About This Role
This Assistant Scientist role supports fermentation-based biofertilizer production for both R&D and production operations, from media screening and bioreactor runs through downstream processing and formulation. The position also involves routine microbial quality control and supporting plant-microbe research experiments as needed, while collaborating with cross-functional teams. It offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute directly to bioprocessing and production in a startup environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform media screening and optimization to support fermentation of microbial strains for biofertilizer production
- Set up, operate, and monitor bioreactors (up to 10 L) and other bioprocess equipment of different sizes, including sterilization, inoculation, sampling, and in-process monitoring
- Support both R&D fermentation development and routine production batches, including batch preparation, equipment cleaning, and sterilization
- Carry out downstream processing steps such as centrifugation, drying, and blending, using equipment at different scales
- Support product formulation and help transfer processes from bench scale toward production
- Weigh and charge raw materials, and help with blending, packaging, and labelling of finished product batches
- Record batch and process data accurately and help troubleshoot fermentation runs
- Work closely with the upstream, QC, and other teams to ensure smooth handoffs from fermentation to finished product
- Prepare microbiology media for plates, broths, flasks, cultures, and QC testing, and prepare samples for analysis
- Perform plating, microbial enumeration, routine culture maintenance, and inoculations using aseptic technique
- Conduct contamination checks, product and culture testing, and other routine QC assays
- Maintain complete, accurate, and timely laboratory records, QC logs, data sheets, and sample traceability documentation
- Keep laboratory work spaces, materials, cultures, and supplies clean, organized, and ready for use
- Execute research protocols developed by the team and follow approved experimental procedures exactly
- Set up and maintain plant-microbe efficacy experiments in controlled environments, including grow tents
- Prepare and apply microbial treatments while maintaining clear labelling, treatment separation, and experimental controls
- Monitor plant growth and environmental conditions, and record study performance indicators consistently
- Take measurements and photographs, collect samples, and maintain complete and accurate experimental records
- Support harvest activities, sample processing, analytical work, and trial execution across row crops and greenhouse crops
- Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, including Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) practices, and standard operating procedures
- Coordinate
About the Company
Indogulf Bioworks Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology company based at Western Research Parks in London, Ontario. They develop, scale, manufacture, and commercialize microbial and biological technologies for application in diverse industries such as agriculture, animal health, mining and bioremediation. They are a growing, hands-on team where scientists, technicians, regulatory professionals, and commercial teams work closely together to move ideas from the lab into practical, real-world scalable solutions.
