Dr. Chakkiath Paul Antony

Staff Research Scientist, Red Sea Research Platform, KAUST, Thuwal-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Contact email

My research leverages state-of-the-art bioinformatics approaches to apply 'omics' techniques for the identification and characterization of key microbial players in extreme environments. I focus on understanding their role in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients. Having studied microbes from diverse habitats—including soda lakes, hot springs, deep-sea vents, seeps, and brine pools—my goal is to solve metabolic puzzles and reconstruct microbial physiology directly from environmental 'omics' data. At KAUST, I lead these cutting-edge efforts, using bioinformatic innovation to inform ecological understanding and environmental resilience.


Experience

Staff Research Scientist

Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), Thuwal-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
2019 - Present

Postdoctoral Researcher

Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), Thuwal-Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Project: Diagnostic meta'omics' and use of 'omics' approaches for pathogen discovery; Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Arnab Pain

2017 - 2018

Postdoctoral Researcher

Department of Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany

Project: 'Omics' analyses of endosymbionts of invertebrates at hydrocarbon seeps and hydrothermal vents; Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Nicole Dubilier

2013 - 2016

Ph.D. Researcher

National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India & University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

Project: Methanotrophy and associated microflora in Lonar Lake, a meteor impact crater; Supervisor: Dr. Milind S. Patole; UKIERI collaborator/co-PI: Prof. Dr. J. Colin Murrell

2008 - 2013

Visiting Researcher

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, India

Project: Understanding the neural correlates of olfactory behavior in Drosophila; Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Obaid Siddiqi, FRS

2007

M.Sc. Researcher

National Institute for Cholera & Enteric Diseases (NICED), Kolkata, India

Project: Characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes among non-typhoidal Salmonella strains; Supervisor: Dr. T. Ramamurthy

2006 - 2007

B.Sc. Researcher

Periyar University, Salem, India

Project: Analysis of Agrobacterium biodiversity in South India; Supervisor: Multiple faculties at college

2005

Education

National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), University of Pune, India

Ph.D. Biotechnology
2013

Cochin University of Science & Technology, India

M.Sc. Biotechnology

Score: First class with distinction

2005 - 2007

Periyar University, India

B.Sc. Biotechnology

Score: First class

2002 - 2005

Indian School Salalah, Sultanate of Oman

1989 - 2002

Publications

For a full and up-to-date list of my publications, click below
Publications as listed on Google Scholar
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Awards/Honors

  • Reviewer for competitive research grants of NASA, Sultan Qaboos University (Oman)
  • Reviewer for scientific journals: ISME J, Nature Communications, PLoS One, Environmental Microbiology, Microbiological Research, Archives of Microbiology
  • ISME Early-Mid Career Ambassadorship (2019 onwards)
  • Max Planck Society (MPG) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (2015-2016)
  • Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship, Humboldt Foundation (2013-2015)
  • Visiting Researcher, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), July, 2015
  • Max Planck Society (MPG) Visiting Research Fellowship, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (2013)
  • Junior & Senior Research Fellowships, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India (2008, 2010)
  • UKIERI Research Fellowship, British Council (during visits to the UK between 2008-2010)
  • Visiting Research Fellowship, National Centre for Biological Sciences-Tata Institute for Fundamental Research (2007)
  • 7th rank holder in National-level Post Graduate Entrance Examination, Cochin University of Science & Technology (2005)
  • ‘Best Personality of the College’ Award (during B.Sc.), Muthayammal College of Arts & Science (2002-2005)
  • Academic Topper Award (during B.Sc.), Muthayammal College of Arts & Science (2002-2004)
  • High school (CBSE) subject topper awards in Biology & English, Indian School Salalah (2002)

Impact

International Policy

My research work has been cited in policy documents compiled by Intergovernmental organizations

Policy document: Methane as greenhouse gas, 2020; European Commission

Policy document: Economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by deep-sea sponges, 2020; FAO, United Nations

Regional Policy

My PhD research work has influenced regional policy for the conservation and management of Lonar Lake, Maharashtra

News article: 'Maharashtra wants to put Lonar Lake on world heritage map', April 20, 2010; DNA

News article: 'Researchers find methane-eating bacteria in Lonar crater', April 17, 2010; The Indian Express

My current research with colleagues at KAUST and (industry) partners at NCW, NEOM & Red Sea Global is helping to protect Saudi Arabia's marine ecosystems and growing blue economy by generating biodiversity baseline surveys and eDNA-based monitoring of invasive marine species

Policy document: A status report on wildlife & ecosystems of the Red Sea Project Area 2022

News article: 'Saudi Arabia's blue economy projected to contribute SR22 billion and create 100,000 jobs by 2030', August 11, 2025; Saudi Gazette

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UN SDGs addressed by my research (so far):

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