MADHURI SURYAWANSHI
Jamnagar
Summary
Experienced Molecular Biologist with over 5 years in microbial R&D and biotechnology. Expertise encompasses experimental planning, assay development, and laboratory coordination. Currently focused on animal-health probiotic development, demonstrating skills in microbial candidate screening, project management, and NGS-based genomic workflows.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist
Vantara
Jamnagar
01.2025 - Current
- Independently isolated and characterized bacterial isolates from animal gut samples using culture-based methods, PCR, and Sanger sequencing to identify potential probiotic candidates.
- Designed, optimized, and validated functional screening assays for probiotic candidates, including investigation of assay variability, troubleshooting, and reproducibility.
- Executed genomic characterization workflows including shotgun metagenomics, PacBio long-read sequencing, and Hi-C library preparation for in-depth evaluation of selected candidates.
- Developed experimental workflows and contributed to R&D project planning, including study design, timelines, resource requirements, and budget inputs.
- Managed laboratory requirements and technical documentation, including procurement, inventory, experimental scheduling, research proposals, protocols, experimental plans, and technical reports.
Senior Scientific Officer
Avior Genomics
Dharwad
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Collaborated with senior scientists on experimental design, method optimization, troubleshooting, and data analysis, enhancing reliability and validity of experimental outcomes.
- Developed and optimized an RT-qPCR-based molecular assay for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, supporting accurate and reproducible testing.
- Performed microbial DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing workflows for metagenomic analysis of soil microbial communities.
- Optimized cultivation of Cordyceps militaris under laboratory conditions by evaluating culture conditions and experimental parameters, contributing to process refinement.
- Coordinated day-to-day laboratory operations and multiple molecular and microbiological research activities, ensuring timely execution and accurate documentation.
Senior Research Fellow
University of Agricultural Sciences
Dharwad
10.2019 - 08.2021
- Researched botanical formulations for managing insect pests and plant diseases through laboratory and greenhouse experimentation.
- Worked on the evaluation and characterization of microbial and botanical approaches relevant to agricultural biological applications.
- Investigation of biological activity of plant and microbe derived products against agricultural pests and pathogens.
- Isolating microbes and performing DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and Sanger sequencing to identify and characterize microbial cultures.
- Guided students in experimental planning, data analysis, interpretation and scientific writing.
- Prepared research concept notes, project proposals, and grant applications to secure funding and support for ongoing projects.
- Collaboration with AVT Natural Product Limited
Education
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
University of Agricultural Sciences
Dharwad, KA01-2020
MSc - Biotechnology
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore, TN01-2012
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Biotechnology
College of Agricultural Biotechnology
Rahuri, MH01-2010
Skills
- Microbial research
- Molecular biology techniques
- Microbial characterization techniques
- NGS and genomics
- Experimental planning
- Project management
- Scientific documentation
PUBLICATIONS
- Muthurajan, R., Valarmathi, R., Abhijeet, B. S., Suryawanshi, M. P., Chavan, N. S., Hifzur, R., Rohit, K., Jagadeeshelvam, N., Sudha, T., and Parani, M., 2021, Controlled over-expression of AtDREB1A enhances tolerance against drought and salinity in rice. Agronomy 11(1): 159. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010159
- Suryawanshi, P. P., Krishnaraj, P. U. and Suryawanshi, M. P., 2020, Evaluation of actinobacteria for biocontrol of sheath blight in rice. Indian J. Microbiol., 9(3): 371-376.
- Suryawanshi, M. P. and Krishnaraj, P. U., 2020, Standardization of seed biopriming with actinobacteria for seedling vigour in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), J. Pharmacogn Phytochem, 9(2): 2165-2167.
- Bhoyar, P., Suryawanshi, M. P. and Krishnasamy V., 2015, Callus induction and establishment of suspension culture from Withania somnifera: the Indian ginseng, The Bioscan, 10(4): 1567- 1571.
TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Aug 2021 Bioinformatics Workshop: Gene's to Pathways DeCODE Life, Rohtak, HR
- Feb 2020 Advanced Bioinformatics (Data Analysis) Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar, GJ
- Dec 2016 MOOC - Competency Enhancement for Effective teaching National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, TN
- May 2016 Post Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, TN
POSTER PRESENTATIONS/ABSTRACTS PUBLISHED: 1 INTERNATIONAL, 2 NATIONAL
SYMPOSIA/WORKSHOPS PARTICIPATION: 1 International, 2 National
OTHER ACTIVITIES (ORGANIZER/RESOURCE PERSON/TRAINER (FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY, SCIENTISTS)):
- Resource person: DBT Builder sponsored training on “Use of Omics in Plant-Microbe Interaction studies”, March 2024, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
- Organizer and Trainer in ICAR sponsored National level Winter School Short course, Dec 2019, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
- Trainer in ICAR sponsored National level Winter School course, Dec 2018, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad.
- Resource person: On bench training and lecture series: Molecular Biology and Metagenomics, Aug 2018, C.H.M. College, University of Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra.
Timeline
Research Scientist
Vantara
01.2025 - Current
Senior Scientific Officer
Avior Genomics
08.2021 - 12.2022
Senior Research Fellow
University of Agricultural Sciences
10.2019 - 08.2021
Ph.D. - Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
University of Agricultural Sciences
MSc - Biotechnology
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Bachelor of Science - Agricultural Biotechnology
College of Agricultural Biotechnology