Research Officer

Research Officer - Yeast Display & Antibody Engineering

Department: Antibody Discovery

Location: Mahape, Navi Mumbai

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).

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./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
• Gel electrophoresis
• 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.