Research Associate​/Senior Research Associate Cell Culture & Virology

Position: Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - (Cell Culture & Virology)
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 .

Position Summary
A Research Associate  (Cell Culture & Virology)  with 3+ years of laboratory experience in mammalian/Insect cell culture and virology techniques. The role is designed to provide hands-on technical support to Scientists, focusing on executing experiments, maintaining cell culture systems, assisting in virus-related workflows, and ensuring accurate documentation. This position is ideal for candidates looking to build expertise while working closely under the supervision of senior scientists.

Key Responsibilities
Maintain and optimize  insect cell cultures  (Sf9, Sf21, High Five), including routine maintenance and passaging.
Prepare and qualify  cell culture media, feeds, and supplements , including sterility evaluation and performance verification.
Establish, maintain, and document  cell banks  (MCB/WCB or equivalent), including cryopreservation, recovery, and stability monitoring.
Generate, amplify, characterize, and manage  baculovirus stocks , including preparation of  virus banks .
Perform  basic baculovirus characterization , including infectivity assessment, titer determination, and passage consistency evaluation.
Design and execute  infection strategies , including MOI determination,  rate of infectivity analysis , and infection kinetics studies.
Monitor and interpret  cell growth, viability, metabolic indicators, and cytopathic effects  during infection and expression phases.
Evaluate  recombinant protein production  through expression profiling, time-course studies, and coordination with analytical and downstream teams.
Prepare high-quality harvest material aligned with  downstream purification and analytical requirements .
Maintain accurate experimental documentation and contribute to  technical reports, SOPs, and knowledge transfer .
Participate actively in  cross-functional project discussions, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives .

Qualifications
Master’s degree  in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Virology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience  in  cell culture and virology , preferably in an industry or applied research setting is must.
Proven expertise  in insect cell culture systems and Baculovirus expression vector systems (BEVS), with mandatory hands-on experience in B aculovirus propagation and quantification via plaque assay and alternative methodologies .
Practical exposure to  cell banking, virus banking, infection studies, and upstream expression workflows .
Familiarity with  aseptic techniques, sterility assurance, biosafety practices, and laboratory documentation standards .

Key Competencies
Ability to apply cell culture and virology principles with accuracy and consistency.
Understands upstream process interdependencies affecting expression outcomes.
Interprets biological data and troubleshoots variability logically.
Demonstrates rigor in sterility, documentation, and biosafety practices.
Communicates effectively within multidisciplinary R&D teams.
Works independently with accountability.
Adapts quickly and continuously improves technical capability.

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.