Career as an R&D Scientist in AI-Driven Biotech | Biopatrika
Career Konnect brings forward diverse and evolving career paths for science professionals. In this edition, we feature Dr. Prakriti Kalra, R&D Scientist at ImmunitoAI, India. With a strong foundation in chemistry and interdisciplinary training spanning chemical biology, biochemistry, and AI-guided antibody discovery, her journey from Delhi University and IIT Bombay to the University of Minnesota and eventually back to India highlights how curiosity, adaptability, and strategic career decisions can shape impactful careers in modern biotech research. (Interview was recorded in 2023).
Current Role: Scientist-3, Project Lead, Aurigene Oncology Limited, India
Career Konnect Interview (Interview was recorded in 2023)
Academic journey and developing interdisciplinary interests
“My scientific journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Delhi University, followed by a Master’s at IIT Bombay. During my early academic years, I became deeply interested in supramolecular chemistry, particularly the role of weak intermolecular interactions and molecular recognition.
Through research internships and academic exposure, I gradually became fascinated by interdisciplinary science. During my Master’s, I took a chemical biology course, and that became a turning point for me. I realized that biological systems beautifully integrate concepts like molecular interactions, protein folding, and molecular recognition that had always fascinated me in chemistry.
After my Master’s, I applied to multiple PhD programs in the United States and eventually joined the University of Minnesota’s PhD program in Chemistry. Even during my PhD, my interests remained broad and interdisciplinary, spanning materials science, polymers, biology, and chemical biology. Eventually, I specialized in chemical biology and biochemistry, combining my chemistry background with biological applications.”
Exploring career options beyond academia
“Like many international students pursuing higher education in the US, I initially assumed that the next step after a PhD would naturally be a postdoctoral position followed by academia. However, after arriving in the United States, I realized that many researchers were exploring alternative careers, especially in industrial research and development.
That exposure made me actively evaluate different career paths. Industrial R&D appealed to me because it combines cutting-edge science with practical problem-solving and product-oriented goals. In academia, you often focus deeply on understanding fundamental scientific questions, which is intellectually exciting. But industry gives you an opportunity to directly apply scientific discoveries toward solving real-world challenges.
I felt that industrial R&D offered the best blend of both worlds — strong scientific research combined with translational impact.”
Decision to relocate from the USA back to India
“During the fourth year of my PhD, I joined Science and Research Opportunities in India (SROI) as a volunteer. Through that experience, I interacted with professionals working across Indian scientific research and biotech ecosystems.
That exposure played a huge role in helping me understand the growing opportunities within Indian R&D and biotech sectors. Around 2022, I made the decision to move back to India and pursue a research career here.
Honestly, the biggest challenge was not the physical relocation — it was the mental transition. Deciding to leave behind an established environment in the United States required a lot of clarity and confidence.
There is always peer pressure and uncertainty around such decisions. People may question why you are moving back when others are trying to stay abroad. But I realized that ultimately, you have to make decisions aligned with your own goals and aspirations.
I strongly believe that sometimes you just have to trust yourself and take the step.”
Job applications and networking in India
“LinkedIn played an important role during my job search process, especially for discovering opportunities and connecting with recruiters. However, I would say that networking is particularly important in the Indian biotech ecosystem.
I actively reached out to professionals with backgrounds and skill sets similar to mine to understand their experiences and seek career insights. One thing I realized is that many positions in Indian biotech companies are often filled internally or through referrals before becoming publicly visible.
Building genuine professional relationships can significantly improve your opportunities. I think those conversations and connections helped me tremendously during my transition.”
Role at ImmunitoAI
“I currently work as an R&D Scientist at ImmunitoAI, where we focus on AI-guided antibody discovery. My role combines experimental biology with computational and AI-driven workflows.
A significant part of my work involves validating computational predictions through biological experiments and helping build pipelines that integrate protein-protein interaction data and biological understanding into antibody discovery systems.
Because of my interdisciplinary background, I can contribute both on the laboratory side and the computational interpretation side, which makes the role highly collaborative and dynamic.”
Technical and soft skills that matter
“I believe that multidisciplinary technical expertise has been extremely important throughout my journey. My foundation in chemistry, combined with experience in biology and biochemistry, allowed me to adapt to modern biotech research environments.
At the same time, soft skills are equally critical. Communication, presentation skills, organization, teamwork, and time management play a major role, especially in startup environments where things move very fast.
You need to learn how to present your research effectively to people from diverse backgrounds, organize your work clearly, collaborate efficiently within teams, and prioritize tasks under tight timelines.”
Mentorship and learning from people around you
“I did not formally have career mentors in a structured way, but I benefited immensely from conversations with advisors, collaborators, peers, and professionals around me.
I believe that mentorship does not always need to follow a formal structure. Sometimes meaningful discussions and interactions can provide equally valuable guidance.
Talking to diverse people and actively seeking perspectives helped shape many of my career decisions.”
Work-life balance and hobbies
“Startup environments can definitely be demanding, but I still try to make time for activities I enjoy. I like reading, watching movies, following cricket, and spending time on recreational activities and sports.
Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially in fast-paced research environments, but maintaining hobbies and social activities is important for overall well-being.”
Perspective on career decisions
“One thing I strongly believe is that there is rarely a single ‘correct’ career path in life. There are multiple routes that can lead to fulfilling destinations.
What truly defines a person is curiosity, willingness to learn, and openness to taking on new challenges. Even in my current role, I spend time continuously learning new biological concepts and adapting to unfamiliar areas.
There are no universally right or wrong decisions. You choose a path that aligns with your values, and then you work hard to make that decision successful.”
Dr. Prakriti Kalra’s journey demonstrates how interdisciplinary thinking, adaptability, and confidence in one’s decisions can create exciting scientific careers across global research ecosystems. Her story highlights the growing opportunities within Indian biotech and the importance of combining technical excellence with communication, networking, and continuous learning.
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