Kaviyarasi.R

Molecular biology specialist with MSc in Biomedical Science and three years of hands-on laboratory experience spanning clinical diagnostics, tuberculosis genomics, and pharmacogenetics research. Expertise in PCR-based assays (qRT-PCR, PCR-RFLP, multiplexed PCR panels), DNA/RNA extraction and manipulation, next-generation sequencing library preparation, agarose gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid quality assessment. Demonstrated proficiency operating high-throughput molecular platforms including Applied Biosystems QuantStudio, Cepheid GeneXpert, and Biofire FilmArray in both clinical and BSL3 research settings.

Proven track record coordinating multi-institutional projects, optimizing assay protocols, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and troubleshooting complex molecular workflows. Strong foundation in experimental design, data analysis using GraphPad Prism, and collaborative teamwork across disciplines. Eager to apply transferable molecular biology skills to protein expression platforms, DNA assembly workflows, and genome engineering technologies in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Project Technical Support - ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis - Chennai, India

(2025-01 - 2026-01)

Department of Immunology and Intermediate TB Reference Laboratory

• Conducting mutation profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains for multiple tuberculosis drugs using next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based DNA sequencing and drug susceptibility testing methodologies.
• Execute PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and DNA/RNA extraction protocols for drug susceptibility testing of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) clinical TB isolates in Biosafety Level 3 facilities, demonstrating strict adherence to containment protocols and specimen handling procedures
• Maintain detailed experimental documentation, troubleshoot molecular assays, and optimize PCR conditions to ensure reproducible results across large sample batches for tuberculosis drug resistance surveillance programs

Lab Technologist - Apollo Hospitals - Chennai, India

(2023-01 - 2024-12)

Department of Centralized Molecular Biology and Cytogenetics

• Performed qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR for COVID-19, H1N1, dengue, RSV, and chikungunya using Applied Biosystems QuantStudio and 7500 Fast DX platforms, routinely processing more than 200 clinical samples per day.
• Conducted bone marrow transplant viral monitoring, including quantitative assays for cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and BK virus, handling over 20 transplant-related samples per day.
• Operated advanced molecular diagnostic platforms, including Cepheid GeneXpert Xpress System and Biofire FilmArray, for comprehensive respiratory, meningitis, gastrointestinal, and blood culture pathogen panels.
• Maintained quality assurance protocols and documented test results in laboratory information systems.

Project Intern - Christian Medical College - Vellore, India

(2022-03 - 2022-07)

Department of Clinical Hematology

• Conducted research on MTHFR polymorphism variants in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients undergoing maintenance therapy.
• Performed DNA extraction, PCR amplification, RFLP analysis, and gel electrophoresis for genotyping studies.
• Analyzed pharmacogenomics variants and their clinical implications in pediatric leukemia treatment protocols.

Master of Science - Biomedical Science - Bharathidasan University (2017-01 - 2022-12)

Higher Secondary School Certificate - St. Isabel's Girls Higher Secondary School (2016-01 - 2016-12)

Secondary School Certificate - St. Isabel's Girls Higher Secondary School (2014-01 - 2014-12)