Rohitesh Kumar
Scientist II
Frederick,MD
Summary
Natural products chemist with expertise in the isolation, structural elucidation, and semi-synthesis of bioactive compounds from diverse natural sources. Skilled in spectroscopic and analytical techniques including NMR and mass spectrometry (MS). Strong academic background in natural products discovery, with a focus on anticancer and antimicrobial agents derived from marine and terrestrial organisms. Industry experience includes the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a GMP-compliant environment, with familiarity in process validation, quality systems, and regulatory requirements. Proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and international research teams, contributing to drug discovery pipelines across both academic and industrial settings.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Research Assistant
Eskitis Institute, Griffith University
01.2016
- Mass guided purification of secondary metabolites from marine Crinoids using HPLC. Identify the compounds using MS and NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D NMR).
- Supervisor: Associate Professor Rohan Davis
Scientist II
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
10.2021 - Current
- Facilitate the purification and identification of active compounds sourced from diverse natural origins. Provide support for essential operations by assisting colleagues with routine lab tasks, including the procurement of lab consumables, and coordinating Planned Maintenance (PM) for select lab instruments.
- Manager: Christopher C. Thornburg
Postdoc
DTU Bioengineering, Natural Product Discovery, Technical University of Denmark – DTU
Copenhagen, New York
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Discovery and purification of natural products from soil derived Streptomyces. Culturing and fermentation of Streptomyces strains and carrying out mass-guided purification.
- Mentor: Associate Professor Ling Ding
ChemJets Research Fellow
University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
Prague, Czech Republic
06.2018 - 10.2020
- Bioprospecting of unique plants, bioassay-guided isolation of secondary metabolites using chromatographic techniques (column chromatography and HPLC) and structure elucidation using NMR and MS.
- Mentor: Professor Tomaš Ruml
Casual Research Assistant
Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University
Brisbane, Australia, California
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Isolation of unique secondary metabolites from Australian plants using chromatographic techniques and structural confirmation using NMR spectroscopy.
- Supervisor: Associate Professor Rohan Davis
Purification Technician
Leo Pharma
Goldcoast, Australia
11.2016 - 12.2017
- Complete all manufacturing steps in the purification rooms, observe all GMP, hygiene and safety-related company policies and procedures, participate in validation activities, and perform any other operational tasks as requested.
- Manager: Angela Macquire
Visiting Scholar
Eskitis Institute, Griffith University
Brisbane, Australai, California
05.2012 - 11.2012
- Extraction, isolation and purification of natural products from Australian endophytic fungi using various chromatographic techniques. Characterize the isolated secondary metabolites using MS and NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D NMR).
- Funded by Greg Urwin Award. (AUD 25, 000 for 6 months)
- Supervisor: Associate Professor Rohan Davis
Scientific Officer
Institute of Applies Sciences, The University of South Pacific
Suva, Fiji
10.2010 - 10.2012
- Bioassay guided purification of marine natural products using various chromatographic techniques. Characterize the isolated secondary metabolites using MS and NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D NMR). Collection of marine samples such as marine sponges, algae, soft corals and ascidians and also marine sediments. (ICBG funded project in collaboration with Georgia Institute of Technology and Scripps Institute of Oceanography USA).
- Supervisor: Professor William Aalbersberg
Education
PhD - Chemistry
Griffith University
Brisbane, Australia01.2017
MSc - Chemistry
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji01.2010
Post-Graduate Diploma - Chemistry
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji01.2006
BSc - Chemistry and Biology
University of The South Pacific
Suva, Fiji01.2004
Skills
- Isolation and purification of targeted compounds from plant, microbes or marine source
- Proficient in instrumental chemical analysis methodologies, including chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (NMR, HPLC, LC-MS, and HRMS)
- Highly skilled in analysis and structural elucidation of natural products using NMR (1D and 2D), MS, IR and UV spectroscopy
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Familiar with Process Validation (Installation, Operational and Performance Qualifications) and GMP requirements
- Co-supervised and train students in chemistry skills
- Fluent in spoken and written English including ability to write scientific reports
Awards and Scholarships
2024 Outstanding poster- 2024 Spring Research Festival, Fort Deterick, NIH, USA, 2018-2020 ChemJets Research Fellowship (Funded by EU and MEYS Czech Republic), 2013–2016 Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (PhD), 2012 Greg Urwin Award (For internship at Eskitis Institute, Griffith University), 2007–2010 University of the South Pacific (USP) Graduate Assistantship (MSc), 2001–2004 Fiji Multiethnic Scholarship (BSc)
Timeline
Scientist II
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
10.2021 - Current
Postdoc
DTU Bioengineering, Natural Product Discovery, Technical University of Denmark – DTU
10.2020 - 10.2021
ChemJets Research Fellow
University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
06.2018 - 10.2020
Casual Research Assistant
Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University
01.2018 - 05.2018
Purification Technician
Leo Pharma
11.2016 - 12.2017
Research Assistant
Eskitis Institute, Griffith University
01.2016
Visiting Scholar
Eskitis Institute, Griffith University
05.2012 - 11.2012
Scientific Officer
Institute of Applies Sciences, The University of South Pacific
10.2010 - 10.2012
PhD - Chemistry
Griffith University
MSc - Chemistry
University of The South Pacific
Post-Graduate Diploma - Chemistry
University of The South Pacific
BSc - Chemistry and Biology
University of The South Pacific
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