Avijit Mallick
Worcester,MA
Summary
Innovative biologist with expertise in cellular genetics, molecular biology, and lipid biology. Demonstrated success in mitochondrial biology research, signaling pathways, and protein chemistry. Skilled in designing experimental models and analyzing complex biological data to identify novel regulatory pathways. Committed to scientific rigor and collaboration to advance understanding of aging and disease mechanisms.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Worcester, USA
01.2022 - Current
- Investigated mitochondrial stress response in regulating extracellular proteostasis (techniques used: Seahorse Assay, electron microscopy, cellular thermal shift assay) and aging-associated disease models.
- Developed novel protein aggregation models in C. elegans, cell lines, and mouse model (techniques used: differential centrifugation, mass spectrometry, enzymology, electron microscopy, cell culture, mouse neuronal health, and behavior) during aging.
- Different experimental techniques are used to address objectives, including organelle-specific markers, molecular DNA cloning, western blotting, PCR, qPCR, in vitro RNA transcription, RNA sequencing, Co-IP, and Chip-sequencing. Frequently design fusion protein expression constructs, cloning, and testing for expression of toxic proteins such as Amyloid beta.
- Expert in protein expression in E. coli, worms, mammalian, and insect cell systems.
- Identified a pathway that mitigates extracellular aggregation in worms and mammals. Applied for the K99/R00 pathway to independence NIH grant based on my findings of a protective extracellular unfolded protein response to restrict neurodegeneration in models of Alzheimer's Disease. Secured an R01 and R37 NIH funding for the lab.
- Uncovered a novel transcription factor that promotes mitochondrial biogenesis during conditions of mitochondrial stress. The cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was used to demonstrate ligand binding that activates the response.
- Designed protein constructs based on literature and AI-based structure prediction tools.
- Utilized advanced techniques: RNA sequencing, ChIP-sequencing, molecular cloning, and FRET.
Graduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
Hamilton, Canada
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Studied Axin homolog PRY-1's interaction with energy sensor AMPK for muscle health and longevity. Discovered a novel interaction between AXIN and AMPK that leads to energy homeostasis and mitochondrial biogenesis. My findings secured the lab's funding for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
- Discovered microRNA-mediated FGF pathway regulating aging and stress response.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to develop a high-speed, cost-effective phenotypic analysis camera for C. elegans.
- Awarded with funding from the NSERC graduate fellowship throughout the PhD tenure. Presented my findings at various national and international conferences.
Visiting Research Scholar
University of California
Berkeley, USA
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Analyzed ER-specific morphology markers in C. elegans and NEK293T cells.
- Created new markers to visualize endoplasmic protein trafficking under conditions of stress.
- Explored PRY-1's role in ER stress response and trafficking.
- This project was funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research.
Master's Researcher
University of the West of Scotland
, UK
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Demonstrated estradiol's role in apoptosis and receptor expression variation in MCF7 breast cancer cells.
- Learned cell culture techniques, cell viability assay, and in-vitro fluorescent microscopy.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Biology
McMaster University
Canada06-2022
Master of Science - Advanced Biomedical Science
University of The West of Scotland
UK09-2015
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Melbourne
Australia08-2013
Skills
- Cellular Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- CRISPR screen
- Site-directed mutagenesis
- PCR
- RT-PCR
- FACS
- SiRNA
- Cell line-based assays
- Protein Chemistry
- Western Blotting
- Co-IP
- CETSA
- HPLC
- Bioinformatics
- Data Analysis
- Python
- R
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Lipid Biology
- Mass-spec
- Lipid staining
- Electron microscopy
- Worms
- Cell Lines
- Mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease
- Scientific Writing
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Grant Writing
- Funding Procurement
- Fellowships
- K99/R00
- R01
- Scientific communication
- Leadership skills
- Cell culture
Key Scholarships And Fellowships
- NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, USA, 08/2022 - 05/2024
- NSERC Graduate Scholarship, Canada, 08/2019 - 05/2022
- Dean's list for excellent leadership contributions, Canada, 01/2020
- Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements, Canada, 01/2021
- International Postgraduate Scholarship, UK, 08/2014 - 05/2015
- Melbourne International Undergraduate Fee Remission Scholarship, Australia, 08/2010 - 05/2013
Key Publications
- Mallick, A., et al. Methods in Enzymology, 2024.
- Mallick, A., Taylor, S., Gupta, B.P. Scientific Reports, 2022.
- Mallick, A., et al. Frontiers in Aging, 2022.
- Mallick, A., et al. G3: Genes Genome Genetics, 2021.
- Mallick, A. and Gupta, B.P. F1000 Research, 2021.
- Mallick, A., et al. iScience, 2020.
- Mallick, A. and Gupta, B.P. micropublication, 2020.
- Chalich, Y., Mallick, A., et al. PLoS One, 2020.
- Mallick, A., et al. BMC Developmental Biology, 2019.
- Mallick, A., et al. Journal of Developmental Biology, 2019.
- Mallick, A., and Taylor, S., Breast Cancer Management, 2019.
- Ranawade, A., Mallick, A., et al. PLoS One, 2018.
Leadership Experience
- Postdoctoral Representative, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, 06/2022 - Present
- International Officer, CUPE 3906, McMaster University, 08/2018 - 05/2020
- Health & Safety Representative, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 08/2018 - 05/2020
Accomplishments
- Mentorship Impact: Successfully supervised six undergraduate thesis students, many of whom have progressed to PhD programs, STEM careers, medical school, and positions in government research.
- International Collaboration: Co-authored and published peer-reviewed research in collaboration with scientists across Europe, Canada, and the United States.
- Health & Safety Leadership: Officially recognized for outstanding contributions as a Health Laboratory Safety Inspector in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University, ensuring compliance across high-containment research labs.
Timeline
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
01.2022 - Current
Visiting Research Scholar
University of California
01.2021 - 12.2021
Graduate Research Assistant
McMaster University
01.2016 - 01.2022
Master's Researcher
University of the West of Scotland
01.2014 - 12.2015
Doctor of Philosophy - Biology
McMaster University
Master of Science - Advanced Biomedical Science
University of The West of Scotland
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Melbourne
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