Navigating a scientific career is a journey bundled with uncertainties, challenges, and moments of revelation, making it no small feat, especially when one is starting from a modest background with limited exposure to research or higher education. 

My journey, rooted in resilience and passion, took me from a small-town middle-class family to leading a research group at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) (BHU) Varanasi. Along the way, I have encountered challenges, savoured triumphs, and gained invaluable lessons that have not only shaped my career but also influenced my outlook on life.

The early spark that ignited curiosity

Growing up, I was surrounded by individuals unfamiliar with the world of science and academia. Yet, my fascination with biology sparked during my school years. Always backed by my father, my uncle, and supportive teachers, I decided to pursue a career in biology. Driven by my strong interest, my paternal uncle, a surgeon and medical specialist, suggested exploring paths beyond MBBS due to our family’s financial constraints and the competitive nature of the medical field. Biotechnology appeared promising as it is a concoction of both biology and technology. Despite the uncertainty, I enrolled in a BTech program at a state college affiliated with the Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha. However, during my undergraduate years, I quickly realised that biotechnology, unlike the booming IT sector, had limited job prospects. 

This reality, coupled with my strong fascination for biology, pushed me to look beyond traditional career paths while staying true to my love for biology and science.

The turning point: Discovering research at IIT Delhi 

Recognising the challenges posed by limited infrastructure, I sought to engage with like-minded peers and attend workshops and conferences at renowned institutions. These experiences broadened my perspective, fuelling my determination to carve a niche. A pivotal moment was my six-month dissertation at IIT Delhi, made possible by the strong support of my undergraduate teacher and lifelong mentor: Shyam Kumar Masakapalli. I engaged in cutting-edge research, intense academic discussions, and a vibrant research culture. 

After completing my dissertation, I joined IIT Delhi as a Junior Research Fellow on a DBT-funded project. This role was crucial for understanding computational biology and biophysics, solidifying my decision to pursue a PhD. Embarking on a PhD program was a transformative experience as it was both challenging and rewarding. I delved into areas like computational biophysics, biomolecular simulations, neurodegenerative disorders, and other multidisciplinary areas, yielding several impactful publications that combined computational predictions with experimental validation. 

Collaborations with other labs enriched my research experience. I am deeply grateful to my two PhD supervisors, James Gomes and Manidipa Banerjee, and senior mentor, B. Jayaram, for their patience, guidance, and constant motivation which helped me complete my thesis with resilience and on a high note. 

As I approached completion, though my priority was on securing a postdoctoral position, I also appeared for a few faculty interviews to gain insight into the process, an experience that proved beneficial later.

Taking a leap of faith: Broadening horizons abroad

Choosing RIKEN Yokohama, Japan for my postdoctoral research was pivotal, albeit a challenging one. At the time, my father had just undergone a major heart surgery, and my family needed my support. Despite the personal hurdles, my family’s unwavering encouragement propelled me forward. Under the guidance of my supportive advisor, Kam Zhang, I ventured into innovative areas like computational protein and enzyme design, non-natural amino acids, reverse-engineering evolution-inspired design of prototype folds, and biomolecular simulations. 

Supported by fellowships from JSPS, TBRF, and Takeda Science Foundation, I published high-impact research while juggling between personal and professional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and impending career deadlines. Nevertheless, perseverance, along with the unwavering support of my PhD and postdoctoral advisors, a few trusted colleagues and well-wishers, my wife, and my family, allowed me to thrive and stay committed to my goals.

Returning home and establishing a lab in India

The final years of my postdoc were a whirlwind. With my lab at RIKEN closing and my wife returning to India as we were expecting a child, uncertainty loomed large. However, fate intervened when I received an opportunity for a faculty interview at IIT (BHU) during my visit to India. Just a week after my daughter was born, I faced the interview panel, determined to build a future for my family and career.

Joining IIT (BHU) as an Assistant Professor marked the beginning of a new chapter. I established the Laboratory for Computational Biology & Biomolecular Design (LCBD), focusing on areas like computational biology, computational protein design, structural & translational bioinformatics, antimicrobial resistance, predictive modelling, biomolecular modelling and simulations, machine learning, and disease mechanisms. Establishing a research lab in India has been a journey of perseverance. Balancing limited resources, administrative responsibilities, and high expectations requires innovation and adaptability. 

Despite these challenges, I find immense satisfaction in mentoring young minds and contributing to the Indian scientific community. 

In support, IIT (BHU) Varanasi has provided me with not only a platform but also the freedom to translate my aspirations into impactful research and teaching the students, whose appreciation and curiosity reminds why an academic life is so fulfilling.

My journey so far has offered several key lessons that are worth sharing. You should surround yourself with well-wishers and mentors who can guide and motivate you during challenging times. Whether in India or abroad, a postdoc offers invaluable opportunities to learn new skills, explore fresh ideas, and expand your professional network. During your postdoc, start laying the groundwork for your academic career. Strive for a balance between publishing impactful research and articulating a clear vision for your future lab. Maintaining a positive attitude and work ethic is crucial. Challenges often teach valuable lessons, and enjoying your work makes the journey worthwhile. 

Building a lab in India comes with unique obstacles, from securing grants to managing students. Viewing these challenges as learning experiences can make the process gratifying.

Balancing science, life, and growth

As a faculty member, I’ve embraced a multifaceted role encompassing research, teaching young minds, and fulfilling administrative responsibilities. Beyond work, spending time with my family and engaging in editorial activities for journals such as Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (Elsevier) provide me with a refreshing perspective, help me learn new science, and maintain balance. Staying away from negativity and focusing on growth has been a conscious choice.

At LCBD, our research team comprises five PhD, two MTech, and seven undergraduate students, who work on broad areas of (i) fundamental and translational research and (ii) methods, pipelines, and tools development, utilising integrated computational and experimental approaches. The journey so far has been marked by teamwork, passion, and unwavering support from my family and mentors, reflecting the possibilities for aspiring scientists in India. With dedication and a vision, one can overcome hurdles and contribute meaningfully to science. 

As I move forward, I remain deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers and advancing knowledge in broad areas of computational biology. This is not just my career — it’s a lifelong passion. Passion and resilience can turn challenges into opportunities. Trust the process, believe in your mentors, and embrace the journey with an open mind and a positive attitude.