Software-driven healthcare based applications help clinical and research laboratories efficiently analyze complex genomic data through bioinformatics, ensuring that labs can make informed and data-driven decisions.

Vijay Lakhujani, our next pathbreaker, Head of Clinical Bioinformatics at BaseSolve Informatics (Ahmedabad), drives the development of cutting-edge clinical genomics software for data analysis and reporting, for applications in precision medicine.

Vijay talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about discovering the field of Bioinformatics and its significance in identifying genetic mutations, assisting in disease diagnosis, and supporting personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.

For students, in the world of technology, change is constant. Staying relevant means staying adaptable. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing. Make learning a habit, not a task.

Vijay, can you share your background with our young readers?

I am the elder of two siblings and was born and raised in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, where I completed my schooling and graduation. Growing up in a middle-class family, I witnessed the challenges that came with limited resources. My father did not have formal education, but my mother, a MA LLB graduate, excelled in her studies and was the driving force behind my academic journey. She always pushed me to study well, instilling in me the belief that education was the key to a better future. Her dedication and perseverance were a constant source of inspiration for me.

I eventually pursued my graduation in Jodhpur, where I continued to excel academically and later moved to Pune, Maharashtra for my post graduation.

Beyond academics, I had a strong inclination towards art. I was skilled in drawing and painting, which unexpectedly played a significant role in my love for science. Many concepts in biology and physics require visualization, and my ability to create detailed diagrams helped me understand and retain information better. Whether it was drawing cell structures, anatomical sketches, or physics illustrations, I found that art complemented my scientific learning, making complex ideas more tangible and engaging.

In my free time, I enjoy going for a morning or evening walk, spending quality time with my son, and indulging in some bathroom singing. I love listening to all kinds of music and have recently developed an interest in reading books. On some weekends, I also take time to learn through online resources.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

Like many students passionate about biology, I aspired to become a doctor. I chose the biology stream in high school and dedicated two years after my 12th grade solely to preparing for medical entrance exams. However, despite my relentless effort, I failed both attempts. That was my first major setback—a moment of disappointment and self-doubt. But in hindsight, it was also a turning point that set me on the path to where I am today.

Determined to stay in science, I pursued a BSc in Biotechnology from Lachoo Memorial College of Science and Technology in Jodhpur. Being in a small town, I faced a lack of awareness and opportunities, which made navigating my career path challenging. The first two years of college passed without much clarity about the future. I enjoyed college life, made great friends, and embraced my newfound independence, but I wasn’t actively planning my next steps.

Over time, my interest in biological data and computational analysis grew, leading me to explore the interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics. I decided to further my education and pursued an MSc in Bioinformatics from Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly University of Pune). Moving to Pune was a transformative experience, exposing me to a more competitive academic environment, better resources, and new opportunities. It broadened my perspective and laid the foundation for my future career in science.

This journey, full of uncertainties and challenges, taught me the value of perseverance and adaptability. Looking back, what once felt like a setback was actually the push I needed to find my true path.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Bioinformatics ?

As I approached the final year of my B.Sc., I found myself at a crossroads. I was deeply passionate about science, but I wasn’t sure how to move forward. I had no mentor to guide me and no clear role models in my field. That’s when a senior introduced me to MSc entrance exams, opening my eyes to new possibilities. That conversation became a turning point—I finally had a goal, but I had no idea how to achieve it.

The biggest challenge was preparation. I had no structured study plan, and affording coaching was a concern. But with my parents’ support, I took a leap of faith. The next six months were intense—my days revolved around coaching classes, self-study, and an unwavering routine. Balancing my final year of BSc entrance exam preparation was mentally exhausting, and doubts crept in constantly. After my previous setbacks, the fear of failure loomed over me again.

But this time, my efforts paid off. Not only did I graduate with flying colors, but I also cracked multiple national-level entrance exams, securing admission to some of the best institutions in India:

  • University of Pune – Bioinformatics (AIR 5)
  • Madurai Kamraj University – Genomic Sciences
  • Hyderabad University – Animal Biotechnology
  • BHU – Plant Biotechnology
  • Pondicherry University – Bioinformatics (AIR 4)

It was a defining moment—I had turned uncertainty into achievement, proving to myself that perseverance and focus could change the course of my career.

During this journey, I found myself drawn to bioinformatics. While biotechnology and biochemistry were the conventional paths, bioinformatics intrigued me for a different reason—I didn’t fully understand it. That curiosity was enough to pull me in. However, when I discussed my interest with my teachers, they were skeptical. Bioinformatics was new, untested, and risky, especially in India, where job opportunities were still unclear. But instead of deterring me, their skepticism only fueled my determination to explore it further.

