCOMING CHEMO-RESISTANCE IN TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCERS, Sally Baron-Hay, Bharat Venkatesh and Andrew Spillane, $59,848
Bourne foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Sydney, $397,000
Ramsay Travel Award 2023, $1,000
Publications
Saturated Free Fatty Acids and Association with Memory Formation. Nature Communications - 2021.
A Validated Assay to Quantify Osimertinib and its Metabolites AZ5104 and AZ7550 from Microsampled Blood Spots and Plasma from Lung Cancer Patients. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring - 2024.
Therapeutic Monitoring of Osimertinib in EGFR Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Dried Blood Spot and Plasma: A Pilot Study. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - 2024.
DDHD2 interacts with STXBP1 to mediate long-term memory via the generation of saturated free fatty acids. EMBO - 2024.
References
DR. SUMIT SAHNI, Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, 0415123022, sumit.sahni@sydney.edu.au
PROF. MARK MOLLOY, Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, 0403152852, m.molloy@sydney.edu.au
PROF. STEPHEN BLANKSBY, Queensland University of Technology, +61731383343, stephen.blanksby@qut.edu.au
DR. MATTHEW MCKAY, Kolling Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, 0416688360, matthew.mckay@sydney.edu.au
PROF. FREDERIC MEUNIER, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, +61733466373, f.meunier@uq.edu.au
Timeline
Research Affiliate (Adjunct Senior Lecturer)
Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney
07.2024 - Current
Postdoctoral Fellow - Pancreatic Cancer Research
The University of Sydney
02.2023 - 06.2024
Research Officer
The University of Sydney
10.2021 - 12.2022
Research Assistant
The University of Queensland
04.2021 - 02.2022
Clinical Research Assistant
St. Johns Research Institute
01.2016 - 01.2017
Scientific Officer
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
12.2011 - 01.2016
Senior Technical Associate
Institute of Animal Health
08.2010 - 12.2011
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Biomedical Science
The University of Queensland
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Bioscience and Drug Discovery
The University of Salford
Master of Science (M.Sc.) - Biochemistry
Bangalore University
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Biochemistry
Bangalore University
Similar Profiles
Wenyang SHIWenyang SHI
Research Student at Kolling InstituteResearch Student at Kolling Institute
Head of Student Affairs and Registrar at Sydney Metropolitan Institute of Technology Pty Ltd [Trading as Sydney Met]Head of Student Affairs and Registrar at Sydney Metropolitan Institute of Technology Pty Ltd [Trading as Sydney Met]
Casual Teacher Library and Information Services at Western Sydney Institute of TAFECasual Teacher Library and Information Services at Western Sydney Institute of TAFE