Aniruddha Sarkar, Ph.D.

Biomedical Scientist and Entrepreneur with expertise in chromosome instability, Ca²⁺ signaling, and DNA damage response pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer. Successfully led 5+ research projects with over $1M in funding and $50K in fellowships. Proven leadership in managing 4+ complex projects and collaborating with 5+ cross-disciplinary experts.

Delivered 10+ scientific presentations and published in high-impact journals. Strong analytical skills and solution-oriented mindset with clear communication and scientific storytelling. Active in strategic planning and biotech consulting.

Participated in NIH/NIA-backed fellowships gaining practical experience in commercializing aging-related biomedical research.

Post-Doctoral Fellow - Dana-Farber Cancer Institute / Harvard Medical School - Boston, MA

(2020-01)

Lead Investigator in kinetochore-microtubule dynamics regulating chromosome stability during mitosis, with a focus on identifying novel therapeutic targets to exploit CIN in cancer cells. 5+ years as Imaging Core Manager & Consultant, Department of Radiation Oncology, DFCI.

• Independently led research uncovering the role of the CDK5–cyclin B1 complex in maintaining mitotic fidelity, identifying its potential as a cancer therapeutic target (published in Nature, 2024).
• Developed advanced imaging assays for high-content analysis of cell division, with translational applications in cancer diagnostics.
• Currently preparing a manuscript on how DNA Damage Response proteins safeguard genomic integrity during mitosis.
• Collaborated with leaders in chromosome instability and DNA damage research at HMS and DFCI.

Ph.D. Research Fellow - University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha, NE

(2015-01 - 2019-12)

Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy. Investigated how non-transformed mammalian cells respond to stressors like hypoxia-induced cellular stress, Ca²⁺ depletion, and glucose starvation, identifying stress response pathways as therapeutic targets.

• Led a research project uncovering how the oncogene Ecdysoneless (ECD) promotes cancer cell survival under hypoxia via store-operated Ca²⁺ entry and HIF1α-driven glucose metabolism.
• Developed 3+ new techniques including live-cell imaging and biochemical assays.
• Mentored 5+ graduate and master's students; contributed to multiple collaborative publications.

Advisor - Awdacity - Boston, MA

(2025-01)

Web-based analytics platform for digital pathology, life science, biotech & healthcare.

• Lead scientific roadmap for image-based biomarker detection; oversee assay pipelines, image analysis, and dataset reviews.
• Build collaborations with academia and biopharma; scout clients via Pitch Book; represent at industry events.

Licensing Intern - Emory Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) - Atlanta, GA

(2025-01)

Actively involved in technology evaluation and commercialization processes.

• Collaborate with Patent and Marketing teams to prepare non-confidential summaries, conduct market research, Prior Patent search and assess commercial potential.

Business Development Intern - Dana-Farber Innovations (Belfer Office) - Boston, MA

(2025-01)

Building meaningful connections across diverse stakeholders; learning how therapeutic innovations align with industry needs and market trends.

Spring LIFT Fellow - UMass M2D2 (NIH/NIA-Supported) - Lowell, MA

(2025-01)

Selected for competitive experiential fellowship for early-career scientists in aging and age-related diseases.

• Participated in weekly industry-led workshops covering BMC, market sizing, value proposition design, regulatory strategy, and go-to-market execution.

Summer A-REDI Entrepreneurial Fellow - BIDMC / HMS (NIH/NIA-Supported) - Boston, MA

(2025-01)

Selected for competitive 4-month fellowship in aging research and biotech entrepreneurship.

• Gained hands-on experience in FDA pathways, business development, and commercialization.
• Collaborated with VCs, CROs, and biotech mentors to shape IP and pitch strategies.

Strategy & Operations Lead - Nucleate - Boston, MA

(2023-01 - 2024-12)

• Led 1:1 industrial mentorship sessions connecting teams with domain experts.
• Advised on commercial strategy, market analysis, go-to-market planning, regulatory strategy, IP generation, and equity distribution.
• Organized VC-led startup workshops and pitch events that led to successful funding.

VP of Case Competition - GSAS Harvard Consulting Club - Boston, MA

(2021-01 - 2022-12)

• Scouted companies, conducted interviews, developed business cases under professional mentorship.
• Led teams to solve real-world cases through due diligence, assumption validation, and commercial strategy.

Biotech Investment Course - GSAS Harvard Biotech Club - Boston, MA

(2022-01 - 2022-12)

• Developed core skills in biotech R&D strategy, due diligence, financial analysis (DCF, EV/EBITDA, P/E), and fundraising strategies (VC, IPO, PIPEs).
• Assessed clinical and regulatory risk, FDA pathways, market sizing, IP strategy, and competitor analysis.
• Participated in investment pitch competition integrating scientific, regulatory, and financial insights.

Ph.D. - Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy - University of Nebraska Medical Center (2015-01 - 2019-12)

B.S./M.S. - Biotechnology (5-Year Integrated Program) - St. Xavier's College (2008-01 - 2013-12)