Sahithi Seedarala
Durham,USA
Summary
Scientist with 8+ years of experience across academic and industry settings, specializing in molecular biology, cell-based assays, and analytical workflows supporting gene therapy, biologics, and discovery research. Proven expertise in PCR and ddPCR assay development, mammalian cell culture and transfection, recombinant protein expression, and immunoassay-based analytics (ELISA, Western blot, SDS-PAGE). Experienced in working within GMP-regulated and data-driven environments, with strong skills in experimental design, troubleshooting, and documentation to ensure data integrity and reproducibility. Internationally trained with hands-on experience in the US and Germany, and a strong collaborator in cross-functional research teams.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist
Seamless Therapeutics GmbH
Dresden, Germany
02.2024 - 06.2025
- Streamlined drug screening workflows from cell line transfection to final readout, improving reproducibility, sensitivity, and overall data quality
- Designed and optimized genotyping PCR and ddPCR assays to support genome-editing and discovery workflows
- Reviewed and interpreted experimental data, troubleshooting assay performance to enhance method refinement
- Collaborated with discovery scientists on early validation activities and technical problem-solving to facilitate project advancement
- Maintained detailed experimental records and contributed to internal documentation, ensuring data integrity and assay reproducibility
Lab Researcher
Otto von Guericke University
Magdeburg, Germany
05.2019 - 09.2023
- Engineered stable melanocyte cell lines to investigate tumor microenvironment effects on growth, migration, and metastasis, contributing to understanding melanoma progression.
- Investigated the role of oncogenic Gq/11 signalling on HGF/c-MET signaling in melanoma progression
- Validated cell line behaviour through pathway- and phenotype-based assays, ensuring reliable data on inhibitor response, proliferation, morphology, and migration.
- Performed Western blotting, immunofluorescence, co-IP, viability assays, and migration assays to analyze signaling activity
- Supported mutational profiling by generating targeted, amplicon-based NGS libraries (two-step PCR indexing) to assess hotspot mutations in primary tumors and derived cell lines.
Research Associate
Beryllium Discovery
Boston, USA
12.2016 - 01.2018
- Executed recombinant protein expression in CHO, HEK, E. coli, and baculovirus systems to support diverse research projects
- Performed small-scale Protein A and His-tag purifications; assessed protein quality through SDS-PAGE and ELISA to ensure reliability for downstream applications
- Collaborated on workflow transfer and optimization with project managers and purification teams to streamline processes and enhance project efficiency
Research Technician
Harvard Medical School / MGH Cancer Center
Boston, USA
08.2016 - 12.2016
- Maintained patient-derived 2D/3D cell models to facilitate drug response studies
- Developed HTS-compatible immunofluorescence and viability assays, enhancing screening program capabilities
Intern
Momenta Pharmaceuticals
Cambridge, USA
01.2016 - 06.2016
- Performed GMP-compliant analytical testing of CHO-HCP ELISA
- Ensured accurate documentation in LIMS, adhering to GMP and data integrity standards to maintain compliance
- Drafted SOPs and supported method development, enhancing analytical consistency and reliability
- Developed 2D SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and Protein A-based assays for DS/DP impurity profiling
Education
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Northeastern University
Boston, USA06.2016
Bachelor of Pharmacy - Hyderabad, India
BITS-Pilani
Hyderabad, India05.2014
Skills
Molecular biology
PCR assays, ddPCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA purification, NGS amplicon library preparation, molecular cloning (Gibson assembly, Golden Gate), site-directed mutagenesis
Cell biology
Mammalian transfection (HEK293, Expi-HEK, CHO, Expi-CHO), viral transduction, stable cell line generation (retroviral, lentiviral)
Cell-based assays
CellTiter-Glo, MTS, MABA, crystal violet proliferation assays, migration assays, Annexin V apoptosis assays, flow cytometry (FACS), and ligand-binding assays
Analytical assays
ELISA (CHO-HCP testing), SDS-PAGE, Western blot, 2D-PAGE, Protein A/G residual analytics, Co-IP, immunofluorescence
Bioprocess and protein workflows
Recombinant protein expression (mammalian, E coli, baculovirus, Protein A affinity purification, His-tag (Ni-NTA) purification
Systems and software
Benchling, BioBook (LIMS), SnapGene, GraphPad Prism, SoftMax, ImageJ, PyMOL
Publications
- Mengoni, M., Braun, A. D., Seedarala, S., et al., Transactivation of Met signaling by oncogenic Gnaq drives the evolution of melanoma in Hgf-Cdk4 mice., Cancer Gene Therapy, 31, 6, 884–893, 2024
- Hall, J. A., Seedarala, S., et al., Novobiocin analogues that inhibit the MAPK pathway., Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 59, 3, 925–933, 2016
- Hall, J. A., Seedarala, S., et al., Cucurbitacin D is a disruptor of the HSP90 chaperone machinery., Journal of Natural Products, 78, 4, 873–879, 2015
- Jeankumar, V.U., Alokam, R., Sridevi, J.P., Suryadevara, P., Matikonda, S. S., Peddi, Seedarala. S., Sriram, D
- ., Discovery and Structure Optimization of a Series of Isatin Derivatives as Mycobacterium tuberculosis Chorismate Mutase Inhibitors., Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 83, 4, 498-506, 2014
Timeline
Scientist
Seamless Therapeutics GmbH
02.2024 - 06.2025
Lab Researcher
Otto von Guericke University
05.2019 - 09.2023
Research Associate
Beryllium Discovery
12.2016 - 01.2018
Research Technician
Harvard Medical School / MGH Cancer Center
08.2016 - 12.2016
Intern
Momenta Pharmaceuticals
01.2016 - 06.2016
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Pharmacy - Hyderabad, India
BITS-Pilani