Lokesh Gakhar

Lokesh Gakhar has a diverse work experience in the field of structural biology and protein sciences. Lokesh is currently serving as the Senior Director and Head of Structural Biology and Protein Sciences at PAQ Therapeutics since June 2023. Prior to this, they worked as the Director of Structural Biology and Protein Sciences at the same company from May 2021 to May 2023.

Before joining PAQ Therapeutics, Lokesh held the position of Adjunct Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Iowa since July 2018. Lokesh also worked as a Structural Biologist at the MIT.nano:CryoEM Facility & Department of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from October 2019 to May 2021.

Lokesh's extensive career also includes significant contributions at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. Lokesh served as the Director of the Protein & Crystallography Facility in the Structural Biology Group from May 2008 to the present. In this role, they established a core facility offering protein expression, purification, high-resolution structure determination, and molecular modeling services. Lokesh integrated various biophysical techniques for protein characterization and protein-ligand interactions.

Additionally, Lokesh held multiple positions at the University of Iowa, including Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biochemistry from February 2012 to June 2018 and Research Facility Manager of the Protein & Crystallography Facility from January 2005 to April 2008. As the Research Facility Manager, they oversaw the daily operations of the crystallography facility and trained researchers in the structure determination process. Lokesh also introduced automation to streamline the workflow and make it more efficient.

At the beginning of their career, Lokesh worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of Biochemistry & Pulmonary Host Defense at the University of Iowa from January 2004 to June 2007. During this time, they conducted research on the structure and stability of Rhodococcus napthalene dioxygenase and studied the surfactant and anti-biofilm properties of SPLUNC1 (BPIFA1) in the upper airways.

Overall, Lokesh Gakhar has gained expertise in structural biology, protein sciences, crystallography, and molecular modeling through their diverse roles in academia and industry.

Lokesh Gakhar pursued their education in a chronological manner. Starting from 1985 to 1994, they attended The Air Force School (TAFS) in Subroto Park. However, no specific degree or field of study information is provided for this period. Following this, from 1994 to 1998, Lokesh studied at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, where they obtained their Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering. Finally, Lokesh Gakhar furthered their academic journey by attending The University of Iowa - College of Engineering from 1998 to 2003. During this period, they earned a PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.