Papiya Das

Evaluated genomic and transcriptomic analysis outputs for biological accuracy. Reviewed protein structure predictions and functional annotations. Assessed experimental design and statistical interpretation in bioinformatics analyses.

Bioinformatics data analyst (Contract-full-time) - Mercor - Leeds (Remote)

(2025-01)

• Evaluated genomic and transcriptomic analysis outputs for biological accuracy.
• Reviewed protein structure predictions and functional annotations.
• Assessed experimental design and statistical interpretation in bioinformatics analyses.
• Identified errors in gene expression and pathway analysis reasoning.
• Performed quality control and validation of computational biology outputs.

Research Assistant - University of Leeds - Leeds, UK

(2024-01 - 2024-08)

• Investigated protein-protein interactions using 950 MHz Bruker NMR spectroscopy and SDS-PAGE to study conformational changes in IRE1-LD variants.
• Designed and executed in vitro functional assays to examine ATP-dependent oligomerisation with BiP.
• Purified labelled/unlabelled proteins via affinity chromatography and utilised AlphaFold for structural predictions.
• Developed Python and Excel visualisations to communicate experimental findings to interdisciplinary teams.

Bioinformatician – Fusion Protein Engineering - M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology - India

(2021-10 - 2022-07)

• Engineered a Cry1Da–Cry1B.867 fusion protein targeting Spodoptera frugiperda resistance using SWISS-MODEL homology modelling.
• Validated the model via Ramachandran plot (96.3% favoured regions) and performed molecular docking with APN/ABCB1 receptors using ClusPro.
• Conducted in silico toxicity and ADMET profiling (pkCSM), demonstrating a safe bio-profile for agrochemical discovery.

Bioinformatician – SNP Analysis in Parkinson's Disease - M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology - India

(2021-02 - 2021-10)

• Analyzed 286 missense SNPs in the PNMT gene using 17+ computational tools (PROVEAN, PolyPhen-2, PredictSNP, DynaMut, CUPSAT).
• Performed molecular dynamics simulations (GROMACS) to evaluate conformational changes (RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA) in mutant proteins.
• Identified 3 high-risk deleterious SNPs (L217Q, G79D, Y35D) proposed for wet-lab validation and therapeutic targeting.
• Developed a validated computational workflow for SNP prioritisation to support precision medicine pipelines.

Trial Coordination & Research Assistant - Stellixir Biotech - Bangalore, India

(2021-08 - 2022-02)

• Coordinated multi-site preclinical studies, ensuring protocol adherence and regulatory compliance.
• Performed cell culture and maintenance of cancer cell lines, including HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma), THP-1 (acute monocytic leukaemia) and Saos-2 (osteosarcoma)
• Performed MTT assays (96-well plates) and cytotoxicity evaluations.
• Maintained trial master files and prepared stakeholder reports.

Data Analyst (freelance) - Outlier - Leeds (Remote)

(2024-10 - 2025-09)

• Curated high-quality open datasets for biotech business intelligence, improving data usability by 25%
• Developed statistical models to inform research strategy and built Tableau dashboards tracking KPIs

AI Consultant (freelance) - Mindrift - Leeds (Remote)

(2025-09)

• Enhanced AI output accuracy and coherence by 20% through structured validation for biotech applications
• Applied prompt engineering to improve LLM performance in scientific communication

MSc - Biotechnology with Business Enterprise - University of Leeds (2023 - 2024)

BE - Biotechnology - M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (2018 - 2022)