Satyababu Mekarti

Distinguished Assay Biologist, Cell and Molecular Biologist, and Microbiologist with over 14 years of progressive research experience across leading academic institutions and industrial R&D environments. Possesses deep expertise in high-throughput screening (HTS), biochemical and cell-based assay development, genome engineering, and advanced molecular biology techniques that underpin modern drug discovery programs. Demonstrated success in CRISPR-driven cell engineering, viral gene delivery platforms, assay validation, and compound screening workflows.

Renowned for the ability to troubleshoot complex experimental challenges, orchestrate multidisciplinary teams, and drive innovation while maintaining rigorous adherence to GLP, biosafety, and international regulatory standards. Consistently delivers impactful scientific and operational outcomes that accelerate therapeutic development and translational research.

Senior Lead Scientist - Syngene Scientific Solutions Limited - Hyderabad, India

(2024-09)

• Lead assay development and high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns for drug discovery programs
• Designed and optimized biochemical and cell-based assays for target validation and compound screening
• Performed functional assays including NanoBRET, CTG, HiBiT, ADCC, CDC, proliferation and cytotoxicity assays
• Conducted Western blot and RT-PCR studies to validate cell signaling pathways
• Executed biochemical assays (ADP-Glo kinase, AlphaLISA, ELISA) for enzyme activity and inhibitor screening
• Supported early-stage drug discovery through hit identification, assay validation, and data analysis

Senior Associate Scientist - Syngene International Limited - Bangalore, India

(2021-09 - 2024-09)

• Developed CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing strategies, including gene Knock-Out and Knock-In models
• Performed extensive transfections using Lipofectamine and electroporation systems (NEPA21, NEON) in ~ 50 cell lines
• Produced and optimized AAV serotypes and Lentiviral vectors for gene delivery studies as well as recombination studies to improve the efficiency of recombinases
• Conducted mammalian cell culture, cloning, plasmid preparation, qRT-PCR, and Western blot analysis
• Utilized Flow Cytometry (FACS) for cell sorting and stable cell line generation (Stable pools, Sorted pool and Monoclones)
• Analysed experimental data using GraphPad Prism and ExcelFit
• Maintained compliance with GLP standards and biosafety protocols

Senior Research Associate - Vidya Herbs R&D Centre - Bangalore, India

(2013-07 - 2021-09)

• Conducted molecular biology and microbiology research on natural products and herbal formulations
• Designed in vitro bioactivity assays for mechanism-of-action studies
• Standardized experimental workflows and documentation for regulatory submissions
• Trained laboratory personnel in biosafety, quality control, and waste management procedures

Junior Research Fellow (JRF) - Indian Institute of Science (IISc) - Bangalore, India

(2011-10 - 2013-07)

• Investigated Rotavirus structural and non-structural genes for molecular characterization. Cloned, expressed, and purified recombinant viral proteins in bacterial and mammalian systems. Performed SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and spectroscopic analyses to study viral protein functions. Contributed to research on viral pathogenesis and potential antiviral targets

M.Sc. - Biochemistry - Andhra University

B.Ed. - Andhra University

B.Sc. - Botany, Zoology, Chemistry - Andhra University

Intermediate - Board of Intermediate Education

High School - CBSE