Rajesh Sharma

Rajesh Sharma, PhD, is a seasoned scientist with extensive experience in vaccine development and biotechnology. Currently serving as a Scientist at Biovac since November 2021, Rajesh contributed to the mRNA Covid vaccine development during a three-month secondee role at Afrigen Biologics in Cape Town. Previous roles include providing secretariat support at the African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative since January 2021 and serving as a Research Scientist at Panacea Biotec Ltd, where work involved the optimization of the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. Rajesh's earlier experience at Avesthagen Ltd included developing production processes for various biopharmaceuticals in single-use bioreactors. Education includes a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town, a Master's in Microbial and Food Technology from Punjabi University, and additional training in process development of the JE vaccine at the National Institute of Immunology.