Research Associate - Virology

Job Title: Research Associate

Job Location:  Doddaballapur, Bengaluru, India (https://g.page/FNDRIN) (100% Onsite)

Company Overview: Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR) is a not-for-profit biotech R&D organization dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and devices for diseases with a high socio-economic impact. Since its inception in 2014, FNDR has generated a portfolio of therapeutics in tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteria, malaria, dengue, leishmania, serious bacterial infections, fungal infections, COVID-19 and RSV, spanning over early-stage discovery to late-stage clinical trials. FNDR's R&D Centre, which includes state-of-the-art BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories for both in vitro and in vivo research, is in Bengaluru, India. For more information, please visit https://www.fndr.in/.

Required Qualifications

•    M.Sc./MTech in Virology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline

•   1-2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in virology or related cell-based assay work

•   Prior BSL-3 working experience/certification strongly preferred

•   Proficiency in using MS Office applications

About the Role

FNDR is seeking a highly motivated Virologist to join our research team. The successful candidate will contribute to early-stage discovery, assay development, and translational research projects focused on viral pathogens of public-health importance. This role is suited for individuals looking to build a strong scientific career in applied virology and translational infectious disease research.

Key Responsibilities

·   Plan, and execute experiments involving BSL-2 and BSL-3 viral pathogens

· Perform virological assays including cell culture, plaque assays, TCID50, viral quantification, neutralization tests, and molecular methods (RT-PCR, qPCR)

· Support development and validation of in vitro / in vivo models, antiviral screening assays, and mechanistic studies

·   Analyse, interpret, and document experimental data; present findings to internal teams            

·   Ensuring strict compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and ethical guidelines for handling of BSL-2 and BSL-3

·   Contribute to manuscripts, proposals, patents, and project reports as required

·   Maintain lab inventory, order reagents/consumables, and ensure timely maintenance of equipment

·   Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks (physical/electronic, e.g., ELN) in line with institutional standards

Technical and Soft Skills

· Hand-on experience in virus propagation, cell culture techniques, and standard molecular biology workflows

·   Knowledge of BSL-2/3 laboratory practices and regulatory guidelines

·   Excellent documentation, analytical, and communication skills

·   Handling experience of laboratory equipment and techniques related to virology

·   Knowledge of safety protocols and ethical guidelines in research

·   Strong teamwork, time-management, and ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

·   Willingness to work flexible hours when experiments require (e.g., time-sensitive infection assays)

CTC Range: Commensurate to experience and negotiable.

Interested candidates to share their resume at [Confidential Information] citing *Application for RA-Virology* in the subject line and notice period, current location, current and expected CTC in the body text.