Shirin Ganta
Jessup
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with hands-on experience at AstraZeneca in upstream manufacturing and a strong foundation in molecular biology. Proficient in PCR techniques and immunohistochemistry, I excel in collaborative environments, driving process improvements and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Passionate about leveraging scientific expertise to contribute to innovative biotechnological advancements.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Upstream Manufacturing
AstraZeneca
10.2025 - Current
- Execute cGMP-compliant upstream manufacturing operations including media and buffer preparation, aseptic cell culture and operation of single-use bioreactors per SOPs, MPRs and SPRs
- Monitor and control critical process parameters (PH, DO, temperature, agitation, feed strategies) to ensure process performance and product quality.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance upstream process efficiency, safety and compliance.
Scientific Research Intern
NEEI
Chevy Chase
06.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducted in-depth research on the viability of four plant species (Jatropha curcas, Capparis spinosa, Cedar trees, and Damask rose) for large-scale cultivation in GCC arid lands.
- Prepared comprehensive executive summaries and comparative matrices for each plant, analyzing scientific research, economic potential and biotechnological advancements.
- Developed 20 detailed financial analyses, including cost and income projections, to evaluate the economic feasibility of proposed projects.
- Gained hands-on experience in project management, remote team coordination and professional communication skills.
Immunology Research Assistant
KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences)
Hyderabad
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Proficient in molecular pathology workflows including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR (conventional and qPCR), gel electrophoresis, and immunohistochemistry. Supported mutation detection through Sanger sequencing, contributing to accurate disease classification, and personalized treatment planning.
- Performed advanced immunohistochemistry (IHC) using markers such as CD20, CD3, Ki-67, and BCL-2 to identify cancer subtypes and guide personalized treatment strategies.
- Conducted detailed histopathological evaluations, including H&E staining, tissue microtomy, and microscopic analysis of lymph node biopsies, leading to a confirmed diagnosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL).
- Applied polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for gene rearrangement studies, and flow cytometry to analyze immune cell populations, contributed to a 25% increase in diagnostic accuracy for autoimmune disorders.
- Collaborated with pathologists and lab technicians to interpret results, optimize workflows, and maintain compliance with quality control standards in clinical diagnostics.
Molecular Biology and Pathology Intern
NIMHANS
Bangalore
04.2019 - 08.2019
- Developed strong technical proficiency in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting, while also gaining hands-on experience with flow cytometry and ELISA.
- Demonstrated competency in routine use of aseptic techniques, bacterial transformation, and plasmid isolation.
- Regularly applied NanoDrop spectrophotometry for nucleic acid quantification and supported data analysis and interpretation in compliance with GLP and clinical SOPs.
- A small project was done to analyze and interpret genetic markers associated with severe alcoholism.
Education
Masters: M.P.S. - Biotechnology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Baltimore, Maryland USA05.2025
Bachelor's - Biotechnology
Sreenidhi Institute Of Science & Technology
India01.2021
Skills
- DNA and RNA extraction
- PCR techniques
- Gel electrophoresis
- Western blotting
- Gene cloning
- Plasmid isolation
- CRISPR-Cas9 editing
- Sanger sequencing
- NGS workflows
- Molecular marker analysis
- Immunohistochemistry
- Flow cytometry
- Cytokine profiling
- Vaccine mechanisms
- Autoimmune diagnostics
- Assay development (antibody-based)
- Programming in C, C, Java, Python
- ELISA techniques
- UV-Vis and NanoDrop spectrophotometry
- Protein purification methods
- Fermentation principles
- Downstream processing techniques
- Aseptic techniques in microbiology
- Microbial handling practices
- Mammalian cell culture techniques
- BLAST analysis tools
- Clustal Omega alignment tools
- Primer design methodologies
Certification
- Certificate in Biochemical Regulatory Engineering
- Certificate in Biotechnology Management
Projects
Manufacturing, Used Plackett-Burman design to identify key nutrients boosting Penicillium citrinum lipase activity, enhancing enzyme yield with sustainable substrates. Following the production of lipase from Penicillium citrinum using optimized nutrient conditions, downstream processing involved ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and ion-exchange chromatography for enzyme purification. The purified lipase was then quantified using assay and characterized by SDS-PAGE, which confirmed its molecular weight and purity. This process facilitated efficient recovery and validation of lipase activity from sustainable substrates. Bioinformatics, Analyzed Avian Flu (H5N1) virus sequences using NCBI, BLAST, Clustal Omega, and phylogenetic tree construction, demonstrating expertise in sequence analysis and bioinformatics tools. Saponification, Led a team to optimize organic soap production through hot and cold saponification, applying process control and quality testing (pH, foam). IL1RN Gene Polymorphism Study, Performed DNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis to analyze gene variants linked to Type 2 Diabetes risk. Bonsai Cultivation, Researched and applied horticultural methods to successfully grow Bonsai plants, demonstrating project planning and precision.
Extracurricular Activities
Founder: Bits of Batter, 01/01/20, 07/01/23, Turned my hobby into a side business, serving delectable desserts and custom cakes.
References
106327, Dr. Naveen Kiran Dolla, Senior Research Scientist in Med-Chem division, Unit 2, Shameerpet, Hyderabad., naveenkiran.d@sailife.com
Timeline
Upstream Manufacturing
AstraZeneca
10.2025 - Current
Scientific Research Intern
NEEI
06.2024 - 01.2025
Immunology Research Assistant
KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences)
03.2021 - 03.2023
Molecular Biology and Pathology Intern
NIMHANS
04.2019 - 08.2019
Masters: M.P.S. - Biotechnology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Bachelor's - Biotechnology
Sreenidhi Institute Of Science & Technology