Research Associate - Strain Engineering

PreferCo · India

Job Title : Research Associate – Strain Engineering

Location : Hyderabad, India

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.

Collaboration & Project Support

• 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.

Interested candidates may reach out to us at: admin@preferco.bio