Bioprocess Lead

Umami Bioworks; Bengaluru Urban; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Umami Bioworks in Bangalore, India, seeks a senior Bioprocess Scientist to lead cultivated fish cell culture scale-up from bench to 50+ L. You will design experiments, drive upstream development, and communicate requirements to inputs teams, leveraging DOE, modeling, and analytical methods.

The role requires an MS or PhD in a relevant field and 3–5+ years of industry experience in biotechnology or cell manufacturing, with batch/fed-batch experience and scale-down model development.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD required in a relevant field such as Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering or Cell Biology.
• 5+ years of industry experience in biotechnology, cell manufacturing, or related engineering field.
• 2+ years direct experience in lab to mid-scale animal cell culture (50–500 L) in a process development environment.
• Experience with batch and fed-batch cell culture; intensified or continuous processes a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and set up a bioreactor lab, coordinating procurement of bioreactors and equipment.
• Screen bioprocess approaches at bench-scale to establish optimal processes aligned with commercialization targets.
• Develop scale-down processes to maximize yield and efficiency at benchtop scale (<10 L).
• Mentor junior bioprocess scientists in parameter optimization during scale-up.
• Define key process parameters for scale-up and develop analytical methods for monitoring and control.
• Lead co-development partnerships to drive shared goals and collaborate with senior leadership on critical decisions.
• Publish and report findings concisely and present data effectively.
• Evaluate processes for improvements to efficiency and manufacturability.

Skills

DOE methods

Quantitative modeling

Mass balance

Metabolic flux analysis

Analytical chemistry

Communication

English proficiency

Troubleshooting

Education

MS in Bioengineering / Chemical Engineering / Cell Biology (or related)

PhD in Bioengineering / Chemical Engineering / Cell Biology (or related)

Tools

High throughput bioreactor systems

Automation

Job description

Bangalore South, India | Posted on 08/24/2026

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