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About Loopworm

Loopworm is a next-generation biotechnology company building India’s first scalable platform that uses insects as a platform to produce sustainable proteins, oils, and high-value recombinant proteins. Backed by leading investors, we operate a 6,000 Tonnes/annum GMP+, ISO 22000 & HACCP-certified facility near Bengaluru and are pioneering breakthrough innovations in animal nutrition, diagnostics, and biopharma.

Position Summary

A Senior Molecular Virologist with extensive experience in recombinant baculovirus generation, insect cell–based expression systems, and recombinant protein production. This role will lead and oversee all recombinant DNA technology–related functions, spanning vector design, virus generation, expression optimization, and coordination with downstream purification. The position combines deep technical expertise with laboratory leadership, people management, and strong documentation practices, and is ideal for professionals capable of driving scientific execution while mentoring teams in a growing R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on design, construction, and generation of recombinant baculoviruses for protein expression applications.
• Own and optimize insect cell–based expression platforms (Sf9, Sf21, High Five) and silkworm-based expression systems.
• Design and execute expression strategies including MOI optimization, infection kinetics, and expression profiling.
• Provide technical oversight for virus amplification, banking, characterization, and stability monitoring.
• Oversee virology workflows including virus generation, propagation, titration, and infectivity assessment.
• Design, construct, and validate recombinant transfer vectors for baculovirus expression, including gene cloning, sequence verification, and cassette optimization.
• Support generation of recombinant baculoviruses by ensuring vector integrity, expression compatibility, and proper documentation for downstream infection and expression studies.
• Provide technical leadership for recombinant protein expression and upstream readiness for purification.
• Collaborate closely with DSP teams on purification strategy alignment, impurity clearance, and yield optimization.
• Ensure adherence to aseptic practices, biosafety guidelines, and internal SOPs across all recombinant DNA activities.
• Drive continuous improvement of laboratory workflows, platform robustness, and operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop junior scientists, research associates, and technical staff.
• Plan work allocation, review experimental design, and ensure timely and high-quality execution of projects.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Documentation, Compliance & Knowledge Management
• Ensure high-quality documentation of experimental data, batch records, SOPs, and technical reports.
• Oversee compliance with institutional biosafety, and recombinant DNA guidelines.
• Support technology transfer, training, and knowledge dissemination across teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Biotechnology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.
• 7–10+ years in case of M.Sc., and 5+ years in case of Ph.D., of progressive experience in molecular virology, recombinant protein expression, and platform development.
• Demonstrated expertise in recombinant baculovirus generation and insect cell–based expression systems.
• Practical exposure to insect cell based expression platforms is highly desirable.
• Experience with additional expression platforms (bacterial, yeast, or mammalian) is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of recombinant protein purification principles and DSP interfacing.
• Proven experience in laboratory leadership, team supervision, and technical mentoring.
• Strong documentation skills aligned with GLP/cGMP and biosafety requirements.

Key Competencies

• Deep understanding of recombinant baculovirus biology, virology workflows, and infection kinetics.
• In-depth expertise in insect cell expression systems with exposure to alternative platforms.
• Strong grasp of upstream expression variables impacting yield, quality, and reproducibility.
• Ability to evaluate and integrate multiple expression technologies based on project needs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor scientists, and drive performance.
• Ensures rigorous documentation, biosafety compliance, and reproducible execution.
• Troubleshoots complex biological variability using data-driven approaches.
• Interfaces effectively with DSP, analytical, QA, and management teams.
• Aligns platform development with long-term R&D and organizational goals.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an India-first biotech innovation.
• Work on a revolutionary platform with potential to disrupt multiple industries — biopharma, diagnostics, cosmetics, and more.
• Collaborate with passionate scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
• Enjoy a fast-paced and innovation-driven culture.