Research Scientist - 1 (Virology)

Title:Research Scientist -1

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/.

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.

Qualification Required:

PhD with 25 years of hands-on research experience in virology research. Industry experience is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Design, 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

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in medicinal chemistry, DMPK and computational to support discovery projects

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

Supervising and training junior scientists, research associates, and interns

Technical and Soft Skills

Expertise in virus propagation, cell culture techniques, and standard molecular biology workflows

Familiarity with BSL-2 laboratory practices and regulatory guidelines

Ability to independently design, troubleshoot, and optimize experiments

Excellent documentation, analytical, and communication skills

Background in antiviral drug discovery, immunology, molecular biology and animal infection models

Handling experience of laboratory equipment and techniques related to virology

Knowledge of safety protocols and ethical guidelines in research

Publications in peer-reviewed journals

Proficiency in using MS Office applications

CTC Range: Commensurate to experience and negotiable.

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