Sushanta Ratna
Newark,DE
Summary
Scientist with seven years of extensive research experience in biochemistry, microbiology, and oncology, specializing in translational research that bridges clinical and industry applications. Expertise includes molecular biology, protein engineering, analytical methods, and high-throughput screening, along with a strong background in teaching complex concepts in chemistry and biology. Recognized for exceptional experimental design, robust data analysis, and clear scientific writing while fostering effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Adaptable and results-driven, dedicated to advancing innovative and impactful scientific solutions that address real-world challenges.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Prelude Therapeutics LLC
06.2025 - Current
- Designed and optimized expression vectors in mammalian cell-based systems, enhancing experimental efficiency.
- Executed functional cell-based assays to investigate cancer-related signaling pathways, contributing to translational research.
- Applied AlphaLISA technology to assess compound effects on pathway activity, improving assay accuracy.
- Designed and executed experiments to investigate novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
Doctoral Research, Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Grimes lab
University of Delaware
07.2020 - 05.2025
- Engineered expression constructs to enable recombinant protein production for biochemical characterization of cell wall recycling pathways in bacterial and fungal model systems. [Publication link]
- Elucidated the cell wall recycling machinery of Legionella pneumophila by identifying amgK and murU homologs, defining the function of LPG_RS01495, generating knockout and complemented strains, and performing macrophage invasion assays with metabolically labeled bacteria to reveal the critical role of recycling pathways in intracellular replication. [Publication link]
- Developed and optimized bioorthogonal labeling strategies (CuAAC, TCO, and SPAAC) to investigate Bacillus subtilis peptidoglycan remodeling using NAM probes, characterized lysozyme-digested peptidoglycan fragments by mass spectrometry, and performed macrophage invasion assays to elucidate the role of the NAM probe in bacterial cell wall synthesis and host–pathogen interactions. [Publication link]
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Master of Science Research, Biology at Daniel lab
Purdue University Fort Wayne
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Investigated the impact of efflux pump inhibitors on antibiotic tolerance in Mycobacterium smegmatis under non-replicating conditions induced by hypoxia, nutrient starvation, and acidic stress, revealing altered drug response and fatty acid incorporation into glycopeptidolipids. [Publication link]
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Scientific officer
Globe Biotech Limited
04.2018 - 07.2018
- Operated and maintained bioreactors for large-scale bacterial culture, ensuring process efficiency and regulatory compliance, while serving as the Process Safety and Quality Control Officer.
- Implemented safety protocols within the laboratory environment, significantly reducing accidents and incidents.
Education
Ph.D. - Biochemistry
University of Delaware
Newark05-2025
Master of Science - Biology
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN01.2020
Master of Science - Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Jahangirnagar University
Dhaka, Bangladesh. 12-2017
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Jahangirnagar University
Dhaka, Bangladesh05-2015
Skills
- Genetic engineering techniques
- Molecular editing proficiency
- Vector design expertise
- Antibody design
- Protein Expression and Purification
- Fast protein liquid chromatography
- Column chromatography techniques
- Analytical mass spectrometry
- Protein Protein Interaction (NanoBiT, FRET)
- Experience with flow cytometry analysis
- Advanced confocal microscopy
- Western blotting proficiency
- AlphaLISA proficiency
- Experience with pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria
- Mammalian cell culture expertise
- Stable cell line generation
- Cryopreservation techniques
- Electroporation techniques
- Cellular transfection methods
- Immunostaining techniques
- GraphPad Prism
- PyMol
- SnapGene
- BLAST
- Tecan DE300 operation
- Multidrop Combi
- ChemiDot
- GlowMax
- Cell-based assays
- Biochemical characterization
- Pathway analysis
- Mass spectrometry
- Bioorthogonal labeling
- Process optimization
- Regulatory compliance
- Safety protocol implementation
- Scientific writing
- Data interpretation
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Prelude Therapeutics LLC
06.2025 - Current
Doctoral Research, Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Grimes lab
University of Delaware
07.2020 - 05.2025
Master of Science Research, Biology at Daniel lab
Purdue University Fort Wayne
08.2018 - 05.2020
Scientific officer
Globe Biotech Limited
04.2018 - 07.2018
Ph.D. - Biochemistry
University of Delaware
Master of Science - Biology
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Master of Science - Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Jahangirnagar University
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Jahangirnagar University