Job Description

Position Description
Business Division: Biological R&D
Department: Profiling
Location:
Hyderabad
Position Title: Team Leader - Profiling
Level: J2 - M1
Reporting to (Title): Head - Biologicals Research & Development
Position Purpose
The role holder shall lead research activities in testing the microbes & biomolecules in growth chambers & greenhouses. In planta studies for activity & crop safety with various application methods like foliar, seed & drench for the purpose of advancing the identified leads from the discovery to early development of innovative microorganisms & biomolecules for crop protection / crop growth / nutrient use efficiency / abiotic stress management with an aim of adding significant value to the business of PI. The role holder shall also provide technical leadership, management and coaching of professionals in the team. Manage the requirements/budgets and ensure that project schedules are met and that the work is carried out efficiently and accurately, providing regular updates to the management. A strong technical knowledge on biologicals research and excellent communication skills are essential.
Strategic Responsibilities

• Support actively the philosophy, values and strategy of PI Industries.
• Contribute efficiently to the overall success of Biologicals R&D by driving innovation according to objectives and targets being set by the management team.
• Select microbes and biomolecules as candidates for development to fill portfolio gap and meet market needs
• Support the Head of R&D Biologicals with focus on personnel, target setting, budget, building of knowhow, feedback and coaching.
• Engage in internal and external forums and professional networks to stay updated and enhance expertise.

Operational Responsibilities

• In planta studies with microorganisms and biomolecules under controlled conditions (growth chamber and greenhouse), for their activity (crop protection / crop growth / nutrient use efficiency / abiotic stress management) & crop safety.
• Organize and carry out mass production of plants for the experiments
• Grow plants as a service for the BPPS team
• Organize and carry out mass production of biotroph pathogens for various experiments.
• Ensure the growth chambers & greenhouses maintain the required temperature, humidity & light and are contamination free.
• Operate Generation-III spraying chambers & seed treatment machines
• Procure material for in vivo studies, such as seeds, growing media, pots labels.
• Evaluate plant-microbe interactions for selected candidates.
• Establish visual and/or automated assessment techniques (e.g. phenotyping) for both microbes and biomolecules.
• Analyze and interpret research findings for dissemination.
• Follow documentation standards and update timesheets and progress trackers as needed.
• Participate in all department meetings and present data results clearly using relevant visuals and concise summaries
• Ensure seamless coordination with the project manager to achieve project goals effectively
• Adhere to all safety / information security / quality norms related to research procedures
• Drive continuous project improvement by identifying, prioritizing, and implementing enhancements.
• Engage in internal and external forums and professional networks to stay updated and enhance expertise.

Financial Responsibilities

• Participate in department budget development and support Head of Biological R&D to prepare budget.
• Monitor the budget for the profiling team and ensure the team operates within the allocated financial resources.

People Responsibilities

• Performance Management & team leadership: Set performance goals, provide mentorship, review progress, give constructive feedback, and recognize high-performing team members for rewards and career growth.
• Resource management: Ensure adequate team staffing and provide support in screening and shortlisting candidates for hiring into the team.
• Functional Collaboration: Guide and motivate team members, contractual workers, encourage collaboration and communication across teams to meet research objectives effectively.
• Professional Development: Lead and foster continuous learning, development, and knowledge enhancement through training, literature, webinars, and conferences, promoting a learning culture within the team.

Education Qualification
Masters/ Ph D. in Agriculture (Agronomy/Entomology / Plant Pathology/ Crop physiology) from a reputed University / Institute with excellent academic credentials
Work Experience

• Masters with 12-15 years of experience;
• PhD with 8-10 years of experience

Industry to be Hired from
Biologicals / Crop protection / Seed industry/ Agricultural Universities or Institutes
Functional Competencies

• Skilled in plant phenotyping
• Strong expertise in Crop Protection, understanding challenges in agricultural sustainability and productivity.
• Skilled in data observation, analysis, and interpretation for actionable insights.
• Demonstrated abilities in project management, overseeing complex tasks from initiation to completion.

Interaction Complexity and Team Work