Profile Summary
Accomplished microbiologist with expertise in microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Experienced in studying root microbiome dynamics and producing biopolymers using halophilic bacteria. Skilled in advanced laboratory techniques, data analysis (R, Python), and next-generation sequencing. Published researcher with presentations at international conferences and recognized for academic excellence in competitive exams and certifications.
Research Work Experience
Senior Research Fellow
Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
April 2018 – December 2020
– Conducted research on producing Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) from halophilic bacteria isolated from saline habitats.
– Designed primers, isolated genes, and performed cloning and expression analysis.
Education
Doctorate (2020-2025)
Division of Microbiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
Research Focus: Root microbiome dynamics in arid monocot crops under moisture deficit conditions of India.
Master of Science: Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology (2015-2017)
Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur, India
Bachelor of Science: Biotechnology (2012-2015)
Meerut Institute of Engineering & Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
National Eligibility Test/Other Achievements
– Cleared ICAR-NET 2019, conducted by ASRB, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.
– Ranked 1st in All India Competitive Examination (AICE) JRF/SRF ([hidden]) – 2020 by ICAR.
– Ranked 4th in Uttar Pradesh Combined Agriculture and Technology Test ([hidden]) – 2020.
Certifications
– Python for Data Science and Machine learning.
– Data Science and Machine Learning with R.
Skills
Laboratory & Molecular Biology Techniques
– Microbial isolation, staining, microscopic analysis, gene cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extraction, RFLP, Primer designing, SDS-[AGE, biochemical testing.
Analytical & Bioinformatics Tools
– HPLC, GC, Biolog (CLPP), gene sequencing, sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis, microbial diversity analysis (Mothur, QIIME), metagenomics, R programming for statistical analysis.
Training and Workshops
– 15-day Internship on Basic Microbiology Techniques at [hidden] Medical College, Meerut (May 2016).
– 30-day Industrial Training on Vocational Food Analysis at FICCI FRAC, New Delhi (June 2016).
– 6-month [hidden] Dissertation on Cloning of cry2Af2 gene in pBINAR plant transformation vector, ICAR-NRCPB, New Delhi (Jan-June 2017).
– 3-month Practical Training on Cloning of pqq gene and Isolation of halophilic archaea, IARI, New Delhi (Nov 2017 – Jan 2018).
– …
Conferences & Papers Presented
– Pushpad U., Tomar [hidden], Singh S., & Kaushik R. (2018). Halophilic archaea as potent PHB producer. 59th International Conference of the Association of Microbiologists of India (AMI), University of Hyderabad. India
– Tomar G., Pushpad U., Kaushik R., & Singh S. (2018). Production of β-Mannosiadse by psychrophilic fungi. 59th International Conference of AMI, University of Hyderabad. India
– …
Publications
– Naitam [hidden], Tomar [hidden], Pushpad U., Singh S., & Kaushik R. (2022). Halophilic bacteria mediated PHB production using paddy straw as a substrate. Bioresource Technology Reports, 17, 100915.
– Rani V., Kumar R., Pushpad U., Sajish S., Divekar P., Majumder S., Kaushik R., & Pandey [hidden] (2024). Microbial biofertilizers to mitigate climate change-associated abiotic stress. Bio-Inoculants in Horticultural Crops, Woodhead Publishing.
References
Available upon request.
Keywords:
Laboratory & Molecular Biology Techniques, Microbial Isolation, Gene Cloning, PCR, Data Analysis, Bioinformatics Tools, Next Generation Sequencing, Research, Publications.
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This HTML code can be directly published as a WordPress post for Udita Pushpad’s CV.
Cover Letter:
Udita Pushpad
Gurugram, India
February 12, 2025
MedGenome Labs Ltd.
Subject: Application for Genome Analyst Position
Dear Members of the Search Committee,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the Genome Analyst position at MedGenome Labs Ltd. With a [hidden] in Microbiology and extensive experience in microbial ecology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, I am eager to contribute my expertise to your ongoing research initiatives. My academic and professional background aligns closely with MedGenome’s focus on genomics-driven insights for advancing healthcare and agriculture.
Currently, I am pursuing a [hidden] in Microbiology at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, with an expected completion in May 2025. My doctoral research focuses on plant-associated microbiomes, specifically investigating the structural and functional dynamics of desert monocot root microbiomes and their role in promoting crop resilience under drought conditions. Utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, I have conducted metagenomic analyses and transcriptome profiling to understand how microbial communities influence plant gene regulation in response to environmental stress. Through this work, I have developed proficiency in bioinformatics tools such as QIIME, R, and MEGA, along with a strong understanding of microbial ecology and functional genomics.
My academic foundation in Biotechnology began with a Bachelor’s degree from the Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, India, followed by a Master’s in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology from Banasthali Vidyapith, India. During my Master’s, I conducted my dissertation at the National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, gaining hands-on experience in bacterial culture, plasmid DNA isolation, cloning, PCR, and recombinant clone analysis. Following this, I worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, where I focused on microbial technologies for biopolymer and biomolecule production. My responsibilities included isolating and characterizing PHB-producing bacteria and cloning the phbC gene from high-yield strains, further strengthening my skills in molecular biology, microbial characterization, and DNA manipulation.
I am particularly excited about the prospect of joining MedGenome Labs and contributing to its innovative research in genomics. My expertise in microbial genomics, functional analysis, and plant-microbiome interactions equips me to effectively support the lab’s ongoing and future projects. I am confident that my skills and research experience align well with the requirements of this role.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my CV and relevant documents for your review. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss how my background can contribute to your team.
Sincerely,
Udita Pushpad
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