Bioprocess Lead

Umami Bioworks; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Umami Bioworks in Bengaluru seeks a Senior Bioprocess Scientist to lead cultivated fish cell culture process development, from bench to 50+ L pilot scale. You will design experiments, manage scale-down models, and drive data-driven optimization.

The role requires strong hands-on lab experience, ability to mentor junior scientists, and excellent communication to align inputs teams and leadership.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, or equivalent.
• 5+ years industry experience (MS) or 3+ years (PhD) in biotechnology or cell manufacturing.
• 2+ years direct experience in lab to mid-scale (50-500L) animal cell culture.
• Experience with batch and fed-batch cell culture; intensified/continuous process a plus.
• Tech transfer experience preferred.
• Experience with scale-down model development, predictive modeling, and model validation a plus.
• Experience with scale-up and process development for bench to pilot scale.

Responsibilities

• Design and set up a bioreactor lab with qualified equipment.
• Perform bench-scale experimental screening to establish optimal processes.
• Develop scale-down processes to maximize benchtop yield and efficiency (<10L).
• Mentor junior staff in parameter optimization during scale up.
• Define key process parameters and develop analytical methods for process control.
• Align with senior leadership for critical decisions.
• Lead co-development partnerships to drive goals.
• Conduct rigorous experimental design, documentation, and data analysis.
• Provide reporting and data presentation on project deliverables.
• Evaluate processes for improvements and creative solutions.

Skills

DOE methodology

Quantitative modeling

Mass balance

Metabolic flux analysis

Analytical chemistry techniques

Prioritization / timelines

Troubleshooting

Written and verbal communication

Education

MS in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or Cell Biology

PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or Cell Biology

Tools

High-throughput bioreactor systems

Automation

Scale-down bioreactor models

Job description

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the process development of cultivated fish cell culture scale-up, from static and small-scale dynamic culture to 50+ L. This will require experimental design, wet-lab work, and data analysis for cell proliferation at increasing scale. Successful candidates will be expected to drive upstream process development activities, develop and clearly communicate requirements to inputs teams, and will bring expertise in operating scale-down bioreactors, developing optimized bioprocesses, and scaling process from bench to pilot.

Responsibilities

• Design and set up a bioreactor lab, including coordinating with vendors to qualify and procure bioreactors and supporting equipment
• Perform experimental screening of bioprocess approaches at bench-scale to establish optimal processes and operating modes in line with future commercialization targets
• Develop robust, iterative scale-down processes to maximize yield and process efficiency at benchtop (<10L) scale
• Mentor the Junior bioprocess scientist in process parameter optimization during scale up from shake flask to small scale reactors
• Define key process parameters for scale-up and develop analytical methods for continuous process monitoring and control
• Align with senior leadership to implement critical decisions
• Lead co-development partnerships to drive shared process development goals
• Conduct rigorous experimental design, documentation, and data analysis
• Provide concise and effective reporting on project deliverables and presentation of data
• Evaluate processes and assumptions for potential improvements to efficiency and manufacturability, providing creative solutions to challenging technical problems

Requirements

Experience

• M.S. or PhD in a relevant field (Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, or equivalent
• 5+ years of industry experience (MS) or 3+ years of industry experience (PhD) in biotechnology, cell manufacturing or a relevant engineering field
• 2+ years of direct experience in lab to mid-scale (50-500L) animal cell culture in a process development environment
• Experience with batch and fed-batch cell culture is essential; intensified or continuous process experience is a plus
• Tech transfer experience is preferred
• Experience with scale-down model development, predictive modeling, and model validation is a plus
• Experience with high throughput bioreactor systems and automation is a plus
• Track record of successfully leading small teams is strongly preferred
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications is preferred
• Demonstrated scientific rigor toward continuous improvement

Desired technical skills

• Proficiency with Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology for bioprocess development, including experiment design and data analysis
• Proficiency in engineering techniques, including quantitative modeling and mass balance
• Familiarity with mammalian metabolic pathways and proficiency in metabolic flux analysis is a plus
• Understanding of a range of analytical chemistry techniques necessary to support process development
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and skills to prioritize and deliver against timelines
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong command of the English language