Subir Sarker

Dr. Subir Sarker is a recognised molecular virologist and microbiologist based at the Townsville campus of the College of Public Health, Medical, and Veterinary Sciences at James Cook University. His extensive research endeavors are centered around virology and microbiology, with a primary goal of enhancing the capacity to effectively manage the emergence of diseases. This pursuit is particularly critical for newly identified or emerging pathogens that frequently give rise to significant health challenges, economic ramifications, and escalating disease prevalence among both humans and animals.

Dr. Sarker's illustrious research journey spanning approximately eight years has been fortified by prestigious research fellowships that underscore his excellence. Notable among these are the Endeavour Research Fellowship, generously supported by the Australian Government's Department of Education and Training, and the Life Science Fellowship, graciously funded by La Trobe University. Additionally, his remarkable achievements earned him an ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Fellowship. Prior to joining James Cook University, he achieved the position of Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University in 2023.

Dr. Sarker's scientific portfolio is highlighted by his pioneering revelation on how single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) plays a critical role in viral assembly at an atomic, a groundbreaking insight unveiled from his research. This seminal work, published in Nature Communications, has laid the groundwork for a potential antiviral treatment or vaccine targeting a highly lethal viral infection in avian species. Furthermore, this discovery has been instrumental in securing several competitive grants, including the "ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award" and the "Threatened Species Recovery Fund."

In yet another pioneering feat, Dr. Sarker pioneered the exploration of crocodilepox virus evolutionary genomics, uncovering valuable insights into poxvirus infection dynamics within Australian saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). These breakthroughs have been eloquently detailed in several seminal publications and have significantly contributed to the development of strategies for recombinant DNA vaccines. Notably, these findings galvanized participation of Dr Sarker's former university researchers in a collaborative project funded by the Porosus industry in partnership with the CRC for developing the North, aimed at devising a recombinant DNA vaccine against saltwater crocodilepox virus.

Sarker's primary research interest is applying genomic and molecular biology approaches to help answer evolutionary questions and develop a better understanding of the pathogens, with a strong focus on the conservation of human and animal health. Dr. Sarker's laboratory is equipped with a diverse array of cutting-edge techniques, encompassing genomic analysis, microbiological investigations, vaccinology, and structural biology methodologies, all employed synergistically to advance scientific knowledge.

In addition, Sarker Lab offers diagnostic services for beak and feather disease virus, as well as poxviruses antigen, with payment based on a fee-for-service model.