Ritu Raj

R&D Scientist | Project Manager | Nanotechnology • Drug Delivery • Stem Cell & Cancer Biology | PhD with International Research & Industry Experience

India

About

PhD-trained R&D Scientist and Project Manager with a strong blend of international academic research and over a decade of industrial experience across biotechnology and nanotechnology environments. I specialize in drug delivery systems, nanotechnology, stem cell biology, cancer biology, and advanced analytical technique, bringing both scientific depth and practical, industry-aligned execution to R&D teams. My industrial experience includes working on end-to-end research and development workflows from experimental design, formulation optimization, and characterization to data analysis, documentation, and cross-functional project coordination. I have collaborated closely with manufacturing, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure research outputs align with industry standards and product development goals. This exposure has strengthened my ability to manage timelines, mitigate risks, and deliver scientifically robust results in fast-paced R&D settings. In addition to industry work, I’ve gained global research experience at leading institutions in India, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. As an Erasmus Mundus Fellow at Instituto Superior Técnico (Lisbon) and later as postdoctoral research associate at Aston University (UK), I led nanoscience projects involving nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles (EVs) and liposomes working within multicultural, cross-disciplinary teams. I have also contributed to scientific advancements at NIT Rourkela and Aston University. I am passionate about bridging scientific innovation with effective project management, ensuring that research is both high-quality and strategically aligned with organizational objectives. I am open to new opportunities as an R&D Scientist, Principal Scientist, and Project Manager where I can leverage my technical expertise, industry experience, and leadership strengths to drive impactful research and product development.

Experience

  • Senior Research Scientist at Pandorum Technologies
    Apr 2026 - Present · 4 mos

    Development of nanotherapeutics platforms focusing on exosome and LNP-based RNA delivery systems for regenerative medicine. Scaling production from lab to clinical volumes, establishing stability protocols. Aligning R&D with industry standards.

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate at Aston University
    May 2024 - Apr 2026 · 2 yrs

    • Led innovative research on engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) to create immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies. • Designed and characterized EV formulations, assessing their immunological effects through advanced analytical techniques. • Coordinated cross-functional projects, ensuring timely achievement of scientific objectives and thorough documentation.

  • Pandorum Technologies (Full-time · 2 yrs 9 mos)
    • Senior Scientist
      Oct 2023 - May 2024 · 8 mos

    • Scientist
      Sep 2021 - Oct 2023 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Leading nanotherapeutic research for the development of nanoscale delivery systems (exosomes, liposomes, hybrid nanosomes) their formulation, characterization, and implementation for clinical applications. To develop nanoscale systems for the delivery of therapeutics cargo (mRNA/miRNA, proteins) in avascular (cornea) and vascular (liver, lung, kidney, heart) tissue regeneration.

  • Research Scientist at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Foundation
    Feb 2018 - May 2021 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    Spearheading the Center for Nanoparticle Research at MSMF, which involves the development of techniques for nanomaterial formulation, characterization, and implementation for clinical applications. Developed gold nanoparticles-based sensors for cancer biomarkers, hyperthermic magnetic nanoparticles for tumors, Janus particles for dual drug delivery, electrospun fibers for wound healing, hydrogels as 3D cancer models, and siRNA-directed multidrug-resistant gene silencing and protein downregulation. My role includes regular interaction with clinicians, oncologists, and health professionals to comprehend the gap between the research lab and the operation table.

  • National Institute of Technology Rourkela (5 yrs 4 mos)
    • Ph.D.
      Jan 2013 - Jan 2018 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      Thesis title: Synthesis of fluorescent nanoparticles and bacteria-nanoparticle conjugates for targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics. In-depth study of nanoparticles' interaction with microbial and mammalian cell lines. Developed microbe-based (microbots) and nanoparticle-based therapeutics for cancer cells by incorporating cadmium and silica nanoparticles in probiotic Lactobacillus sp. Extensive analysis of nanoparticles fate in cancer cell lines and delivery of apoptotic drugs using hybrid nanoparticles

    • Research Fellow
      Oct 2012 - Dec 2012 · 3 mos

      Biodiversity (microflora) survey of Iron mines. Sample collection, isolation, and culture of heavy metal resistant microbes.