R JAYALAKSHMI
Chengalpattu
Summary
Critical thinker & a strong leader with extensive Molecular Biology techniques and in-depth experience working in a State Level Public Sector Laboratory and a Master’s degree in Genetic Engineering, looking for a platform to develop new skills as well as apply & advance known skills on a larger scale.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Research Assistant
ICMR SANCTIONED PROJECT
Chennai, India
05.2023 - 02.2026
- Planned and performed ELISA-based diagnostic assays and Multiplex Bead-Based Immunoassays using Bio-Rad Bio-Plex xMAP technology for detection and quantification of viral biomarkers, including cytokines, from clinical dengue samples under the ICMR-sanctioned project on biomarker characterization for dengue severity stratification.
- Executed serological assays, optimized assay conditions, and validated third-party diagnostic kits by assessing analytical sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and limit-of-detection parameters.
- Designed, planned, and carried out PCR workflows including conventional PCR, RT-PCR, and quantitative PCR for detection and quantification of viral nucleic acids, followed by gel electrophoresis for amplicon verification.
- Performed nucleic acid extraction from clinical samples using manual and automated platforms, ensuring high-quality DNA/RNA for downstream molecular analyses and sequencing workflows.
- Conducted molecular cloning procedures including primer design, restriction digestion, ligation, bacterial transformation, and plasmid purification for generating recombinant constructs, including synthesis of a positive control plasmid for Mumps virus.
- Performed Sanger sequencing on the Applied Biosystems 3500xl platform, including assay design, reaction preparation, capillary electrophoresis, sequence quality control, and chromatogram interpretation for mutation and variant detection.
- Executed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows on the Illumina MiSeq platform, including library preparation, indexing, quantification, normalization, sequencing run setup, and troubleshooting.
- Processed and analyzed Sanger chromatograms and NGS datasets using Linux-based bioinformatics tools for quality control, read alignment, genome assembly, variant identification, annotation, and submission of validated sequences to NCBI and GISAID.
- Applied computational biology tools to analyze viral protein structure and function, perform high-accuracy multiple sequence alignments, and generate phylogenetic trees for studying viral evolution and genetic variation.
- Performed aseptic cell culture techniques by maintaining, passaging, and monitoring multiple virus-permissive cell lines including Vero, MDCK, A549, C6/36, LLC-MK2, and MA104, supporting viral propagation studies, cytopathic effect observation, and preparation of infected cell samples for downstream molecular experiments.
- Conducted protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, and nucleic acid integrity checks using NanoDrop, Qubit, and Bioanalyzer/TapeStation systems.
- Designed primers and probes for conventional PCR, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, and sequencing experiments using in-silico tools to optimize assay specificity and efficiency.
- Ensured strict biosafety and aseptic practices in BSL-2 laboratory environments for contamination-free handling of viral samples and cultured cells.
- Supervised laboratory operations, trained junior team members, and ensured full compliance with WHO Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, SOPs, and quality assurance protocols
- DEPARTMENT OF VIROLOGY, KING INSTITUTE OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND RESEARCH
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Synthesized complex information into clear summaries to make findings accessible to diverse audiences.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative research methodologies and strategies.
- Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
- Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
- Contributed to development of research proposals, aligning with strategic objectives and securing project approvals.
- Identified and resolved data discrepancies, ensuring highest level of accuracy in research outcomes.
- Boosted research visibility and impact with publication of findings in prestigious academic journals.
- Coordinated with external research partners to ensure seamless integration of collaborative projects.
- Pioneered use of virtual collaboration tools, enhancing team productivity and engagement in remote settings.
- Customized research instruments to better capture nuanced data, enriching depth of research analysis.
- Optimized lab equipment usage, significantly reducing operational costs and downtime.
- Conducted extensive literature reviews to support ongoing research projects, significantly expanding team's knowledge base.
- Facilitated cross-disciplinary research collaborations, broadening scope and impact of research findings.
- Spearheaded development of novel research methodology, setting new standard for future projects.
- Managed research databases with utmost diligence, ensuring data integrity and security.
- Enhanced research accuracy by meticulously organizing and analyzing data sets.
- Enhanced participant recruitment strategies, leading to more diverse and representative study samples.
Education
Master of Technology - Genetic Engineering
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chennai05-2023
Bachelor of Technology - Genetic Engineering
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chennai05-2021
Higher Secondary School - undefined
Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School
04-2017
Senior Secondary School - undefined
Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School
04-2015
Skills
Sanger Sequencing and analysis
Next Generation sequencing and analysis
Bacterial Growth and Isolation
PCR techniques: Conventional and real-time
Kit standardization
Cloning and Positive control preparation
Bio-plex Multiplex Immunoassay
Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA)
Bioinformatic analysis in windows and linux
Teamwork and collaboration
Research paper writing
PUBLICATION
- NCBI SEQUENCE
- PQ311688
- PQ311689
- PQ311690
- PQ311691
- PQ311692
- PQ311693
- PQ311694
- PQ311695
- PQ311696
- PQ311697
- PQ325559
- PQ325560
- PQ325561
- PQ325562
- BOOK CHAPTER
- Mohideen, H.S., Nair, A., Mathari, J.R.J., Shah, N., Raghavan, J. (2024). Fundamentals of Computational and High-Throughput Approaches in DNA Research. In: Verma, P. (eds) Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-6270-5_9
- ARTICLE
- Raghavan J, Sabastin M, Manivel A, Chakravarthy N, Krishnalakshmi V, Ajitha M, Kumar S, Krishnasamy K, Vijay N, Selvavinayagam TS. Mumps genotypes circulating in Tamilnadu: A cross-sectional study: J. Raghavan et al. VirusDisease. 2025 May 21:1-9.
TRAINING
- ICMR NIV -PUNE – DECEMBER 2024
- Hands on training of WGS for Influenza A and B using illumina MiSeq platform.
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TRAINING FOR STANDARDIZATION – JUNE 2025
- Inter-Laboratory Comparison, Proficiency Testing, and Evaluation of Scores (ILCPT)
- ICMR NIV -PUNE – JULY 2025
- Hands on training of WGS sequencing data analysis using command line-tools
INTERNSHIPS
- OCTOBER 2019
- GLOBAL HOSPITAL, CHENNAI
- Training in Bio-chemical analysis, Serological techniques, molecular techniques and Microbiological analysis.
- JUNE 2020 TO JULY 2020
- TAMILNADU SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ORGANISATION, PUDUKOTTAI
- Training in hands-on laboratory techniques for phytochemical analysis from plant extract.
Timeline
Research Assistant
ICMR SANCTIONED PROJECT
05.2023 - 02.2026
Bachelor of Technology - Genetic Engineering
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Higher Secondary School - undefined
Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Senior Secondary School - undefined
Zion Matriculation Higher Secondary School
Master of Technology - Genetic Engineering
SRM Institute of Science and Technology