Research Officer

IGI; Navi Mumbai; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

IGI in Mahape, Navi Mumbai, seeks a Research Officer to help establish and operate a yeast display platform for antibody engineering. You will contribute to library construction, yeast handling, and flow cytometry-based screening while documenting methods and results.

The role offers exposure to affinity maturation workflows and next-generation discovery technologies within a growing team. 2–5 years of hands-on biotech experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• MSc/MTech or equivalent in biotech or life sciences.
• 2–5 years of hands-on lab experience in related fields.
• Strong practical exposure to molecular biology workflows and data handling.

Responsibilities

• Support establishment and optimization of yeast display workflows.
• Perform cloning, mutagenesis, and library construction activities.
• Prepare samples for flow cytometry and FACS.
• Maintain records and assist in SOP development and equipment upkeep.
• Analyse data and summarize results for project discussions.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

Molecular cloning

Flow cytometry

Library construction

Data analysis

Documentation

Education

MSc/MTech in Life Sciences

Tools

Flow cytometer

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Research Officer - Yeast Display & Antibody Engineering

Department: Antibody Discovery

Position Summary

The Research Officer will support the establishment and operation of a novel Yeast Display Platform at Mahape. This platform is being developed to enhance antibody affinity maturation capacity across discovery programs and generate high-quality proprietary data package for AI/ML model generation.

The successful candidate will contribute to library construction, yeast strain manipulation, flow cytometry-based screening, molecular biology workflows, and data analysis. This role offers a unique opportunity to participate in the development of a new technology platform from the ground up while gaining experience in antibody engineering, lead optimization, and next-generation discovery technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Yeast Display Platform Development

• Support the establishment and optimization of yeast display workflows.
• Execute routine molecular biology and microbiology experiments required for platform development.
• Assist in developing and implementing platform SOPs and best practices.
• Perform routine maintenance of yeast strains, reagents, and laboratory inventories.

Library Construction and Screening

• Conduct cloning, mutagenesis, and library construction activities.
• Perform yeast transformations and monitor library quality and diversity.
• Support affinity maturation campaigns through library screening and selection.
• Prepare samples for flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Independently perform laboratory experiments following established protocols.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Analyse experimental data and prepare summaries for project discussions.
• Troubleshoot routine experimental challenges under guidance from senior scientists.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Prepare buffers, media, and reagents required for routine experiments.
• Manage sample tracking and inventory records.

Required Qualifications

Education

• M.Sc./M.Tech in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 2-5 years of relevant industry or academic research experience.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience.

Required Technical Skills

Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques such as:

• PCR
• DNA/RNA isolation
• Molecular cloning
• Plasmid preparation
• Experience with microbial culture techniques.
• Basic knowledge of protein engineering and antibody discovery concepts.
• Familiarity with experimental data analysis and documentation.

Preferred Skills

• Exposure to yeast biology or yeast-based expression systems.
• Experience with flow cytometry/FACS.
• Knowledge of antibody display technologies (yeast display, phage display, or related platforms).
• Experience with sequence analysis tools and bioinformatics software.
• Understanding of antibody affinity maturation workflows.