Scientist & Lab Lead (mRNA-Focused CRO) | Full Time | Bangalore


About the job:

About the Role

You will translate ambitious US biotech project goals into rigorous, reproducible lab execution.

This is NOT a purely managerial role.

You will be hands-on in the lab.

You will:

  • Design and execute experiments
  • Lead assay development
  • Run critical mRNA workflows
  • Mentor Research Associates
  • Serve as the final quality gate for scientific integrity
  • Present data to US biotech founders and investors


Key Responsibilities

1 Scientific Leadership & Client Success (25%)

  • Translate high-level biotech briefs into detailed experimental workflows
  • Design controls, N-numbers, dose ranges
  • Analyze RT-PCR traces & Western blots
  • Ensure data integrity
  • Prepare investor-ready summary decks
  • Lead weekly scientific syncs with US founders

2 Team Management & Mentorship (25%)

  • Supervise two Research Associates
  • Align daily lab priorities
  • Train team in advanced techniques
  • Maintain high-quality aseptic technique culture

3 Strategic Wet-Lab & Troubleshooting (40%)

Hands-on role not optional

  • Execute critical experimental steps
  • Lead assay development
  • Perform pilot mRNA transfections
  • Troubleshoot underperforming assays
  • Identify root causes in reagents or protocols

4 Operations & Compliance (10%)

  • Oversee equipment lifecycle
  • Manage lab instrumentation
  • Coordinate with partner animal facilities


MUST-HAVE Technical Requirements (Do Not Apply If Missing)

This is an mRNA-first CRO. Real hands-on mRNA execution is mandatory.

You must have:

Hands-on mRNA IVT (in vitro transcription)

Hands-on mRNA purification

Hands-on RNA integrity QC (Fragment Analyzer / Bioanalyzer / TapeStation)

Direct experience running mRNA transfections in mammalian cells

Profiles without real mRNA execution experience will not be considered.


Strong Plus

  • LNP formulation or microfluidics exposure
  • DLS / Zetasizer particle sizing experience
  • Experience with plasmid DNA / mRNA / LNP workflows


Qualifications

  • PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
  • 2+ years post-PhD experience
  • (Exceptional fresh PhDs from top institutes may be considered)
  • Strong experience in:
  • RT-PCR / qPCR
  • Western blotting
  • BSL-2 mammalian cell culture
  • Excellent English communication skills
  • (Must clearly explain failed experiments and troubleshooting logic)


Ideal Personality Fit

We are looking for a very specific type of leader:

Enjoys lab work

Comfortable being hands-on

Startup mindset

Not title-driven

Comfortable building something new

Mentorship mentality

Detail-oriented


Why Join Us?

  • Work directly with US biotech founders
  • Build the scientific backbone of an mRNA-first CRO
  • High ownership, high visibility role
  • Shape lab systems from the ground up




Who can apply:

    Only those candidates can apply who:

  1. have minimum 2 years of experience


Salary:

Competitive salary

Experience:

2 year(s)

Deadline:

2026-02-24 00:00:05
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