Research Associate - Strain Engineering

PreferCo; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

PreferCo in Hyderabad, India, seeks a Research Associate to support the Strain Engineering team with design, construction, screening and documentation of engineered microbial strains for fermentation-based production of biomolecules. This hands-on role emphasizes precise molecular biology workflows and careful data handling.

You will collaborate with fermentation, analytics and downstream teams to ensure smooth workflows, maintain lab readiness, and contribute to ongoing R&D programs while

Qualifications

• 1–2 years hands‑on experience in molecular biology, microbiology or strain engineering.
• Desirable exposure to lab documentation and sample labelling.

Responsibilities

• Support routine molecular biology and strain engineering experiments including PCR, cloning, DNA assembly, transformation, colony screening, plasmid prep, and genotype confirmation.

Skills

Molecular biology

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Biotechnology or related field

Tools

PCR

Cloning

Gel electrophoresis

Transformation

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate – Strain Engineering

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Research Associate to join our Strain Engineering team. The

successful candidate will support scientists in the design support, construction, screening, and

documentation of engineered microbial strains for fermentation-based production of high-value

molecules such as peptides, proteins, and specialty biomolecules. This laboratory-focused role is

suited for candidates who enjoy hands‑on molecular biology work and disciplined experimental

execution.

You will work closely with the strain engineering scientist and interdisciplinary teams-including

fermentation, analytics, and downstream processing-to support day-to-day molecular biology

workflows, strain screening activities, lab upkeep, sample tracking, and data organization for R&D

programs.

Key Responsibilities

Strain Engineering Experiment Execution & Laboratory Support

• Support routine molecular biology and strain engineering experiments including PCR, cloning,
• DNA assembly, transformation, colony screening, plasmid preparation, and genotype confirmation under the guidance of scientists.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of microbial cultures, glycerol stocks, competent cells, media plates, antibiotics, buffers, and common molecular biology reagents.
• Perform strain screening experiments in microplates, tubes, shake flasks, or other small‑scale cultivation formats and coordinate sample transfer for analytical testing.
• Help construct, track, and organize plasmids, strains, DNA samples, and lineage records to support ongoing development programs.
• Assist with execution of standard protocols for host evaluation, construct verification, and early‑stage performance screening.
• Maintain readiness of common laboratory instruments and workstations used for strain engineering, including thermocyclers, gel systems, incubators, shakers, and biosafety cabinets.

Workflow Execution & Data Management

• Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks, sample registers, freezer inventories, and experimental records for strain engineering activities.
• Compile and organize molecular biology results, screening data, and experimental observations for review by the strain engineering scientist and project teams.
• Support the preparation of SOPs, reagent logs, plasmid maps, inventory trackers, and documentation required for traceability.
• Perform lab assistant responsibilities including preparation of reagents and media, glassware handling, autoclaving, ordering and stocking consumables, organizing storage areas, and routine housekeeping of the strain engineering laboratory.
• Assist with labelling, storage, archiving, and retrieval of strains, plasmids, DNA samples, and reference materials in an organized and traceable manner.
• Work closely with strain engineering scientists and cross‑functional teams to meet project goals, timelines, and experimental handoffs.
• Coordinate with fermentation and analytics teams for culture transfer, screening plans, and sample submissions.
• Support troubleshooting by communicating unexpected results, contamination events, equipment issues, or reagent shortages promptly.
• Maintain a safe and organized lab environment and adhere to all biosafety and operational guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of relevant hands‑on experience in molecular biology, microbiology, strain engineering, or laboratory operations.
• Basic familiarity with PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, transformation, sterile technique, and microbial culture handling.
• Practical understanding of documentation, sample labelling, freezer inventory management, and laboratory organization is desirable.
• Exposure to fermentation, screening assays, or analytical coordination is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, willingness to learn, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to microbial strain engineering, synthetic biology workflows, or high‑throughput screening is preferred.
• Prior experience in laboratory support activities such as media preparation, autoclaving, stock management, and equipment cleaning is an advantage.
• Experience supporting recombinant protein, peptide, or specialty biomolecule development programs is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Join a mission‑driven company solving global challenges through biomanufacturing innovation.
• Help build and scale India’s first full‑stack precision fermentation platform.
• Be part of a fast‑growing ecosystem with backing from global scientific and business leaders.
• Reconnect with India’s thriving biotech landscape—Hyderabad offers not only a robust innovation ecosystem but also an excellent quality of life, strong global connectivity, and a deep talent pool.