Research Associate / Senior Research Associate - (Cell Culture & Virology)

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 Research Associate (Cell Culture & Virology) with 3+ years of laboratory experience in mammalian/Insect cell culture and virology techniques. The role is designed to provide hands-on technical support to Scientists, focusing on executing experiments, maintaining cell culture systems, assisting in virus-related workflows, and ensuring accurate documentation. This position is ideal for candidates looking to build expertise while working closely under the supervision of senior scientists.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize insect cell cultures (Sf9, Sf21, High Five), including routine maintenance and passaging.
• Prepare and qualify cell culture media, feeds, and supplements , including sterility evaluation and performance verification.
• Establish, maintain, and document cell banks (MCB/WCB or equivalent), including cryopreservation, recovery, and stability monitoring.
• Generate, amplify, characterize, and manage baculovirus stocks , including preparation of virus banks .
• Perform basic baculovirus characterization , including infectivity assessment, titer determination, and passage consistency evaluation.
• Design and execute infection strategies , including MOI determination, rate of infectivity analysis , and infection kinetics studies.
• Monitor and interpret cell growth, viability, metabolic indicators, and cytopathic effects during infection and expression phases.
• Evaluate recombinant protein production through expression profiling, time-course studies, and coordination with analytical and downstream teams.
• Prepare high-quality harvest material aligned with downstream purification and analytical requirements .
• Maintain accurate experimental documentation and contribute to technical reports, SOPs, and knowledge transfer .
• Participate actively in cross-functional project discussions, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives .

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Virology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience in cell culture and virology , preferably in an industry or applied research setting is must.
• Proven expertise in insect cell culture systems and Baculovirus expression vector systems (BEVS), with mandatory hands-on experience in Baculovirus propagation and quantification via plaque assay and alternative methodologies .
• Practical exposure to cell banking, virus banking, infection studies, and upstream expression workflows .
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques, sterility assurance, biosafety practices, and laboratory documentation standards .

Key Competencies

• Ability to apply cell culture and virology principles with accuracy and consistency.
• Understands upstream process interdependencies affecting expression outcomes.
• Interprets biological data and troubleshoots variability logically.
• Demonstrates rigor in sterility, documentation, and biosafety practices.
• Communicates effectively within multidisciplinary R&D teams.
• Works independently with accountability.
• Adapts quickly and continuously improves technical capability.

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.