Scientist & Lab Lead (mRNA-Focused CRO) | Full time | Bangalore

About the Role

You will translate ambitious US biotech project goals into rigorous, reproducible lab execution.

This is NOT a purely managerial role.

You will be hands-on in the lab.

You will:

• Design and execute experiments
• Lead assay development
• Run critical mRNA workflows
• Mentor Research Associates
• Serve as the final quality gate for scientific integrity
• Present data to US biotech founders and investors

Key Responsibilities

1 Scientific Leadership & Client Success (25%)

• Translate high-level biotech briefs into detailed experimental workflows
• Design controls, N-numbers, dose ranges
• Analyze RT-PCR traces & Western blots
• Ensure data integrity
• Prepare investor-ready summary decks
• Lead weekly scientific syncs with US founders

2 Team Management & Mentorship (25%)

• Supervise two Research Associates
• Align daily lab priorities
• Train team in advanced techniques
• Maintain high-quality aseptic technique culture

3 Strategic Wet-Lab & Troubleshooting (40%)

Hands-on role not optional

• Execute critical experimental steps
• Lead assay development
• Perform pilot mRNA transfections
• Troubleshoot underperforming assays
• Identify root causes in reagents or protocols

4 Operations & Compliance (10%)

• Oversee equipment lifecycle
• Manage lab instrumentation
• Coordinate with partner animal facilities

MUST-HAVE Technical Requirements (Do Not Apply If Missing)

This is an mRNA-first CRO. Real hands-on mRNA execution is mandatory.

You must have:

Hands-on mRNA IVT (in vitro transcription)

Hands-on mRNA purification

Hands-on RNA integrity QC (Fragment Analyzer / Bioanalyzer / TapeStation)

Direct experience running mRNA transfections in mammalian cells

Profiles without real mRNA execution experience will not be considered.

Strong Plus

• LNP formulation or microfluidics exposure
• DLS / Zetasizer particle sizing experience
• Experience with plasmid DNA / mRNA / LNP workflows

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
• 2+ years post-PhD experience
• (Exceptional fresh PhDs from top institutes may be considered)
• Strong experience in:
• RT-PCR / qPCR
• Western blotting
• BSL-2 mammalian cell culture
• Excellent English communication skills
• (Must clearly explain failed experiments and troubleshooting logic)

Ideal Personality Fit

We are looking for a very specific type of leader:

Enjoys lab work

Comfortable being hands-on

Startup mindset

Not title-driven

Comfortable building something new

Mentorship mentality

Detail-oriented

Why Join Us?

• Work directly with US biotech founders
• Build the scientific backbone of an mRNA-first CRO
• High ownership, high visibility role
• Shape lab systems from the ground up