Ishfaq Nabi Najar

Project Research Scientist-II

SSIMS-RC Davangere, Karnataka

Summary:

To work hard, be an integral part of the scientific community, and contribute constructively towards the welfare of mankind. A dedicated learner aiming for continuous achievements in scientific endeavors.

Objective:

EMIC QUALIFICATION: To work hard and to be an integral part of the scientific community to become capable of doing something constructive toward the welfare of mankind. I believe in and practice the learning process, which can only lead me to the path of achievement.

Academic Qualification:

• [hidden] Microbiology, 2013-2019, Sikkim University, Sikkim, India
• [hidden] Microbiology, 2011-2013, Sikkim University, Sikkim, India
• [hidden] Biochemistry, 2008-2010, Sai Institute of Paramedical & Allied Sciences Dehradun, HNB Gharwal University, India
• [hidden] Life Sciences, 2005-2008, Amar Singh College, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Class XII, 2002, Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Class X, 2000, Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Research/Teaching Experience:

• Nov 2024- Current: Project Research Scientist at SSIMS-RC, Karnataka
• Feb 2023-Nov 2024: Research Associate at CSIR IIIM, Jammu, J&K
• March 2022-Jan 2023: Senior Research Fellow at Sikkim University, Sikkim
• April 2020-March 2022: Tutor at Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences & Technology, Kashmir
• Oct 2019-March 2020: Senior Research Fellow at CSIR IMTECH, Chandigarh
• Oct 2014-Oct 2016: Junior Research Fellow at Sikkim University, Sikkim
• Jan 2010-June 2010: Intern at CSIR IIIM, Jammu, J&K

Skills:

Molecular Biology, Microbial Biotechnology, Enzymology, Bioremediation, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistical Analysis, Geochemistry, Microbial Ecology, Metagenomics, and more.

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Cover Letter:

Dr. Ishfaq Nabi Najar

To,

Dear HR
Greetings,
I am writing to apply for the Research fellow in your laboratory. I would be grateful if you allow me to contribute exceptionally and participate in your laboratory program. With my strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, coupled with my research experience in bacterial diversity, metagenomics, phylogenetics, antibiotic resistance, and genetic analysis, I am eager to contribute to your ongoing research efforts, and further develop my expertise in the field. Here is a brief view of my research work and past experience to present myself as an eligible candidate for this post.
Having successfully defended my doctoral thesis, ‘Thermophilic bacterial diversity and their antibiotic resistance Profiles’. I was awarded my PhD from Sikkim University in November 2019. Under the guidance of Dr Nagendra Thakur, I delved into the intricate realm of microbial diversity, employing both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods, including Next Generation Sequencing, Cloning, and Phospholipid Fatty Acid Analysis (PLFA). My research led to the isolation of a novel species, Geobacillus yumthangensis, and I subsequently conducted whole-genome analyses that culminated in several publications. During my doctoral journey, I expanded my skill set to encompass bacterial taxonomy, genetics, and advanced techniques. Additionally, I acquired hands-on experience in metagenomic approaches, whole genome sequencing analysis, and gene-targeted screenings for antibiotic resistance and heavy metal tolerance. This has equipped me with a solid foundation for pursuing diverse research avenues.
My commitment to scientific exploration was further evident in my role as a Senior Research Fellow at CSIR IMTECH (MTCC) Chandigarh, where I focused on thermophilic diversity and screening enzyme L-asparaginase enzymes with potential anti-cancer applications. I also contributed to projects involving cloning and expressing amylases from hot spring-associated microbes. I am a Research Associate studying metagenomic insights into thermophilic microbial diversity and genetic engineering strategies to enhance Beta-Galactosidase enzyme productivity.
I have expertise in standard microbiology, metagenomics, bacterial genomics, bacterial phylogenetics, and molecular biology techniques such as PCR, Sequencing, MALI-TOF, FAME, Biolog, Cloning, Bacterial Genomics, and Metagenomics, Meta-transcriptomics, animal cell culture, etc. I am a dedicated, hardworking student who is good at learning biostatistical and bioinformatical subjects. I have expertise in many Biostatistical applications and Bioinformatics such as Excel, Excel Stat, Graph Pad Prism, Basics to R and Python, and software related to microbial genetics, metagenomics, and molecular dockings etc. such as SILVA, SILVANGS, LPSN, BacDive, RAST, MGRAST, PATRIC, GALAXY, KBASE, NCBI DATABASE, EZTAXON, Autodock Vina, PyRx, Pymol etc. I have handled a few projects in India. I have many good publications, too.
As an early career researcher, I have a deep interest in the fields of microbiology, enzymology, molecular microbiology, bacterial/fungal genomics, metagenomics, meta-transcriptomics, ARGs, and microbial engineering, as well as other microbial bioinformatics research areas. I have extensively contributed to my proficiency in writing research articles, reviews and book chapters. I have trained many postgraduate students during my PhD and have presented my work at national and International conferences. However, this does not restrict me from learning new techniques and expanding my skill set to adapt to the requirements of this position. My inquisitive nature and dedication to research draw me to apply for this post. I strongly believe that the Labs at your Institute, with its rich work culture and access to state-of-the-art research facilities, would provide me with the right platform to utilize my passion for the field. If given an opportunity, I will do full justice to the post and contribute to a positive approach in the group. I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss my experience in more detail. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Dr. Ishfaq Nabi Najar