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 NGS guided affinity maturation campaigns.
Support sample preparation for Next Gen synthesis.
Support library preparation workflows for NGS.

Experimental Execution

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. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or a related discipline OR
PhD in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or any related discipline.

Experience

3-6 years of relevant industry or academic research experience.

Required Technical Skills

Hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques such as:
PCR
DNA/RNA isolation
Gel electrophoresis
Molecular cloning
Plasmid preparation
Experience with NGS library prep workflows such as adapter ligation, indexing/barcoding, Amplicon cleanup using magnetic beads.
Experience with microbial culture techniques.
Basic knowledge of protein engineering and antibody discovery concepts.
Familiarity with experimental data analysis and documentation.

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with sequencing platforms (Illumina, Thermo Fisher/Ion Torrent, Oxford Nanopore, etc.)
Exposure to yeast biology or yeast-based expression systems.
Experience with flow cytometry or 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.