Nirupama Lal

Seasoned biotechnology and molecular biology professional with a Ph.D. in Life Sciences and nearly 13 years of post-Ph.D.

experience in research, translational science, academic leadership, and industrial R&D. Proven track record of establishing and leading research laboratories, developing SOPs and quality systems, managing multidisciplinary teams, and driving projects from concept to proof-of-concept. Expertise spans molecular biology, mitochondrial biology, human genetics, assay development, cell culture, bioinformatics, and phytopharmaceutical product development.

Successfully led R&D initiatives at pharmaceutical and innovation organizations, prepared grant proposals for funding agencies including BIRAC, and mentored scientists and students. Seeking a leadership role as Head – Research & Development to build and scale innovative biotechnology programs, foster scientific excellence, and deliver commercially relevant solutions.

School Faculty - Gurukul Academy - Bengaluru, India

(2025-01 - 2026-12)

Intern – Molecular Genomics - MedGenome Labs Pvt. Ltd. - Bengaluru, India

(2024-01 - 2025-12)

• Performed clinical variant interpretation for genes including CFTR, DMD, ATP7B, and RB1.
• Applied ACMG guidelines using ClinVar, OMIM, gnomAD, Franklin, and other genomic databases.
• Developed understanding of clinical genomics and NGS-based diagnostics.

Founder & Scientific Director - AceBiotek Startup - Bengaluru, India

(2019-04 - 2020-12)

Founded a biotechnology startup focused on developing molecular diagnostics for rare genetic diseases.

• Conceptualized assay development strategies and product roadmaps for diagnostic applications.
• Prepared and defended grant proposals for the BIRAC Ignition Grant program.
• Conducted technical feasibility, market assessment, and commercialization planning.
• Evaluated regulatory and clinical considerations for product development.

Senior Research Scientist & Head – R&D - Atrimed Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. - Bengaluru, India

(2018-01 - 2019-12)

• Established and led the R&D division focused on phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical product development.
• Designed experimental workflows for efficacy validation, mechanism studies, and product optimization.
• Developed SOPs, quality documentation systems, and laboratory operational procedures.
• Prepared and submitted research proposals to funding agencies including BIRAC and public-sector organizations.
• Coordinated with formulation, regulatory, and management teams to advance products toward commercialization.
• Managed scientists and technical staff while overseeing timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

Director – Technical - Keystone Knowledge Park (Section 8 Company) - Gurugram, India

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

• Played a key role in establishing a not-for-profit innovation and incubation organization.
• Evaluated biotech and healthcare startup proposals for technical feasibility and commercialization potential.
• Guided entrepreneurs in prototype development, grant applications, and incubation planning.
• Developed SOPs and governance systems aligned with quality and compliance standards.

ICMR Postdoctoral Fellow - ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) - Hyderabad, India

(2012-01 - 2014-12)

• Led an independent project on mitochondrial-associated senescence in obesity.
• Investigated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aging pathways.
• Designed assays and analyzed molecular and biochemical data.
• Published findings and presented work at national scientific conferences.

Research Associate - ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) - Hyderabad, India

(2011-01 - 2012-12)

• Studied genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying obesity using WNIN rat models.
• Performed DNA methylation and molecular biology experiments.

Research Associate - CSIR–Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) - Hyderabad, India

(2009-01 - 2009-12)

• Worked on adult cardiac stem cell differentiation and regenerative biology.

Research Associate (H1-B) / Postdoctoral Researcher - The Ohio State University - USA

(2005-01 - 2008-12)

• Conducted research on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), oxidative stress, and cell death.
• Investigated effects of drugs, heavy metals, and aging on mitochondrial function.
• Supervised junior researchers and optimized experimental systems.

Contract Faculty - HNB Garhwal Central University - Srinagar, India

(2002-01 - 2004-12)

• Taught postgraduate courses in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics.
• Supervised M.Sc. research projects.

Guest Faculty - CSJM University - Kanpur, India

(2015-01 - 2015-12)

• Delivered lectures in Cell Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, and Bioinformatics.

Ph.D. - Life Sciences (Biotechnology & Molecular Biology) - Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJM University) (2008-12)

M.Sc. - Life Sciences - CSJM University (1997-01 - 1997-12)

B.Sc. - Life Sciences - Kanpur University (1994-12)