Assistant Scientist, Industrial Biotechnology

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