Production Support–Microbial Bioprocessing

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Biotechnology Engineer (PhD preferred) with 0–2 years of relevant experience in microbial bioprocessing. The ideal candidate should demonstrate hands-on expertise in handling bacterial, yeast, actinomycete, and fungal strains, and must be proficient in operating bench-top fermenters (1 L to 100 L). The role involves end-to-end responsibility for fermentation studies—including inoculum preparation, bioreactor operations in batch/fed-batch/continuous modes, scale-up studies, downstream processing, and associated analytical work.

• Independently handle microbial cultures (bacteria, yeast, actinomycetes, fungi) from shake flask to fermenter scale.
• Perform inoculum preparation, fermentation runs (batch, fed-batch, continuous), and monitor critical process parameters.
• Operate and troubleshoot bench-top fermenters ranging from 1 L to 100 L.
• Execute scale-up studies and support technology transfer activities.
• Ensure compliance with CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilization-in-Place) protocols for fermenters.
• Participate in downstream processing, including recovery and purification of target molecules.
• Conduct biochemical and analytical assays such as sugar profiling, amino acid profiling, fatty acids/fatty alcohols estimation, protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, and related methods.
• Perform analytical method development for novel molecules or bioprocess intermediates.
• Document experimental protocols, batch records, and technical reports accurately.
• Adhere to safety standards, GLP/GMP practices, and organizational quality systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including process engineering, analytical sciences, and product development.

Candidate Profile

• M.Tech in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, Microbiology, or related field.

• PhD in Biotechnology/related discipline preferred.

• 0–2 years of relevant experience in microbial fermentation and downstream processing (academic or industry).

• Proficiency in microbial strain handling (bacteria, yeast, actinomycete, fungi).

• Hands-on experience with fermenters (1–100 L), including CIP & SIP operations.

• Knowledge of fermentation modes: batch, fed-batch, continuous.

• Basic understanding of downstream processing techniques.

• Familiarity with analytical methods: sugar analysis, biopolymer assays, fatty acid/fatty alcohol profiling, amino acid analysis, protein characterization, SDS-PAGE.

• Ability to develop and validate analytical methods.

• Behavioral Competencies:

• • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Attention to detail with strong documentation practices.
  • Team player with effective communication skills.
  • Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute in a start-up/scale-up environment.

Growth Opportunity

This role offers significant exposure to end-to-end bioprocess development, scale-up operations, and translational research. The candidate will gain opportunities to grow into leadership roles in Process Development, Scale-up Engineering, or Manufacturing Operations within the organization.

General requirements and expectations from Venture Center employees:

• Venture Center is a non‐profit organization with aim to benefit society by promoting entrepreneurs and start‐ups. Thus, Venture Center seeks employees and consultants with a strong interest and passion in seeing technology innovators, entrepreneurs, and start‐ups succeed, and a strong "service" ethos.
• A strong feature of Venture Center jobs is the rich learning environment and opportunity provided to employees to experiment, take initiative and be creative. The work of most employees has visible impact which can be satisfying. All employees benefit from access to high quality facilities and work environments. Compensation packages can be flexible but are often conservative due to Venture Center’s non‐profit status.
• General requirements include: a) strong ethical standards and work ethics, b) comfort with computers, computer applications and internet, c) strong communication skills – spoken and written.
• Venture Center’s working hours are 9 AM – 6.00 PM (Monday to Saturday) and are designed to keep operations of Venture Center convenient for the start‐ups, entrepreneurs, inventors and others that the organization serves. Managers in certain functions are provided the opportunity to avail of flexible hours. All jobs are located at Pune, Maharashtra, India.
   

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  Our Company is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or parental status.