Career as a Computational Biologist | Jobs, Skills & Industry Insights | Biopatrika
Career Konnect brings forward diverse career journeys to help students and professionals explore opportunities beyond traditional academic paths. In this edition, we feature Suryanarayanan Venkatesan, PhD, Senior Research Scientist at BugWorks Research India Pvt. Ltd. With expertise in bioinformatics and computational biology, his journey from academia to startup-driven research highlights the growing importance of in silico approaches in modern drug discovery and life sciences.
Career Konnect Interview
Q1. Dr. Suryanarayanan, could you tell us about your academic background and where you studied?
Suryanarayanan:
I completed my Master’s in Biotechnology at Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras in Tamil Nadu. After that, I pursued another Master’s degree in Bioinformatics from Sathyabama University, Tamil Nadu. My academic journey was focused on building a strong foundation in both biological sciences and computational approaches.
Q2. How was your experience during your Master’s, and what motivated you to pursue a PhD?
Suryanarayanan:
My Master’s experience was very enriching and provided me with good exposure, especially in areas like computer-aided tools and bioinformatics applications. During this time, I was able to publish a research paper as part of my major project, which gave me confidence in my research abilities. This experience motivated me to pursue a PhD, and I decided to continue at Sathyabama University under the guidance of Professor Sanjeev Kumar Singh.
Q3. How was your PhD experience, and what were the key learnings?
Suryanarayanan:
My PhD experience was very positive and played a crucial role in shaping my career. One of the biggest advantages was the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from reputed institutions such as IITs, IISERs, and CSIR labs. These collaborations helped me gain broader exposure and enhanced my research perspective.
I was also able to publish multiple research papers during my PhD. However, there were challenges as well. Time management was one of the major difficulties, along with the need to continuously learn new concepts. Fortunately, I had supportive seniors who helped me strengthen my fundamentals and guided me through the learning process.
Q4. After your PhD, how did you decide between academia and industry?
Suryanarayanan:
After completing my PhD, I was initially in a dilemma about whether to pursue academia through postdoctoral research or transition into industry. I decided to explore both options simultaneously by applying to postdoctoral positions as well as industry roles.
Eventually, I secured a position at QuantumZyme, a startup based in Bangalore that focuses on in silico enzyme engineering. This opportunity allowed me to step into the industry and explore how computational biology is applied in real-world scenarios.
Q5. How was your first experience transitioning from academia to industry?
Suryanarayanan:
Transitioning from academia to industry was a valuable learning experience. The pace of work in industry is significantly different from academia. In academic research, projects often progress at a slower and more flexible pace, whereas in industry—especially in a CRO environment—the pace is much faster and more structured.
I had to handle multiple projects simultaneously and adapt quickly to new challenges. This shift required me to be more efficient, organized, and responsive. Overall, it was a great experience that helped me grow professionally.
Q6. What skills from your academic training helped you succeed in industry?
Suryanarayanan:
Academic training provided a strong foundation that was very useful in industry. Having a solid research background and publications helped me gain entry into industry roles. More importantly, my technical expertise in tools such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations aligned well with industry requirements.
Even though the application domain differed, the underlying computational skills remained highly relevant. This made my transition smoother and allowed me to contribute effectively from the beginning.
Q7. How is your current role at BugWorks different from your previous role at QuantumZyme?
Suryanarayanan:
QuantumZyme primarily functioned as a CRO, although it later expanded into internal R&D. In contrast, BugWorks is more focused on core research and development. In my current role, I work extensively on computational drug design and explore various therapeutic targets.
This role allows me to apply my PhD expertise more directly and engage in deeper research-driven problem-solving. It also provides opportunities to work on diverse projects and continuously learn new aspects of computational biology.
Q8. What was the application and interview process like for startup companies?
Suryanarayanan:
The application process for startups is similar to that of larger companies but generally faster. It typically involves an initial screening, followed by a telephonic interview, and then an on-site presentation.
During the presentation round, I was required to present my PhD research as well as my previous work experience. The key difference is the speed of the process—startups tend to move quickly compared to larger organizations, where hiring can take several months.
Q9. What technical and soft skills are important for a career in computational biology?
Suryanarayanan:
Strong fundamentals in molecular modeling and drug design are essential for a career in computational biology. Knowledge of computational tools and techniques, along with at least one programming language, is also important.
In addition to technical skills, soft skills such as communication and interpersonal abilities are equally important. As a computational biologist, I collaborate with professionals from different domains, including biochemists and medicinal chemists. Effective communication is necessary to exchange insights and work efficiently as a team.
Q10. What should students focus on if they want to enter this field?
Suryanarayanan:
Students should focus on building strong fundamentals in molecular modeling and drug design. Gaining hands-on experience through projects is equally important. Working on collaborative projects can significantly broaden one’s perspective and prepare them for handling multiple targets and challenges simultaneously.
This field requires the ability to adapt and work across different problem areas, so exposure to diverse projects is highly beneficial.
Q11. How important is networking in this field?
Suryanarayanan:
Networking is very important for understanding industry expectations and exploring job opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn are extremely useful for connecting with professionals in the field.
I personally interacted with people from different industries to learn about their work and gain insights into how the industry functions. These interactions helped me prepare better and make informed career decisions.
Q12. What does a typical day in your role look like?
Suryanarayanan:
My day typically starts with collecting and processing biological data such as sequences and structures from different targets. I then perform computational analyses, including molecular docking and simulations.
After analyzing the results, I discuss my findings with team members. The process is iterative and involves continuous feedback, refinement, and collaboration.
Q13. Do you find time for hobbies alongside your professional work?
Suryanarayanan:
Yes, I make time for my hobbies. I enjoy playing sports, especially cricket and badminton. These activities help me stay active and provide a good balance to my professional life. Recently, I have been playing badminton regularly.
Suryanarayanan Venkatesan’s journey highlights how strong computational skills, collaboration, and adaptability can lead to impactful careers in computational biology. His experience in startups and research-driven organizations reflects the growing demand for computational scientists in modern drug discovery.
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