Assistant Scientist, Industrial Biotechnology

BioTalent Canada; London; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Indogulf Bioworks Inc. is a London, Ontario-based biotech company focused on fermentation-based biofertilizers and related bioprocessing.

We seek an Assistant Scientist to support fermentation development and production, microbial QC, and plant-microbe research in a collaborative startup environment. The role involves operating small-scale bioreactors, performing QC assays, maintaining detailed records, and working onsite at Western University campus in London, ON.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Bioprocess Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related life-science discipline.
• Practical hands-on laboratory experience; experience with microbial culture, aseptic handling, plating, or enumeration is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of microbial fermentation, or willingness to learn; training will be provided.
• Working knowledge of Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) laboratory practices.
• Comfort operating bioreactors, centrifuges, dryers, blenders, and other bioprocess equipment, with understanding of downstream processing and formulation.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 kg and stand for extended periods during fermentation and production runs.
• Attention to detail, accurate documentation, measurement, and data-recording skills.
• Reliable and organized with clear communication, able to work independently and across departments.
• Genuine interest in agriculture, plants, soil, environmental science, microbiology, fermentation, biofertilizers, and related technologies; onsite at London, ON.

Responsibilities

• Fermentation, Bioprocessing and Formulation: support media screening, operate bioreactors up to 10 L, assist R&D and production batches, perform downstream processing and formulation, help with blending and packaging, record data and troubleshoot fermentation.
• Routine Microbial QC: prepare media, perform plating and enumeration, conduct QC assays, maintain records and logs, keep labs clean and organized.
• Plant-Microbe Research Support: execute protocols, set up plant-microbe efficacy experiments, apply microbial treatments, monitor growth and environmental conditions, collect samples and maintain records.
• General Laboratory Responsibilities: follow biosafety practices (BSL-1/BSL-2), coordinate with teams to keep work on schedule, report deviations and issues, support additional lab tasks and meetings.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Aseptic handling

Attention to detail

Independent and collaborative work

Onsite lab work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology/ biotechnology

Tools

Bioreactors

Centrifuges

Dryers

Blenders

Job description

Indogulf Bioworks Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology company based at Western Research Parks in London, Ontario. We develop, scale, manufacture, and commercialize microbial and biological technologies for application in diverse industries such as agriculture, animal health, mining and bioremediation.

We 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.

Role Overview

The Assistant Scientist will primarily support fermentation-based biofertilizer production across both R&D and production operations (from media screening and bioreactor runs through downstream processing and formulation), perform routine microbial quality control, support plant-microbe research experiments as needed, record accurate data, and elevate issues quickly while collaborating with upstream, QC, and other cross-functional teams.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, hands-on startup environment where the Assistant Scientist can contribute directly to fermentation, bioprocessing, and production, with additional exposure to QC and agricultural research.

Location: Stiller Centre, London, Ontario
Employment Type: Full-Time Permanent

What You’ll Do

1. Fermentation, Bioprocessing and Formulation

• 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.

2. Routine Microbial QC

• 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 workspaces, materials, cultures, and supplies clean, organized, and ready for use.

3. Plant-Microbe Research Support (As Needed)

• 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.

4. General Laboratory Responsibilities

• Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, including Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) practices, and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate day-to-day activities with upstream, QC, research, and other cross-functional teams to keep fermentation, production, QC and research work on schedule.
• Report protocol deviations, contamination concerns, equipment issues, and unusual results promptly.
• Support additional QC, research, production, harvest, and laboratory operations tasks as assigned, and participate in team meetings.

What You’ll Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Bioprocess Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related life-science discipline.
• Practical hands-on laboratory experience; experience with microbial culture, aseptic handling, plating, or enumeration is strongly preferred.
• An understanding of microbial fermentation, or a strong willingness to learn it; training will be provided.
• Working knowledge of Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1/BSL-2) laboratory practices.
• Comfort operating bioreactors, centrifuges, dryers, blenders, and other bioprocess equipment of different sizes, with an understanding of downstream processing and formulation (or eagerness to learn).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 kg (e.g., media components, carboys, product bags) and to stand for extended periods during fermentation and production runs.
• Comfort following established laboratory and research protocols carefully and consistently.
• Strong attention to detail, with accurate documentation, measurement, and data-recording skills.
• Reliable and organized, with clear communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, including across departments.
• A genuine interest in agriculture, plants, soil, environmental science, microbiology, fermentation, biofertilizers, and biological technologies, with the ability to work onsite at our lab at Western University campus in London, ON.
• Genuine enthusiasm for the field and a desire to grow with the company in a long-term role.