Research Associate - Microbiology

Job Description

UPL Ltd.'s Natural Plant Protection (NPPL) Ltd, business unit in Bengaluru offers natural and biological solutions to enhance crop resilience and protection, improve nutrition, and support soil health for growers.

Job title: Research Associate - Microbiology

Job location: Bengaluru/ Thane

Reports To: R&D Head

Position Type: Full-time

We are seeking an innovative R&D Microbiologist Fermentation to drive the early-stage discovery, optimization, and scaling of our microbial fermentation processes. In this role, you will design and execute experiments at the bench and pilot scale to develop high-yield microbial strains, optimize media formulations, and establish robust bioprocesses. You will bridge the gap between discovery biology and scalable engineering, transforming laboratory concepts into viable industrial workflows.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strain Engineering & Media Optimization

• Screen and select high-performing bacterial, yeast, or fungal strains for targeted metabolic traits.
• Design DoE (Design of Experiments) matrices to screen and optimize complex culture media formulations.
• Evaluate metabolic pathways and nutrient consumption rates to maximize specific growth and product yields.

2. Bench-Scale Fermentation & Process Development

• Program and run parallel benchtop bioreactors (e.g., Flask to 4L automated systems).
• Develop feeding strategies (batch, fed-batch, continuous) to optimize biomass and metabolite production.
• Map fermentation kinetics by tracking real-time variables like carbon dioxide evolution, oxygen uptake, and PH.

3. Data Analysis & Assay Development

• Assist Analytical team to trace metabolites by latest analytical tools, spectrophotometry, or dry cell weight assays.
• Build predictive scale-up models to successfully transition processes from lab bench to pilot plant.
• Maintain detailed Journal writing of experimental parameters, keeping precise, IP-compliant electronic lab notebooks (ELN).

4. Innovation & Collaboration

• Review scientific literature regularly to identify and integrate cutting-edge bioprocess methodologies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with genetic engineering teams (upstream) and purification specialists (downstream).
• Present research findings and data-driven recommendations to project stakeholders and leadership.

5. Role Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Masters or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related fields.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of microbial physiology, metabolic regulation, and fermentation kinetics.
• Experience: 3-5 years of R&D laboratory experience specifically operating programmable, small-scale bioreactors.
• Software Skills: Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) and bioreactor control software.
• Soft Skills: Strong troubleshooting skills, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and adaptive team communication.