NIHARIKA SHARMA

Indore (M.P.)

Summary

Experienced research fellow with 3.6 years in molecular biology, plant immunity, and genetic research. Skilled in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing, with hands-on expertise in PCR, enzyme assays, bacterial & fungal culture, and bioinformatics tools. Contributed to cutting-edge projects, including CRISPR-based gene editing and plant disease resistance mechanisms. Strong publication record and mentoring experience, with certifications in CSIR-NET and GATE Life Sciences.

Skills

• Bacterial & fungus culture
• Scientific writing
• PCR
• Plasmid Isolation
• Gel electrophoresis
• MS EXCEL
• MS WORD
• Python
• SAS
• Enzyme assays
• Bioinformatics

Experience

Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore

Junior Research Fellow

2021-2024

Project title – “Investigation of Enhancement in Immunity of Soybean in Response to Anthracnose Disease after Magneto-Priming with Static Magnetic Field” funded by SERB DST.

• Conducted literature reviews and assisted in experimental design to study the effects of static magnetic fields on soybean immunity, contributing to cutting-edge research in plant biology.
• Managed fieldwork and experimental plots for soybean disease monitoring, ensuring proper collection of plant samples and analysis of disease progression using quantitative metrics.
• Performed laboratory analyses including enzyme assays, protein quantification, and fungal cultures, ensuring precision and reproducibility of experiments.
• Wrote research reports, scientific papers, and presentations, communicating progress and outcomes to stakeholders and contributing to peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing mentorship and training in laboratory techniques, including molecular biology and fungal culture maintenance.

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Project Trainee

January 2020 – June 2020

Project Title: CRISPR Mediated FUS Knockdown in Mammalian Cells: Cloning of FUS Guide RNA (gRNA) in Prokaryotic System

• Conducted in-depth literature reviews to support the development of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tools for FUS gene knockdown in mammalian cells.
• Performed DNA extraction, cloning protocols, and colony screening, optimizing methods to ensure efficient insertion of gRNA sequences.
• Maintained prokaryotic cell lines, ensuring their growth and viability for subsequent genetic manipulation.
• Contributed to troubleshooting experiments, enhancing the efficiency of cloning protocols and minimizing errors in sequence insertion.

Education

• PhD: Life Science
• 2022 – current
• Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore
• M.Sc.: Life Science
• 2018 – 2020
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, M.P.
• B.Sc.: Biological Science
• 2015 – 2018
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, M.P.

Certifications

• CSIR-National Eligibility Test (NET)-Lectureship: June 2020, AIR – 64
• GATE 2021 (Life Science), Gate score – 592

Publications

• Sandhya Verma* and Niharika Sharma. “Medicinal Plants and Their Products for the Management of Poxviruses: A Mini Review.” Cohesive J Microbiol Infect Dis. 6(3), CJMI. 000638. 2023. DOI: 10.31031/CJMI.2023.06.000638
• Niharika Sharma, Vandana Varma, Sandhya Verma. “Plant-Derived Compounds for Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Trials.” Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention, 2024, 1:120. DOI: 10.2174/[Phone Hidden]24010009

Keywords

• Biotechnology
• Research Design
• Data Analysis
• Plant Immunity
• Experimental Design
• Literature Reviews
• Enzyme Assays
• Scientific Writing
• Supervision
• Molecular Biology

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Cover Letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Molecular Biology position at D-NOME Biosciences, Hyderabad. With over 3.6 years of hands-on experience in molecular biology, plant immunity, and microbiology, I am confident that my academic background, research training, and laboratory skills align well with your team’s mission to advance cutting-edge bioscience solutions. During my tenure as a Junior Research Fellow at Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, I led experimental work on a SERB-DST-funded project focusing on plant immune responses under static magnetic field treatment. I gained extensive experience in enzyme assays, fungal culture, PCR, plasmid isolation, and data interpretation, alongside mentoring postgraduate students in molecular techniques. My earlier research training at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre equipped me with key gene-editing skills, including CRISPR gRNA cloning in prokaryotic systems and genetic manipulation workflows. In addition to my technical competencies, I bring strong scientific communication skills, with peer-reviewed publications on medicinal plant bioactivity and poxvirus management. I hold a CSIR-NET Lectureship qualification (AIR–64) and a valid GATE score in Life Sciences, which reflects my strong academic foundation. I am deeply motivated to contribute to D-NOME Biosciences’ innovative research environment, particularly in advancing molecular diagnostics and therapeutic platforms. I would welcome the opportunity to apply my molecular biology expertise to support your ongoing projects and to grow professionally in a dynamic biotech setting. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, and I would be happy to provide further information or references at your convenience. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity with you.