Sakshi Sarda

Biopharma professional with 2 years of hands-on experience in biologics and biosimilar research, specializing in cell culture, cell line development, ELISA, cell-based assays, and assay development. Proficient in experimental execution, data interpretation, troubleshooting, and scientific documentation, with practical experience supporting research activities in a regulated laboratory environment. Detail-oriented and adaptable, with a strong interest in contributing to R&D and analytical functions within the biopharmaceutical industry.

Research Associate | Clone Development Department, Biopharma Division at Genext Genomics Pvt. Ltd. (2024-07 – 2026-07)

• Executed transfection (chemical and electroporation via Neon Transfection System) in CHO and 293F mammalian expression systems to generate recombinant protein and monoclonal antibody clones, measured expression screening, by performing transfection through minipool generation.
• Advanced [6] high-expressing monoclonal antibody clones in CHO ZN gs-/- cell line to research cell bank stage, as measured by growth stability and productivity screening across [2] rounds of subcloning, by performing single-cell cloning on the Icon advanced cloning instrument and conducting clone stability assessment upto 80 generations.
• Produced a monoclonal antibody candidate for sickle cell anemia, achieving titer/expression as measured by octet based quantification, by optimizing transfection efficiency and incubator-based fed-batch culture conditions.
• Developing ELISA methods on a microplate reader for binding assays, by designing method protocols.
• Studied and prepared protocols for cell-based assays evaluating TNF-alpha and FcγRIIIa receptor expression on mammalian cells, for the cell based assays for the team.
• Characterized purified recombinant proteins and antibodies via SDS-PAGE and Western blotting, and performed quantitation and binding assays on the Octet platform, supporting stability studies for the mab.
• Purified monoclonal antibodies using manual Protein A resin columns, and maintained sterile mammalian cell culture (passaging, buffer preparation, cell counting via hemocytometer) clone development workflows.
• Improved data traceability across clone development studies, as measured documentation outcomes, by maintaining real-time lab note books in line with good documentation practice (GDP).

Dissertation Project Trainee at ICAR – Central Institute for Cotton Research (2024-01 – 2024-04)

• Contributed to development of drought-resistant cotton lines through studies on SSR markers linked to osmotic potential.
• Performed DNA isolation, ELISA, and gel electrophoresis to support marker-trait association analysis.

Internship Trainee at Rapture Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (2023-05 – 2023-05)

• Gained hands-on experience in nanoparticle synthesis and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, covering proteomics, nanobiotechnology, and cell biology.
• Performed UV spectrophotometer and SDS-PAGE analysis to characterize protein and nanoparticle samples.
• Studied cellular effects of proteins and their post-translational modifications.

In-House Project Trainee at Hislop College (2023-09 – 2023-09)

• Screened actinomycetes isolates for bioactivity and evaluated anti-quorum sensing activity against bacterial cultures.

Master's Degree in Biotechnology – Hislop College (2022 – 2024)

Bachelor's Degree in Science – Shivaji Science College (2019 – 2022)

HSC Board – B.J.M Carmel Academy (2017 – 2019)

SSC Board – B.J.M Carmel Academy (2017 – 2017)