At that time, I didn’t have access to a computer or the internet at home. Eager to learn more, I rushed to a cyber café and typed bioinformatics into a search engine. All I could grasp was that it blended biology with computers. That was all I needed to know—I had always wanted to learn computational skills, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to merge my interests.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career?

From the very beginning, I knew I wanted to pursue science. However, with so many branches—biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics—choosing a specific path wasn’t easy. My decision to enter bioinformatics wasn’t entirely planned; it was driven by intuition, curiosity, and a desire to learn computers alongside biology. At the time, I had little knowledge about the field, but something about it just felt right.

Bioinformatics offered the best of both worlds—staying in life sciences while integrating technology. Coming from a background where I had never even owned a computer, I was fascinated by the idea of working with one. However, confidence didn’t come easily. I struggled with coding in the beginning, but I persevered, teaching myself through books. Financial constraints meant there was no option of giving up—I had to keep learning and moving forward.

When it was time for my master’s in 2009, only a few universities offered an MSc in Bioinformatics—among them, Pondicherry University and Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly University of Pune). I chose Pune, partly because of its strong academic reputation and partly because some of my friends were moving there for their MBAs. It was a practical and social decision, but one that shaped my future in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.

The master’s program was rigorous and intellectually stimulating, with immersive study sessions, weekly Monday internal exams that kept us consistently engaged, and a curriculum that covered a diverse range of topics. Moving from a small hometown to Pune was a significant transition, but it provided an invaluable learning experience that broadened my perspective and strengthened my academic foundation.

We were taught by renowned professors from prestigious institutes like CDAC, NCL, and NCCS, which gave me exposure to cutting-edge research. My final-year project with Dr. Pramod Wangikar at IIT Mumbai’s Chemical Engineering Department was my first real introduction to research. 

A little about your MSc thesis?

In my MSc thesis, I used bioinformatics tools to study the evolution of operons in prokaryotic genomes. Operons are groups of genes that are regulated together, often involved in processes that are crucial for a bacterium’s survival. Understanding how operons evolve can provide valuable insights into how bacteria adapt and optimize their functions.

I wrote programs in PERL to analyze large genomic datasets from different prokaryotic species. By categorizing operons as either ancient or recently formed, I could investigate how the structure of these operons changes over time. Using visualization tools, I mapped these genetic relationships and identified patterns in operon size, gene spacing, and co-regulation across different species.

The significance of this work lies in its ability to shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms behind operon formation. It suggests that operon evolution is an ongoing process, where bacteria fine-tune their gene arrangements for optimized gene regulation. This has important implications for fields such as microbial ecology, antibiotic resistance, and biotechnology, where understanding the regulation of bacterial genes can help develop better strategies for controlling bacterial growth and function.

Those six months were transformative, giving me firsthand experience of what research looks like—from planning and executing work within deadlines to applying scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This experience not only deepened my understanding of research but also equipped me with skills that would define my future career.

Tell us about your career path

After completing my post-graduation, I began working at Persistent Systems in Pune as a Bioinformatics Analyst. Persistent Systems is an multi national IT company with multiple business units, and I was part of their Life Sciences Business Unit. In this role, I worked closely with the development team to translate biological concepts and ideas into software solutions, ensuring that the software met the specific needs of life science researchers and professionals.

I was responsible for providing data analysis and support for software suites related to microarray and NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing). This involved not only working on data analysis tasks but also assisting customers with their questions and issues, which I addressed through both email and phone support. My role helped bridge the gap between the technical team and biological scientists, ensuring that the tools we developed were scientifically sound and user-friendly.

This experience allowed me to apply my bioinformatics expertise in a real-world setting, enhancing my skills in both biological data analysis and customer support, while also strengthening my ability to communicate complex biological concepts to non-biological teams.

After working for a couple of years at Persistent Systems, I moved to Ahmedabad and joined Xcelris Labs Limited, a CRO (Contract Research Organization) that specializes in providing next-generation sequencing services, including both sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. I spent 2.5 years there as a Project Scientist, where I had the opportunity to work on a variety of cutting-edge genomics projects, including RNA sequencing, metagenomics, and whole genome and whole transcriptome sequencing for both plants and bacteria.

In this role, I closely collaborated with research organizations to handle bioinformatics data analysis, assist in reporting, and contribute to writing scientific papers. Additionally, I took the lead in writing custom programs and improving the automation pipelines for data analysis, which significantly streamlined the workflow and increased efficiency.

This phase was an incredible learning experience. While working, I also took the opportunity to polish my skills through online learning, which greatly boosted my confidence and deepened my expertise in bioinformatics. The exposure to real-world genomics projects, especially in a collaborative research environment, prepared me for the next steps in my career.

