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 :
Master’s 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.