Indira Paudel

Environmental scientist and research scientist with 12+ years of laboratory and field research experience spanning molecular biology, PCR/qRT-PCR, environmental sample analysis, water and soil chemistry, analytical methods, experimental design, laboratory documentation, and scientific data interpretation. Experienced in developing and following laboratory protocols, performing sample preparation and analyses, maintaining accurate experimental records, evaluating complex laboratory data, conducting quality-focused laboratory work, and preparing technical reports and scientific publications. Ph.D. in Soil and Water Sciences with extensive experience working with environmental samples and multidisciplinary research teams.

Prepared to apply molecular biology and environmental laboratory expertise to wastewater and water-based public health testing.

Research Associate - Carnegie Institution for Science — Department of Global Ecology

(2022-01 - 2025-12)

• Planned, executed, and analyzed laboratory and environmental studies involving soil, water, and plant samples and environmental processes.
• Performed laboratory analyses of environmental samples using established analytical methods and instrumentation.
• Developed and implemented standardized experimental protocols to promote consistent and reproducible laboratory procedures.
• Coordinated sample preparation, laboratory analyses, data collection, and documentation across multiple research activities.
• Maintained detailed laboratory records, experimental documentation, and data files.
• Evaluated and interpreted laboratory and environmental data and identified trends relevant to research objectives.
• Conducted quality-focused checks of experimental procedures, analytical data, and laboratory workflows.
• Prepared technical reports, scientific manuscripts, data summaries, and research presentations.
• Coordinated multidisciplinary research activities while maintaining project schedules and laboratory priorities.
• Collaborated with scientists and research partners on environmental monitoring and analytical research projects.
• Followed laboratory safety procedures and established research protocols during laboratory and field activities.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Purdue University - West Lafayette, Indiana

(2019-01 - 2022-12)

• Designed and managed laboratory and controlled-environment experiments involving environmental samples and biological responses.
• Conducted soil, water, carbon, and nutrient analyses supporting environmental and climate research.
• Performed biochemical, molecular, and analytical laboratory assays using established procedures.
• Applied PCR and qRT-PCR molecular methods in research workflows.
• Developed, optimized, and documented laboratory procedures and experimental protocols.
• Maintained organized laboratory records and experimental documentation to support data integrity and reproducibility.
• Evaluated laboratory results and analyzed complex datasets using statistical and quantitative methods.
• Performed quality-focused review of experimental procedures, analytical measurements, and research data.
• Prepared technical reports, research summaries, manuscripts, and scientific presentations.
• Supervised undergraduate and graduate students and research personnel in laboratory activities, procedures, and safety practices.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams on projects supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Weizmann Institute of Science - Israel

(2017-01 - 2018-12)

• Conducted laboratory, greenhouse, and field research involving environmental and biological samples.
• Performed molecular, biochemical, and analytical laboratory assays.
• Applied PCR and other molecular biology techniques in experimental research.
• Conducted GC-MS, spectroscopy, and stable isotope analyses.
• Assisted in developing and implementing new laboratory protocols and analytical workflows.
• Prepared and processed samples for laboratory analysis while maintaining accurate experimental records.
• Evaluated and interpreted laboratory results and contributed to technical research reports.
• Collaborated with chemists, molecular biologists, and environmental scientists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Mentored graduate researchers in laboratory procedures, experimental methods, and scientific data analysis.

Ph.D. - Soil and Water Sciences - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

M.S. - Soil and Water Sciences - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

B.S. - Agriculture - Tribhuvan University, Nepal