RAHUL KAKALIJ
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
Omaha,USA
1
Certification
15
years of professional experience
Research Instructor in translational pharmacology and autoimmune research, integrating flow cytometry, RNA-seq, and biomarker analysis to map disease mechanisms in lupus and B-cell development. Leads preclinical studies on DNA repair genes and mutant lupus models to connect molecular findings to therapeutic target discovery. Publishes and presents complex datasets across academic and industry-facing settings.
Work History
Research Instructor
2 Years 5 Months- Multi-Modal Data Integration: Design and execute analytical workflows, utilizing FlowJo for high-content flow cytometry gating and parsing RNA-seq datasets to evaluate CUX1 mutations in B-cell development.
- Biomarker Discovery: Analyze high-dimensional DNA damage and molecular biomarkers to map the initiation, progression, and pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Translational Research: Lead experimental strategies on germline mutant lupus models, pinpointing the mechanistic roles of DNA repair genes to drive therapeutic target discovery.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
3 Years- Model Validation: Successfully established novel preclinical disease models and experimental protocols to explore iron-induced renal injury and autoimmune kidney damage.
- Data Dissemination: Analyzed, evaluated, and published high-content translational research data, resulting in peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals.
- Presentation Excellence: Awarded 1st Prize in Postdoctoral Oral Presentation (Oct 2021) by the Midlands Society of Physiological Sciences (MSPS) for outstanding data presentation.
Assistant Professor (Pharmacology)
2 Years 5 Months- Project Leadership: Spearheaded pharmacological research project protocols for graduate students while mentoring master's theses and writing comprehensive research reports.
Research Executive
10 Months- Clinical Data Synthesis: Evaluated preclinical and clinical bioequivalence dataset metrics to prepare regulatory dossiers, expert reports, safety metrics, and Investigator’s Brochures (IB).
- KOL Engagement: Conducted medical-marketing activities, presenting complex scientific findings to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and cross-functional teams.
Research Associate
6 Months- Clinical Trial Operations: Supported site qualification and monitored the implementation and clinical operational quality of bioequivalence studies.
Graduate Teaching Assistant / Researcher
5 Years 11 Months- Research Execution: Secured research grant funding from ICMR, monitored hospital-based Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) programs & published initial research on bioactive molecules.
Education
Ph.D. - Pharmacology
M.Pharm. - Clinical Pharmacy
B.Pharm. - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Skills
FlowJo (gating & high-dimensional flow cytometry analysis)
GraphPad Prism (biostatistics)
bulk RNA-seq data evaluation
pathway enrichment
multi-modal data integration
clinical study protocols
Investigator’s Brochures (IB)
Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSUR)
peer-reviewed manuscript development
Scientific data interpretation
Scientific peer review
Grant writing
Affiliations
Indian Pharmacological Society (IPS), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the American Physiological Society (APS) and Registered Pharmacist with the Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council (MSPC),
Certification
Formally trained in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), Lab Safety, and Waste Management.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
- Summary of Impact: Co-authored 12 peer-reviewed papers and 4 conference abstracts in high-impact journals focusing on autoimmune-mediated renal disease, TLR7 pathways, and inflammation.
- Kakalij RM, Dsouza DL, Ha L, Boesen EI. TLR7 activation by imiquimod worsens glycemic control in female FVB/N mice consuming a high-fat diet. Physiol Rep. 2024.
- Kakalij R M, Dsouza D L, Boesen E I. Development of high fat diet-induced hyperinsulinemia in mice is enhanced by co-treatment with a TLR7 agonist. Front. Physiology. 2022.
- Boesen EI, Kakalij RM. Autoimmune-mediated renal disease and hypertension. Clin Sci (Lond). 2021.
Awards and honors
Awarded 1st Prize in Postdoctoral Oral Presentation (Oct 2021) by the Midlands Society of Physiological Sciences (MSPS) for outstanding data presentation.
Timeline
Research Instructor
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
03.2024 - CurrentRead More
Postdoctoral Research Associate
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
03.2021 - 03.2024Read More
Assistant Professor (Pharmacology)
KK Wagh College of Pharmacy
07.2019 - 12.2021Read More
Research Executive
Medley Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
01.2018 - 11.2018Read More
Research Associate
Sipra Labs Ltd.
06.2017 - 12.2017Read More
Graduate Teaching Assistant / Researcher
School of Pharmacy, JNTU
07.2011 - 06.2017Read More
BAMU
B.Pharm. from Pharmaceutical Sciences
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NMIMS University
M.Pharm. from Clinical Pharmacy
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JNTU
Ph.D. from Pharmacology
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