Junior Production Engineer–Microbial Bioprocessing
Job Description
We are looking for a passionate and detail-oriented Junior Production Engineer with a degree in Biotechnology (B.E./M.Tech) to join our microbial bioprocessing production team. The candidate should have practical experience in microbial fermentation processes using bench-top fermenters (1 L to 10 L), including inoculum preparation, fermentation runs, and downstream processing. This role offers an opportunity to work closely with senior scientists/engineers in scaling up microbial processes, supporting production, and contributing to quality compliance.
- Independently handle microbial cultures (bacteria, yeast, actinomycetes, fungi) at shake flask and small-scale fermenter levels (1–10 L).
- Perform inoculum preparation and carry out fermentation processes (batch, fed-batch, basic continuous culture).
- Operate, clean, and sterilize fermenters as per CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilization-in-Place) protocols.
- Monitor fermentation parameters (pH, DO, agitation, temperature) and ensure smooth operation of bioreactors.
- Support downstream processing activities, including recovery, separation, and purification of biomolecules.
- Conduct routine analysis of fermentation products (sugars, proteins, fatty acids, amino acids, biopolymers).
- Maintain accurate documentation of process parameters, batch records, and logbooks.
- Adhere to quality, safety, and compliance guidelines in daily operations.
- Collaborate with R&D and process development teams for scale-up studies.
Candidate Profile
- B.E. / B.Tech in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or related discipline.
- M.Tech in Biotechnology preferred.
- 0–2 years of relevant work experience (preferably in the Biopharma industry) in microbial fermentation and downstream processing.
- Familiarity with microbial handling (bacteria, yeast, fungi, actinomycetes).
- Practical skills in fermenter operation (inoculation, monitoring, sampling, cleaning, sterilization).
- Understanding of downstream operations (filtration, centrifugation, precipitation, basic chromatography).
- Knowledge of CIP/SIP protocols.
- Ability to perform basic analytical assays (sugar estimation, protein assays, SDS-PAGE, etc.).
- Behavioral Competencies:
- Strong attention to detail and adherence to SOPs.
- Good documentation and reporting skills.
- Team player with strong communication skills.
- Willingness to work in a production/lab environment and learn advanced bioprocess operations.
Growth Opportunity
This position provides a platform to gain end-to-end exposure in bioprocess production and scale-up, with opportunities to grow into roles in Production, Process Development, or Manufacturing Engineering 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.
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