Irfan Khorasi
Address:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Nationality:
196/98 Nishan pada road, 1st Floor, Flat no 5, Mumbai 400 009
+919930840345
irfan.khorasi@gmail.com
Indian
Personal Statement
 A dynamic professional with over 2 years of rich experience in lab operations and research. Highly motivated postgraduate
from the University of Leicester, UK in Molecular Pathology and Toxicology with the ability to work in a fast paced team
environment. Proven expertise in molecular, immunological and analytical skills and able to work independently with strong
interpersonal and transferable skills.
Education Qualification
 2011-2012: University of Leicester
MSc Molecular Pathology and Toxicology, Distinction (73%)
Modules included:
Molecular Mechanisms in Pathology
Carcinogenesis and Cancer Biology
Inflammation
Molecular Mechanisms in Toxicology
Reproductive Toxicology
Research project - ‘’Development of mass spectrometric and immunoassay methods for the determination of the
epigenetic modification 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxycytidine in genomic DNA’’
A brief description of the work is attached as an appendix
 2007-2009: Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil University
MSc Biochemistry, (71.4%)
Modules included:
Clinical Biochemistry
Recombinant DNA Technology
Bioinformatics
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Molecular Biology
Biogenetics and Intermediary metabolism
Research Methodology and Biostatistics
Research project - ‘’Standardization of paper chromatography method for screening of Inborn errors of amino acid
metabolism’’
A brief description of the work is attached as an appendix
 2004-2006: Mumbai University
BSc Microbiology
Modules included:
Genetics and Virology
Biological Chemistry
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Immunology
Industrial microbiology
Relevant Work Experience
 Saf Labs Private Ltd
Research Assistant
June 2013 – December 2013
Job Responsibilities:
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Responsible for execution of molecular biological and genetic techniques including DNA amplification, molecular
cloning, sub cloning of DNA constructs
Executed experiments to troubleshoot, develop and optimize new techniques and procedures
Facilitated in maintaining records of ongoing laboratory projects
Participated in developing new strategies to accelerate processes/activities/services in the lab
Contributed towards maintenance of laboratory equipments and ensured Good Lab Practices
Responsible to provide training and support to team members and customers when required
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 Super Religare Laboratories Ltd
Scientific Officer
January 2010 – August 2011
Job Responsibilities:
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Strong molecular biology skills particularly gel based and real time PCR, Nucleic acid extraction and sequencing and
handling auto analyzers such as COBAS Taqman and Amplicor
Facilitated to coordinate and perform tests within TAT as per defined Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Analysed internal and external QA specimens and maintaining records of all reports as per QA guidelines
Monitored critical / abnormal findings which required further escalation and was responsible for daily maintenance of
instruments
Responsible for maintaining the appropriate storage of specimens as per SOP
Ensuring compliance and observing laboratory safety precautions whilst handling clinical specimens and performing
tests
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Other Work Experience
 AC Nielsen ORG MARG
Operations Executive
April 2006 – December 2006
Job Responsibilities:
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As an operations executive in a market research organization, assisted in monitoring performance for the team
Assisted in planning and organizing activities within own area of responsibility to ensure timely, effective and efficient
process execution
Responsible to plan and organize field projects in relation to schedule, allocating quota and research materials
Maintained a high level of quality while achieving productivity targets
Areas of Expertise
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Experience in techniques related to Research and Clinical Diagnostics in area such as
HPLC and Mass Spectrometric techniques
Molecular genetics and Recombinant DNA techniques
DNA and RNA extraction, Molecular cloning and sub cloning, Real time and various gel based PCR, RAPD, RFLP,
agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and handling high throughput auto analysers
Macromolecular Blotting, Probing and Immunoassays
Southern blotting, Western blotting, in situ hybridization, Immuno fluorescence, ELISA, Immunoslot and dot blot
Protein Purification techniques
TLC and other chromatographic techniques and SDS PAGE
Team player with strong analytical, leadership, clinical interpretation & organisational abilities.
Adaptability
Successfully embraced the teaching standards and the independent living condition in the UK.
Demonstrated ability to integrate in different cultures by undertaking work experience and taking part in a volunteering
Effective communicator with strong presentation skills.
Developed excellent communication skills by interacting with people from different walks of life
Successfully delivered group and individual project presentations
Effectively proved communication skills by project and laboratory reports and data presentation
Achievements
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Received scholarship from Aga Khan Foundation, Geneva (£ 19,750) as a part of International Scholarship Program for
pursuing Masters in Molecular Pathology and Toxicology at the University of Leicester
Received performance scholarships during masters program from Dr. D. Y. Patil University
Successfully participated in NABL, CAP and ISO audits at Super Religare Laboratories Ltd, India
Computer Proficiency
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Operating System
Packages
: Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, 7.
: MS Office, MS Access, Internet
Basics of Bioinformatics, genome databases, genomic and proteomics tools,
primer designing, etc
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Training and personal development programmes
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Successfully completed the Training Program by TDML – Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Lab.
Volunteer’s Orientation Training Programme for Aga Khan Social Welfare and Development Committee
Volunteer’s Orientation Training Programme for Aga Khan Education Committee
Certificate issued by FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance as a Volunteer
Social Contributions & Extra Curricular Activities
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Volunteered for FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance during Maharashtra floods, India
Local Committee member for Aga Khan Social Welfare and Development Committee, India – 3 years
Local Committee member for Aga Khan Education Committee, India – 1 year
Volunteer of Ismaili Volunteers Corp, UK
References
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Available on request
Appendix
Title: Development of mass spectrometric and immunoassay methods for the determination of the epigenetic modification 5hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxycytidine in genomic DNA.
5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5-MedC) is regarded as ‘’the fifth base’’ and was considered to be the only epigenetic modification
present in the genomic DNA. Recently, 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5-OHMedC) has been confirmed as a new constituent
of DNA and is estimated to account for approximately 0.6% of all 2'-deoxycytidine’s in Purkinje cells which relates to almost 40%
of all 5-MedC. However precise function of this modification has not yet been elucidated. Methods that allow the accurate
assessment of 5-OHMedC levels would be highly beneficial to ascertain the mechanistic role of this epigenetic modification.
The aim of the project was to chemically synthesise 5-OHMedC standard which would be used for the development of liquid
chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) procedure for the detection of 5-OHMedC in genomic DNA. In parallel,
an immunodot blot procedure was also developed. Both the techniques were validated using DNA obtained from calf thymus
and rat liver tissue. The simple one step procedure used for the chemical synthesis of 5-OHMedC was direct hydroxymethylation
of 2'-deoxycytidine with formaldehyde. The reaction mixture was purified by HPLC-UV to separate 5-OHMedC from other
reaction components and the fractions were characterised by mass spectrometry. The developed immunodot blot procedure
was developed using a commercially available monoclonal antibody and had a detection limit as low as 0.05pmol of 5-OHMedC.
Title: Standardization of paper chromatography method for screening of Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism.
Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism are congenital metabolic disorders resulting from defects of single genes that code for
enzymes essential for metabolism of biomolecules. This leads to the accumulation of toxic intermediates which interfere with
normal functions and consequently lead to life threatening deterioration and even mortality in certain cases.
The aim of the project was to develop a low resource screening test for the detection of Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism.
Paper chromatography technique (1D and 2D) was developed after analysing various grades and dimensions of chromatographic
papers and solvent systems. The developed method was validated using urine samples obtained from known patients and
healthy individuals. The results from paper chromatography were correlated with HPLC to confirm the findings. The method was
not intended to replace identification by HPLC but rather as a screening test to reduce the cost of screening of healthy
individuals.
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