Twissa Mitra
Emeryville
Summary
Dynamic Research Associate with a proven track record at MycoWorks, excelling in experimental design and project coordination. Expert in bioreactor operation and quality control, I developed SOPs that enhanced lab efficiency and trained teams in aseptic techniques. Committed to driving innovation and optimizing processes for successful outcomes.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Associate, Upstream Process Discovery
MycoWorks
Emeryville
11.2024 - 08.2025
- Aligned project goals and timelines through coordination with QC, manufacturing, and scientists.
- Maintained vendor relations for lab equipment, hazardous waste management, and regulatory compliance.
- Trained teams on culture maintenance and scaled-down assay protocols.
- Developed systems for strain storage and quality tracking to ensure data integrity.
- Streamlined data reporting processes to enhance visibility in decision-making.
- Collaborated with clients on QC assessments and documentation requirements.
- Led development of SOPs to standardize processes and uphold quality standards.
- Managed small-scale screenings while providing recommendations for scale-up strategies.
Research Associate, Mycology - Strain & Inoc Method
MycoWorks
Emeryville
01.2024 - 10.2024
- Executed cryopreservation, revival, and strain tracking processes to enhance laboratory efficiency.
- Validated novel inoculation techniques through rigorous experimental assays.
- Conducted inoculation method trials in pilot facility to support scale-up initiatives.
- Developed upstream standard operating procedures and workflows for strain onboarding.
- Trained over five technicians in aseptic techniques, strain handling, and good laboratory practices.
Research Assistant, Fermentation (Solid & Liquid)
MycoWorks
Emeryville
08.2022 - 01.2024
- Established liquid fermentation lab from scratch, coordinating equipment installation and ensuring safety compliance.
- Designed collaborative lab space for 10+ researchers to enhance productivity.
- Managed 10+ simultaneous liquid fermentation experiments utilizing DASGIP bioreactors.
- Led planning and reporting for all fermentation project lab-scale experiments.
- Conducted design of experiments for media, fungal growth, and optimization.
- Authored standard operating procedures and trained teams on established protocols.
- Utilized in-process analytics to troubleshoot issues and optimize fermentation processes.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Maintained bacterial biorepository, maintained both aerobic and anaerobic cultures
- Ran complex fermentations and biomass pretreatment (bioreactors, Parr Reactor)
- Developed DOE for media and fermentation process optimization
- Performed downstream separations and solvent extractions on 50+ samples weekly
- Performed sample analysis using HPLC and GC-MS, and supported equipment maintenance alongside the lab manager
Education
Master of Science - Biological Systems Engineering
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE08.2022
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chennai, India05.2019
Skills
- Experimental planning and method development
- Scientific Data analysis (JMP)
- Experimental design
- Standard operating procedures
- Aseptic techniques
- Bioreactor operation (BioFlo, DASGIP, Infors HT)
- Laboratory management
- Regulatory compliance (GMP, GLP)
- Strain improvement
- Process optimization
- Team training
- Project and workflow management (mondaycom)
- Assay design and optimization
- Fermentation and microbial cultivation
- Biorepository and culture maintenance
- Laboratory equipment operation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Technical documentation and reporting
Accomplishments
Independent Experimental Leadership – Led 30+ solid- and liquid-state fermentation runs at pilot scale, optimizing media, substrates, and parameters to improve yield and consistency. Managed multiple concurrent projects with strong cross-functional coordination
Tech Transfer & Process Optimization – Supported 10+ process transfers from lab scale (2 L) to pilot scale (300 L), refining upstream workflows, optimizing parameters, and eliminating inefficiencies for seamless scale-up
Stepped Up as Dual Contributor for Strategic Client Partnership – Balanced high-quality research with project management support to advance a 3-year R&D collaboration, contributing to KPI development, data system management, and executive-level material management
Drove Scale-Up for Long-Term Client Partnership - Led execution and cross-functional coordination for a strategic R&D initiative, securing a 3-year new product development contract with a long-standing client
Timeline
Research Associate, Upstream Process Discovery
MycoWorks
11.2024 - 08.2025
Research Associate, Mycology - Strain & Inoc Method
MycoWorks
01.2024 - 10.2024
Research Assistant, Fermentation (Solid & Liquid)
MycoWorks
08.2022 - 01.2024
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
01.2020 - 08.2022
Master of Science - Biological Systems Engineering
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bachelor of Technology - Biotechnology
SRM Institute of Science and Technology
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