About
From Molecular Insights to Real-World Solutions
The Journey
I grew up in a small village in Madhya Pradesh, India, where electricity was available only a few hours each day and the nearest proper secondary school was in the next town.
Today I work with a Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser system at University of Kassel, investigating ultrafast reaction dynamics at femtosecond timescales 10-15 s (quadrillionths of a second). I've gained hands-on experience through beamtime experiments at facilities including FLASH in Hamburg and ISA-ASTRID2 in Aarhus, Denmark.
The distance between those two worlds taught me something fundamental: complex problems yield only to persistent, structured thinking.
What Shaped My Approach
National INSPIRE Fellowship (2018–2023)
Selected as one of approximately 1,000 fellows awarded annually across India (supported by DST, Government of India) for doctoral research. For five years I independently managed research funding, coordinated with collaborators across institutions, and delivered 12 first-author publications spanning ionic liquid–nanoparticle interfaces and cross-disciplinary applications.
The fellowship gave me early responsibility for project management, stakeholder communication, and delivering results under external scrutiny.
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Kassel (2023–Present)
Joined the Structural Molecular Dynamics group to investigate reaction dynamics in microsolvated environments using Ti:Sapphire laser systems with PEPICO spectroscopy.
Key contributions:
- •Reassembled and upgraded experimental setup transferred from MBI Berlin (water cluster source, differential pumping, magnetic-bottle spectrometer)
- •Developed Python automation tools: transitioned data acquisition from ADC to TDC, created polarization optimization script reducing measurement time from hours to minutes
- •Introduced Obsidian-based shared lab notebook for team documentation
+40% Efficiency Gain
Overall experimental workflow optimization
How I Solve Hard Problems
My approach remains consistent whether troubleshooting hardware, analyzing data, building Python pipelines, or learning new tools
Decompose
Break into testable parts
Understand
Study deeply
Build
Create working solution
Refine
Iterate until robust
iterate between Build and Refine
This pattern works because it forces you to stop guessing and start testing. The same methodology applies to debugging femtosecond laser systems, learning German grammar, training for half-marathons, or navigating complex institutional processes.
Working With Me
Communication
I prefer overcommunicating technical constraints early rather than discovering problems late. Direct questions get direct answers.
Deadlines
Realistic estimates based on experience. If laser alignment typically takes 3 days, I budget 4 to account for unexpected issues.
Collaboration
Comfortable working independently (Python scripting, data analysis) or in teams (multi-institution experiments). I ask for help when stuck and offer it when relevant.
Learning
Fast with structured material, slower with poorly documented systems. I read manuals thoroughly before asking questions, but I do ask when documentation is unclear.
Tech Stack & Tools
Programming & Data Science
Python: NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib, PyQt5, scikit-learn
Data Analysis: Statistical modeling, data visualization, ETL pipeline development
Version Control: Git, GitHub
Other: LaTeX, SQL
Data Engineering & Automation
ETL Pipeline Development: Automated data processing workflows, pipeline orchestration (Python-based)
Lab Automation: LabVIEW for real-time acquisition and control systems
High-Performance Computing: Linux HPC environments (Gaussian 16, ORCA), Shell scripting
Tools & Infrastructure: Git/GitHub, SQL, Docker (currently expanding expertise)
Scientific Instrumentation
Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser systems, pump-probe techniques
Advanced Spectroscopy: FTIR, UV-Vis, Raman, PEPICO, velocity-map imaging
Vacuum Systems: Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers, molecular beam setups
Facilities: Synchrotron and FEL beamtime experience (DESY, ISA-ASTRID2)
Software & Development Tools
IDEs & Editors: VS Code, Jupyter Notebooks, Spyder
Documentation: LaTeX, Markdown, Obsidian (lab notebooks)
Quantum Chemistry: Gaussian 16, ORCA for DFT calculations
Visualization: Matplotlib, Plotly (learning), Origin
Core Strengths
Experimental Expertise
PhD (2017–2023): FTIR, UV-Vis, Raman spectroscopy, rheology, materials synthesis and characterization
Postdoc (2023–present): Ti:Sapphire femtosecond lasers, ultra-high vacuum systems, pump-probe spectroscopy, molecular beam techniques, PEPICO, velocity-map imaging
Experienced in designing and optimizing custom experimental setups. Comfortable with high-pressure gas systems and synchrotron/FEL beamtime experiments.
Computational & Data Analysis
Active tools: Python (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib) for data processing and statistical analysis. LabVIEW for experimental automation and real-time data acquisition.
Quantum chemistry: Gaussian 16 and ORCA for DFT calculations on HPC Linux environments.
Currently learning: scikit-learn for machine learning workflows, advanced data visualization with Plotly, SQL for structured data management.
Business & Project Management
Completed: IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
In Progress: Google Project Management Professional Certificate, SAP Technology Consulting Certification
Languages & Work Authorization
English: Professional working proficiency (academic publications, international collaboration)
German: A2 level, targeting B1 by mid-2026
Hindi: Native fluency
Work Authorization: EU Blue Card holder • immediately available for DACH region and remote opportunities
What Colleagues Say
"Deepak is an exceptionally dedicated researcher with a genuine passion for scientific discovery. His ability to break down complex problems and develop innovative solutions, especially in spectroscopy and data science, consistently impressed our entire cohort. His collaborative spirit and technical expertise make him an ideal research partner."
"I wholeheartedly recommend Deepak for his exceptional expertise in advanced spectroscopy, molecular dynamics, and computational data analysis. His strong command of complex datasets and analytical methodologies, combined with diligence and professionalism, sets him apart as a highly impactful researcher and problem solver."
Where I'm Heading
Short-term (2025–2026)
Industry roles combining analytical rigor with business impact: Data Science & Analytics in R&D environments, Technical Project Management, or Technology Consulting focused on process optimization.
Long-Term Vision
Become the person organizations trust when critical technical challenges require both deep scientific understanding and measurable business delivery. Bridge cutting-edge research methodologies with practical industrial applications.
What Drives My Work
Intellectual Honesty
Science works because we question assumptions and acknowledge what we don't know. I apply this same rigor everywhere-following evidence, documenting limitations, and building systematic answers rather than defending predetermined conclusions.
Making Science Practical
Understanding molecular organization at femtosecond timescales is intellectually fascinating. Translating that understanding into better materials, more efficient processes, or improved industrial methods? That's impact.
Continuous Learning
From hands-on experimental upgrades (laser systems and vacuum chambers) to learning German to exploring AI agents. Growth is about embracing new challenges.
Professional Timeline
Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Kassel, Germany
Ultrafast spectroscopy with Ti:Sapphire systems, 40% lab efficiency improvement
PhD in Physics & INSPIRE Fellow
IITRAM, Ahmedabad, India
12 first-author publications, independent project management
Nationwide Selection: ~1 of 1,000 Awarded
Granted Indian Patent
Gas-separation membranes
M.Sc. Physics
Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, India
Dissertation: Study of Rare Earths Activated SrSnO₃ for White LED
"I'm fascinated by what happens in femtoseconds. But I care even more about what happens next: when those insights become real-world solutions."
Let's Connect
Whether you're considering research collaborations, technical roles, consulting projects, or simply want to discuss interesting problems, I'd be glad to talk.