Next, I transitioned into clinical bioinformatics, working with human sequencing data at Neuberg Centre for Genomic Medicine, which is part of Neuberg Diagnostics, a pathology lab focused on testing patient data. In my role as a Senior Bioinformatician within the genomic medicine team, I was responsible for creating, testing, and validating bioinformatics pipelines specifically designed for human patient sequencing data. Here, the stakes were much higher because the genomic data is directly related to human health. For example, when analyzing sequencing data for inherited genetic disorders or cancer, it was essential to not only identify mutations or genetic markers but to ensure that these findings could be used for clinical decision-making. In research bioinformatics, the focus is more on exploration, hypothesis generation, and publication, while in clinical bioinformatics, the emphasis is on precision, regulatory adherence, and patient data safety. Every analysis in clinical bioinformatics has direct implications on human health, and there’s a lot more focus on ensuring the data is accurate, reliable, and compliant with medical standards.

My work involved analyzing genomic data for inherited disorders and cancer, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Additionally, I was deeply involved in the reporting, validation, and maintaining compliance with strict regulatory standards and quality control measures. Navigating human genomic data presented new challenges, requiring a solid understanding of clinical genomics, regulatory compliance, data privacy, and thorough documentation practices.

This experience gave me invaluable exposure to a clinical lab setup, which was quite different from the research-focused bioinformatics work I had done earlier. It helped me develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of clinical applications and the need for stringent data accuracy in patient testing.

How did you get your first break?

By the end of my M.Sc., I found myself at a crossroads—should I pursue a Ph.D. or step into the industry?

At that point, I had cleared both the CSIR NET JRF and the Bioinformatics National Certification(BINC), securing two fellowships that would support a Ph.D. However, my PhD interviews didn’t go as planned, including one at the prestigious IISc Bangalore, where I faced rejection. That setback was difficult, but it also brought clarity—I realized I wasn’t fully prepared for research yet.

Around the same time, I also faced rejection in a campus placement interview, adding to my uncertainty. But rather than being discouraged, I saw these experiences as a redirection rather than a failure. I decided to explore opportunities in the industry instead.

In 2011—a challenging year for bioinformatics jobs in India—I secured my first job through campus placement, joining an MNC in Pune that focused on bioinformatics software support and data analysis. Stepping into the corporate world was overwhelming, as I had no prior industry experience, but this opportunity laid the foundation for everything that followed. It was the start of a journey that would shape my career in ways I had never imagined.

My time in the industry played a crucial role in shaping my growth as a bioinformatician. It taught me time and project management skills, the importance of clear communication, and how to collaborate with cross-functional teams. One of the most valuable lessons was translating biological insights into IT-friendly language, bridging the gap between bioinformatics and software development.

I also gained hands-on experience with the entire software development lifecycle, witnessing how ideas quickly transformed into real-world applications. Seeing a product move from concept to release—and knowing it was making an impact—was incredibly rewarding.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1: Communicating in English

My job required effective communication in English, both with internal teams and customers. Coming from a non-English-speaking background, this was a significant hurdle. To overcome it, I actively observed my peers, listened to their calls, and made the most of the company’s internal communication training. I also started reading English newspapers and watching movies with subtitles to improve my fluency. Over time, with consistent effort, I transformed this weakness into a strength. Today, I take immense pride in being a confident and articulate communicator.

Challenge 2: Adapting to the Industry Workstyle

The industry moves fast—every day brings new challenges and tight deadlines. Initially, I struggled with time and task management. However, I quickly realized the importance of prioritization, scheduling, and tracking work. My managers played a crucial role in guiding me, and I’m grateful for their mentorship. Additionally, my organization had a dedicated training cell, which I utilized to develop essential professional skills. While the initial years were challenging, I embraced the learning curve, adapted, and eventually found my rhythm.

Challenge 3: Keeping Up with New Technologies

Bioinformatics is a rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary field. What is cutting-edge today can become obsolete tomorrow. I knew that staying in my comfort zone within an MNC could limit my growth. To ensure I kept pace with emerging technologies, I proactively sought out learning opportunities. Back then, online learning platforms were limited, but I made it a habit to dedicate my weekends to self-study. This commitment to continuous learning not only helped me stay relevant but also shaped me into a more skilled and adaptable bioinformatician.

Where do you work now?

With over 13 years of experience in the bioinformatics industry, I now work at the intersection of bioinformatics and software development as the Head of Clinical Bioinformatics at BaseSolve Informatics, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. In this role, I lead a multidisciplinary team of bioinformaticians, Python developers and closely work with front-end developers, QA professionals, and support engineers.

What problems do you solve?

