Dinesh Reghunathan
Thiruvananthapuram
Summary
Genomics professional with extensive hands-on experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, including Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and Ion Torrent. Proficient in implementing field workflows, troubleshooting issues, and training clients in both clinical genomics and research settings. Demonstrates strong project management and communication skills, along with effective stakeholder engagement. A proven leader in scientific outreach, community initiatives, and technical support, with expertise in bioinformatic pipelines and command-line tools for NGS analysis.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Scientist
State Level Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL)
Bangalore
05.2025 - Current
- Spearheaded molecular diagnostics for clinical next-generation sequencing (NGS) utilising cutting-edge Illumina (MiSeq) while also designing robust viral surveillance protocols to enhance public health response.
- Supervised NGS sample processing, data analysis, and implemented workflow improvements.
- Coordinated EQAS/ILC accreditation and laboratory compliance.
Doctoral Fellow (PhD Candidate)
Manipal school of Life Sciences, MAHE
Manipal
07.2019 - Current
- Optimised NGS-based workflows (DRIPc-seq, RNA-Seq) to study senescence-associated R-loops in cancer, leading to the identification of novel regulatory elements and R-loop based gene regulation in cancer.
- Established successful academic and industry collaborations (NIMHANS, RGCS Cochin, KMC Manipal, and international partners), expanding research capabilities and co-developing multi-institutional projects.
- Delivered robust in silico analyses of exome, microbiome, ChIP-Seq, and whole genome data, accelerating research timelines and facilitating publication of 5 peer-reviewed articles.
- Authored high-impact conference presentations, receiving Best Poster Award (GIC 2024) and directly contributing to institutional recognition and knowledge dissemination.
Biotechnology Service Technologist
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
Trivandrum
09.2014 - 03.2018
- Supported NGS and microarray workflow deployments across diverse research and clinical projects.
- Developed SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and technical training modules for laboratory processes.
- Analyzed complex multi-omic datasets, producing actionable client-facing reports.
- Organized and delivered hands-on application workshops for scientists and PhD scholars.
- Developed SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and technical training modules for laboratory processes.
- Co-authored 5 publications.
Senior Research Fellow, NAIP-BGAM Project
Central Institute of Fisheries Technology
Cochin
03.2013 - 03.2014
- Identified key genes responsible for halotolerance in microbes using RNA-seq analysis.
- Identified and cultured microbes with the ability to degrade poly aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Identified pathogenic Vibrio cholera strains from shrimp aquatic farms.
- Co-authored 4 publications with PI and co-PI.
Education
MSc - Marine Biotechnology
National Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria, Bharatidasan University
07.2011
BSc - Biotechnology
Bharathidasan University
Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu06.2009
Skills
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS): Illumina (MiniSeq, NextSeq 1000, MiSeq), Oxford Nanopore (MinION), Ion Torrent (Proton and PGM) - from sample preparation to data analysis
- Bioinformatic pipelines: RNA-Seq, DRIPc-Seq, WGS, Exome, 16S Metagenomics, ChIP-Seq; in silico analysis: R packages, open source command line tools, phylogenetics, and data interpretation
- EQAS, ILC, clinical diagnostic regulations
- Maintenance of cell lines, senescence, and EMT assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)
- NGS library preparation, qPCR, cloning, dot blot assay, Northern blotting, and immunofluorescence studies
Certification
- Presenter, 43rd Annual Convention of the Indian Association for Cancer Research, IISER Pune, 01/01/24 - 01/01/24, Role of Nuclear and Mitochondrial RNA-DNA Hybrids in Breast Cancer during Senescence Induction.
- Whole genome sequencing data analysis using Command-line based tools, 07/01/25 - 07/01/25
- Advanced Analytical Techniques in Bioinformatics, Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, 01/01/14 - 01/01/14
Accomplishments
- ICMR-Senior Research Fellowship, 02/01/22 - 02/01/25
- Best Poster Award (2nd Prize), Genomics India Conference, 2024
- Winner, Euphoria 4.0 MedTech Hackathon, 2022, Lab on Chip – Cervical Microbiome and Resistome Detection for Patient-Centric Cancer Therapeutics
- Qualified Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering, 2012, All India Rank –689 –Gate Score – 392
- Third Prize, Manipal Biotech Hackathon, 2021
Affiliations
- Founding member and Mentor: Green Army, Trivandrum, shaped state-level policy on waste management, led summer camps for children on sustainable living, and drove community engagement in Kerala
- Co-founding member: Sustainable Menstruation Kerala Collective, Trivandrum: Organised and led a 14-district awareness campaign, delivered workshops in health centres, and public talks promoting sustainable menstruation
- Co-Founding Member & Spokesperson: Hands for Paws, Trivandrum. Coordinated with theAnimal Welfare Board and NGOs for animal birth control, vaccination drives, and pet adoption programs.
- General Secretary, MAHE-SRF, Manipal: Conduct scientific conferences and webinars.
Languages
Malayalam
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Advanced (C1)
C1
Tamil
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Kannada
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Telugu
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Research Scientist
State Level Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL)
05.2025 - Current
Doctoral Fellow (PhD Candidate)
Manipal school of Life Sciences, MAHE
07.2019 - Current
Biotechnology Service Technologist
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
09.2014 - 03.2018
Senior Research Fellow, NAIP-BGAM Project
Central Institute of Fisheries Technology
03.2013 - 03.2014
MSc - Marine Biotechnology
National Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria, Bharatidasan University
BSc - Biotechnology
Bharathidasan University
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