Open to opportunities

Riya Verma

@riyaverma

Message

Highly motivated researcher specializing in infectious diseases.

India

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative research environment focused on innovative solutions in infectious diseases.

I am a dedicated researcher with over four years of experience in the field of infectious diseases, having worked at prestigious institutions across India. My journey began with a strong academic foundation, earning an M.Sc. in Microbiology from Bundelkhand University, where I graduated with a CGPA of 8.42. I have consistently pursued cutting-edge research, contributing to significant projects aimed at combating viral infections.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Project Associate at THSTI Faridabad, where I am involved in developing nanoparticle-based vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 under a CEPI project. My previous roles have equipped me with a diverse skill set, including gene cloning, protein purification, and genomic surveillance of COVID-19 and influenza. I have a proven track record of conducting complex experiments, including whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, which have been crucial in advancing our understanding of viral pathogens.

My commitment to scientific excellence is reflected in my publications and the DST Inspire fellowship I received in 2017. I am passionate about contributing to the scientific community and am eager to continue my research in a collaborative environment that values innovation and scientific inquiry.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Project Associate

Current

THSTI Faridabad

May 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Working under a CEPI project for building nano-particle based vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. This role involves cutting-edge research in infectious diseases.

Vaccine Development SARS CoV 2 Infectious Diseases CEPI Project Management

Technical Officer II

THSTI Faridabad

Nov 2023 - Feb 2024 (3 months)

Worked under an extramural funded project to develop novel antiviral platforms and identify drugs against henipaviruses. My work comprised of gene cloning, protein purification, and expression.

Protein Expression Henipaviruses

Project Technical Support

ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV)

Feb 2022 - Mar 2023 (1 year 1 month)

Conducted research on Epidemiological, Virological, and Genomic Surveillance of Covid-19 and Influenza. Proficient in Nucleic Acid isolation, Virus culturing, PCR, RT-PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, and Kit Validations.

Virus Culturing PCR Electrophoresis Sanger Sequencing Whole Genome Sequencing Phylogenetic Analysis

Technical Assistant

Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research Bhopal

Aug 2020 - Feb 2021 (6 months)

Conducted RNA extraction, real-time RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2, data analysis, and reported results on ICMR COVID-19 Data entry portal. Carried out new SARS-CoV-2 test validations and maintained laboratory records for accreditation audits.

SARS CoV 2 Testing Data Analysis ICMR Data Entry

Project Associate – II

CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Aug 2018 - Mar 2020 (1 year 7 months)

Performed Plasmodium falciparum cell culture and anti-malarial drug screenings. Conducted Anti-malarial (IC50) and Anti-microbial testing of Phyto-molecules.

Plasmodium Falciparum Culture Antimalarial Drug Screening Antimicrobial Testing Phytomolecules Animal Handling

Research Trainee

CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute

Jan 2017 - Jul 2017 (6 months)

Conducted a research project on the culturing of Plasmodium falciparum and in vitro drug screening. This involved detailed laboratory work and analysis.

Plasmodium Falciparum Culture In Vitro Drug Screening Data Analysis

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

BUNDELKHAND UNIVERSITY

M.Sc., Microbiology

2015 - 2017

Grade: 8.42 / 10

Completed a Master of Science in Microbiology, focusing on advanced concepts and research methodologies within the field. Achieved a strong academic performance with a CGPA of 8.42 out of 10.

BUNDELKHAND UNIVERSITY

B.Sc., Microbiology

2012 - 2015

Grade: 8.73 / 10

Undertook a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, gaining foundational knowledge and practical skills in various microbiological techniques. Demonstrated academic excellence with a CGPA of 8.73 out of 10.