My primary responsibility is to drive the development of cutting-edge clinical genomics software for data analysis and reporting. We create software-driven applications that help clinical and research laboratories efficiently analyze complex genomic data. Our goal is to bridge the gap between bioinformatics and real-world clinical applications, ensuring that labs can make informed, data-driven decisions in precision medicine.

What skills are needed for the job? How did you acquire them?

This role requires expertise in bioinformatics, software development cycles, project management, and leadership. Over the years, I’ve developed skills in people management, delivery handling, and cross-functional communication.

Working in this field means constantly learning new technologies, whether it’s programming or understanding the different communication styles across teams. Developers, for instance, have their own technical language, while bioinformaticians think in biological terms. I’ve learned to be a strong communicator, translating complex biological concepts for non-biologists, breaking down problems into actionable tasks, and ensuring seamless collaboration. I’ve honed these skills by working closely with developers, learning from peers, mentors, and even juniors, and continuously upskilling myself.

What’s a typical day like?

A typical day includes:

  • Coding and contributing to bioinformatics pipelines
  • Conducting meetings to align my team’s work
  • Managing projects and timelines to ensure smooth delivery
  • Giving software demos to stakeholders
  • Handling documentation and compliance for regulatory standards
  • Engaging with customers and end-users to understand their needs

What do you love about this job?

What I love most about my job is that it’s never mundane—every day presents a new challenge that pushes me to keep learning and evolving. I also love the real-world impact of our work; seeing our software help labs analyze genomic data, streamline workflows, and contribute to advancements in healthcare is incredibly fulfilling.

I am truly grateful to the management at BaseSolve Informatics for trusting my capabilities, giving me the freedom to share innovative ideas, and providing me with the opportunity to grow as a leader while managing an exceptionally talented team.

How does your work benefit society? 

My work has a direct impact on patient care by enabling clinicians and doctors to make informed decisions based on genomics data. Through clinical bioinformatics, we help identify genetic mutations, assist in disease diagnosis, and support personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.

Additionally, our cutting-edge software solutions significantly reduce turnaround time—the time taken from sample collection to the final clinical report. Faster analysis means quicker diagnoses and timely treatments, which can be life-saving in critical cases. Every minute saved in data processing can make a real difference in someone’s life. Knowing that my work contributes to this impact is incredibly fulfilling.

Tell us about a specific, memorable work that is very close to you!

I believe in leading by example—if I expect my team to do something, I make sure to do it first. Rather than simply delegating tasks, I focus on empowering people, helping them discover their potential, often in ways they never thought possible. Watching my team members grow, take on challenges, and succeed is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.

Beyond my professional responsibilities, mentorship is my passion. Over the years, I have guided several students facing challenges similar to the ones I encountered while navigating my own career in bioinformatics.

Through one-on-one mentorship sessions, I help students with career planning, resume building, LinkedIn profile optimization, and mock interviews, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their future. My goal is to provide them with clarity and direction, so they don’t have to go through the same struggles I did.

One of the most rewarding moments for me is seeing my mentees succeed—whether it’s getting into a prestigious university, landing their first job, or gaining confidence in their career choices. Knowing that my guidance has helped someone take a step forward in their journey is incredibly meaningful and fulfilling.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Believe in yourself—never give up. Your career should be driven by your passion, not by what everyone else is doing. When I started, bioinformatics was an unconventional choice, and there was little guidance available. But curiosity led me forward. Ask yourself: What excites me? What keeps me curious? The answers will guide your path.

Embrace the journey. Challenges will come, but they are what shape you. I faced rejections in Ph.D. interviews, struggled with industry transitions, and had to learn new skills on the go. But every setback was a stepping stone. Instead of fearing failure, see it as redirection—pushing you toward something even better.

Keep learning. In bioinformatics and technology, change is constant. The programming languages, analysis tools, and workflows I used a decade ago are no longer the same. Staying relevant means staying adaptable. The moment you stop learning, you stop growing. Make learning a habit, not a task.

Discover your strengths. Your talent will become your guiding force. Whether it’s problem-solving, leadership, or translating biological insights into actionable software solutions, recognizing what you’re good at will help you carve your niche. Your talent is your power—embrace it, refine it, and let it guide your journey.

Future Plans ?

I want to keep growing—as a leader, a mentor, and a bioinformatician—while continuing to contribute to the success of my current organization. As the organization expands, I look forward to tackling new challenges, driving innovation, and adapting to the evolving landscape of bioinformatics and clinical genomics.

Guiding and empowering others has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey, and I aim to continue making an impact. I believe in giving my absolute best to everything I take on, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve. With every new milestone the organization achieves, I am ready to step up, take on new responsibilities, and help shape its future. The journey is far from over, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.