biotechportal.ca
NAMASTE
Thank you for visiting biotechportal.ca.
If you are seeking information on the academic and professional prospects of Biotechnology/Life Sciences in Canada, let me be your trusted and affordable guide! Here you will find information about me and the consultation services I will provide to you for your next big move into the Canadian Biotechnology landscape.
Astha Pokhrel (Ph.D.)
Scientist and Biotechnology consultant
HIGHLIGHTS
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8+ years of research and data analysis experience in Life Sciences
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Research topics have included;
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Developmental Biology
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Microbiology
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Molecular Biology
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Chemistry and Biochemistry
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Expertise lies in the study of Infectious Diseases incorporating Protein Biochemistry
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Involvement in drug discovery and development
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Part-time CV, resume, and cover letter builder
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An aspiring academic and Biotech-career consultant based in Canada
ABOUT ME
I am originally from Kathmandu, Nepal. I left home at 18 to pursue higher education in the United States of America. Initially, I enrolled in a private, Liberal Arts University as a Sociology major. I have always been fascinated by social structures and changes that are attributable to human behaviors. But my passion for Biotechnology and Medicine was greater, which led me to pursue a pre-Med program. During 4 years of college, I got involved in different research projects that contributed to my decision to join a Masters' and Ph.D. integrated program. In the Graduate program, my affection for science and research was further nourished, enabling me to stay committed to hard and enduring work. As a result, I was able to learn and acquire many technical and managerial skills, which have molded me into the Scientist that I am today. After graduation, I married my best friend and immigrated to Canada in 2021 as a permanent resident. Soon after, I took on a postdoctoral fellowship to continue my research career. As I began acquiring new skills and techniques during the fellowship, I also became increasingly eager to seek opportunities in the Biotechnology industry. While research is an extremely rewarding career granting more flexibility and platforms to broaden one's knowledge, it isn't without challenges. Therefore, I embarked on a journey to educate myself about the Biotech industry in Canada and to search for suitable positions in companies based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Initially tiresome and discouraging, the task became smoother as I began formulating and applying useful strategies to stay afloat.
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I am one who values persistence, transparency, and kindness. I aspire to preach and practice these core values until my last breath. Furthermore, I strongly believe in helping others in whatever manner/means possible. In this context, thriving for success while leading others to success is my form of service and devotion. After all, there is room for everyone to succeed! I also believe in doing things that bring me joy. I live the most when I'm reading and spending time with my sweet baby girl.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Summer of 2014
Quality Control and Microbiology Intern
Himalayan Pet Supply
Mukilteo, Washington State, USA
2015-2021
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia, USA
2021-2022
Postdoctoral Fellow
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
2022-Present
Research and Development Scientist
Dalriada Drug Discovery
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
SERVICES
As someone who went through several academia- and industry-based applications attaining minimal assistance, I aspire to be the congenial and affordable resource I needed. Today, there are innumerable platforms for one to use for profile development and academic/career consultations. These platforms are often expensive and too generic. They also lack integrity, a quality-over-quantity approach, and importantly a relatability factor that I bring to the table. Harnessing experiences and expertise in the Biotechnology/Life Sciences field, my principal goal thereafter is to aid you in navigating and building a future in this arena!
CV/resume and
cover letter building
A thorough CV and a concise yet informative resume alongside a strong cover letter are key components of college/university, co-op, internship, and job application. I aim to help you build these components without misguiding your profile and to help it stand out. Note that this service is not limited to individuals seeking opportunities in Canada.
Academic institutions for
Biotechnology consult
Looking into and applying to academic institutions is a challenging and time-consuming task. knowing where to start is of utmost significance. I aim to break down and present to you a list of institutions that offer an accredited and affordable Biotech program with co-op and internship opportunities in Canada. I also aim to help you assemble materials and bring forth a strong application package.
Careers in
Biotechnology consult
Job hunting is already a strenuous task; with relatively lesser opportunities in the Biotech industry in Canada, you are likely to question and/or change your career choice. I aim to help you find Biotech opportunities that best align with your background and geography. I also strive to provide you with up-to-date information relating to the market for your advantage and decision-making.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Dr. Aina Adekunle
Computational Scientist (Protein Design for Drug Discovery)
I want to thank Astha for taking the time to recommend opportunities that may be a good fit for me. Her guidance and advice have been invaluable and I am grateful for her generosity. Her professionalism, kindness, and genuine desire to help others has left a lasting impression on me. I feel lucky to have connected with someone as thoughtful and supportive as her during my job search.
Mr. Bipin Thapa
Chemical Technologist (Engineering, chemical processing)
Astha was very knowledgeable and approachable when I had queries about job search. I actually was looking around my connections to gather information about the job market in GTA for pharmaceutical and biotech for my spouse moving from a different country. Her having moved from the US and having an excellent career in Biotech industry was why I had approached her for consultation. Furthermore, she was patient, knowledgeable and very helpful to guide me in the right track. I really appreciate the help that I had received and am glad I found the right person to guide me in my upcoming journey.
Dr. Lohit Khera
Postdoctoral Fellow (Molecular and Cell Biology)
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Astha is very insightful and helpful. Her patience and approachability are inspiring!
Ms. Cristina Pokhrel
Graduate Student (Translational Medicine)
Astha is extremely thorough and cordial to work with. Her knowledge and strategies helped me land my dream internship at MERCK as an undergraduate student. She was able to share my vision and deliver assistantship with great zeal.
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PRICING
Resume building
$15 per service
Academic consultation
$25 per hour
(fee includes resume/CV building)
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CV or cover letter building
$20 per service
Career consultation
$30 per hour
(fee includes resume/CV building)
While opportunities are springing everywhere and at all times, the right ones don't wait for you. Therefore, let's get you started as soon as possible!
Kindly leave a message to get connected and/or if you have further inquiries.
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