Gajendar R

Research Scientist

University of Manchester • Full-time

Apr 2015 - Present • 11 yrs 2 mos

I am a PhD-trained Metabolic Engineer & Synthetic Biologist with 13+ years of hands-on laboratory and academic experience. I have supervised PhD/MSc research projects and supported students and research staff in experimental design, troubleshooting, and scientific writing. Research & Technical Expertise: Designed and executed cloning strategies (gene cloning, plasmid construction, site-directed mutagenesis) Engineered bacterial systems including E. coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum Performed chromosomal knockouts and insertions Optimised RT-PCR and qPCR assays (primer design, amplification efficiency, troubleshooting expression issues) Conducted transcriptomic analyses (microarrays) and whole-genome sequencing validation Led full DBTL (Design–Build–Test–Learn) cycles from concept to publication Academic Supervision & Mentorship: Supervised MSc research projects from proposal to thesis submission Guided students in experimental planning, troubleshooting failed experiments, and refining methodology Mentored BSc/MSc students in lab techniques and data interpretation Assisted in converting complex or inconsistent data into structured, publication-quality results sections Edited and refined dozens of theses and reports to ensure logical flow, scientific clarity, and supervisor-ready standards I now provide direct support to MSc Biology and Biotechnology students who need expert-level guidance in research design, data analysis interpretation, troubleshooting, and scientific writing refinement.