Siddharth De
Vadodara
Summary
With 11+ years of oncology research experience, including postdoctoral training from the University of Cambridge, UK, and a PhD in Cancer Biology from the National Institute of Immunology, India, my background demonstrates a strong foundation in the field. As Deputy General Manager at SPARC, I have successfully led early-discovery projects and managed cross-functional scientific teams. My expertise lies in developing advanced cell-based and cell-free assays, as well as implementing impactful drug development strategies. Throughout my career, I consistently integrate strategies across portfolio assets and have received SPARC Ideation Awards for innovative discovery targets.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Deputy General Manager
Sun Pharma Advanced Research
04.2023 - Current
- Spearheaded multiple innovative drug discovery projects, introducing two novel targets and an AI-driven platform—both of which are integral to the company's pipeline for developing precision medicines. As Project Lead, successfully advancing their stage gated development towards clinical application.
- Orchestrating collaborative, cross-functional efforts for early-stage drug discovery (from hit identification to lead compound identification/nomination) and overseeing in vitro activities for programs at the clinical stage
- As a part of cross-functional oncology due diligence team, actively engaged in ideation, target identification, and validation efforts, including utilization of cancer dependency databases
- Overseeing and optimizing outsourcing strategies, monitoring Contract Research Organization (CRO) activities, cultivating relationships with KOLs, and managing external collaborative efforts
- Prepare documents and presentations for stage gate decisions along with participating in regulatory submissions (IND submission, Investigators Brochure)
- Managing a team of 6 direct reports and 2-3 matrix reports
- As a part of in vitro biology team, led >5 early-stage cross-functional programs encompassing small molecule and RNA-based approaches
- Primary responsibilities include developing new technologies and assays resulting in significant enhancement in project-specific screening, including mechanism-of-action (MoA/Mode of Action) studies and elevating our research capabilities.
Senior Manager
Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company
04.2020 - 03.2023
- Transformed team capabilities by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and high-throughput imaging, driving significant improvements in research outcomes and positioning the department as leader in innovative assay development.
- Played pivotal role within cross-functional oncology due diligence team, actively contributing to ideation, target identification, and validation, thereby enabling informed decision-making and driving strategic planning initiatives.
- Led analysis and validation of pooled CRISPRi genetic screen results, applying advanced expertise in genetic screening methodologies to effectively support and accelerate program objectives.
Senior Research Scientist
Centre For Chemical Biology And Therapeutics
07.2017 - 03.2020
- Developed innovative cell-based assays to study targeted protein degradation, enhancing mechanistic insights and supporting informed decision-making.
- Involved in establishing CRISPR-Cas9 phenotypic screens, contributing to advancement of genetic screening capabilities within the organization.
- Demonstrated expertise in compound screening by conducting medium-throughput screening of compound libraries, leading to identification of novel compounds that disrupt protein-protein interactions.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
MRC Cancer Unit, University Of Cambridge
02.2013 - 06.2017
- Awarded MRC, UK-DBT Fellowship (January 2016-June 2017).
- Explored cellular fate mechanisms: Investigated interplay of signaling pathways to enhance understanding of cellular fate decisions in both normal and oncogenic contexts, with significant implications for cancer biology and therapeutic development.
- Uncovered previously unrecognized role of MAPK pathway in maintaining checkpoint fidelity during G2-M transition, providing critical insights into cell cycle regulation.
- Developed and implemented FRET-based live-cell assays and Optogenetics, achieving enhanced assay sensitivity and enabling precise analysis of cellular functions.
Senior Research Biologist
Daiichi Sankyo India Ltd.
06.2012 - 02.2013
- Contributed to successful attainment of internal milestone in drug development project targeting pulmonary disorders, leading to recognition of the product as promising pipeline product.
- Performed cell-based and biochemical assays for screening novel chemical entities (NCEs).
Education
Ph.D. - Cell Biology/Cancer Biology
National Institute of Immunology
New Delhi, India 05.2006 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Molecular and Human Genetics
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi, India 05.2004 - 03.2006
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Holkar Science College
Indore, India 05.2001 - 03.2004
Skills
Analysis
Assay Development
Biochemistry
Cancer Biology
Cancer Dependency Database
Cell Biology
Cellular Assays
Confocal Microscopy
CRISPR-Cas9
Cross functional collaboration
Cross Functional Skills
DNA Damage Repair
DNA Encoded Library (DEL)
Drug Development
Emerging Technologies
Genome Editing
High Content Screening
High Throughput Screening
Hit identification
Hit to lead
undefinedVolunteeringandleadership
Oxbridge Biotech Roundtable, Consulting Project Manager, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK, 01/2014, 08/2014
Publications
- Pulsatile MAPK Signaling Modulates p53 Activity to Control Cell Fate Decisions at the G2 Checkpoint for DNA Damage, 01/2020, Cell Reports
- Mitochondrial functions of RECQL4 are required for the prevention of aerobic glycolysis dependent cell invasion, 02/2016, Journal of Cell Science
- Homeostatic control of polo-like kinase-1 engenders nongenetic heterogeneity in G2 checkpoint fidelity and timing, 06/2014, Nature Communication
- RECQL4 and p53 potentiate the activity of polymerase γ and maintain the integrity of the human mitochondrial genome, 09/2013, Carcinogenesis
- RECQL4 is essential for the transport of p53 to mitochondria in normal human cells in the absence of exogenous stress, 01/2012, Journal of Cell Science
- BLM helicase stimulates the ATPase and Chromatin remodeling activities of RAD54, 09/2009, Journal of Cell Science
Awards and scholarships
- SPARC Ideation Award, 12/2022, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company
- MRC-DBT Fellowship, 01/2016, MRC Cancer Unit
Timeline
Deputy General Manager
Sun Pharma Advanced Research
04.2023 - Current
Senior Manager
Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company
04.2020 - 03.2023
Senior Research Scientist
Centre For Chemical Biology And Therapeutics
07.2017 - 03.2020
Postdoctoral Research Associate
MRC Cancer Unit, University Of Cambridge
02.2013 - 06.2017
Senior Research Biologist
Daiichi Sankyo India Ltd.
06.2012 - 02.2013
Ph.D. - Cell Biology/Cancer Biology
National Institute of Immunology
05.2006 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Molecular and Human Genetics
Banaras Hindu University
05.2004 - 03.2006
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
Holkar Science College
05.2001 - 03.2004
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