Bioinformatics Scientist

Location: Bengaluru

About Loopworm
Loopworm is a  next-generation biotechnology company  building India’s first scalable platform that uses  insects as a platform  to produce sustainable proteins, oils, and high-value recombinant proteins. Backed by leading investors, we operate a  6,000 Tonnes/annum GMP+, ISO 22000 & HACCP-certified facility near Bengaluru  and are pioneering breakthrough innovations in  animal nutrition, diagnostics, and biopharma .

Key Responsibilities
Perform  DNA/RNA sequence analysis  to support heterologous protein expression in insect cell systems.
Design and optimize  expression vectors , including promoters, regulatory elements, UTRs, signal peptides, and fusion tags.
Conduct  codon optimization and mRNA-level analysis  (GC content, secondary structure, translation efficiency).
Predict and evaluate  protein folding, solubility, aggregation risk, stability, and complexity .
Apply  protein structure modelling and interpretation  (e.g., Alpha Fold-based insights) to guide expression strategy.
Utilize  AI/ML-based tools  for protein expression prediction and structure–function analysis.
Extract, curate, and analyse data from biological databases to optimize construct and host selection.
Integrate sequence, structure, and expression data to generate  actionable recommendations .
Collaborate with  molecular biology, upstream cell culture, and downstream purification teams  on design and troubleshooting.
Prepare  clear technical reports, summaries, and presentations  for project and management review.

Required Qualifications
Master’s degree  in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, or related field with  minimum 5 years of relevant hands-on experience OR
PhD  in Bioinformatics / Computational Biology / Life Sciences with  minimum 2 years of applied industry or post-doctoral experience
Demonstrated experience in  protein expression–focused bioinformatics .

Core Capabilities & Technical Expertise
DNA and RNA sequence analysis for  recombinant protein expression .
Codon optimization  and  mRNA secondary structure analysis  to improve translation efficiency.
Expression  vector design  aligned with insect cell and BEVS requirements.
Comparative  sequence alignment and homology analysis .
Assessment of  protein folding, solubility, aggregation, and stability  from sequence and structural data.
Interpretation of  protein structure predictions  (Alpha Fold, homology models).
Understanding of  structure–expression–function relationships .
Integration of data from  NCBI, Uni Prot, PDB, KEGG , and expression repositories.
Comparative analysis across  sequence, structure, and expression datasets .
Familiarity with  AI/ML approaches  in protein engineering and expression prediction.
Proficiency with  sequence analysis and alignment tools  (BLAST, Clustal Omega, MUSCLE, MAFFT).
Hands-on use of  protein analysis and visualization tools  (PyMOL, Chimera).

Experience with  protein feature prediction tools  (ExPASy, Prot Param, Signal

P, TMHMM).
Working knowledge of  Python, R, or scripting  for bioinformatics workflows and data analysis.
Exposure to  commercial or open-source protein expression prediction platforms  and modelling tools.
Strong  analytical thinking and scientific problem-solving  ability.
Ability to work  independently and cross-functionally  in a startup R&D environment.
Clear  scientific communication, documentation, and reporting  skills.
Ownership mind set with adaptability and execution focus.

Why Join Us?
Be part of an  India-first biotech innovation .
Work on a  revolutionary platform  with potential to disrupt multiple industries — biopharma, diagnostics, cosmetics, and more.
Collaborate with passionate scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
Enjoy a fast-paced and innovation-driven culture.