Job Description

Are you ready for a new beginning?
We need your talent, knowledge and dedication to better our world with biology.
Our purpose points the way
In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.
We're here to better our world with biology.
Department: Plant Health India
Title: TS Specialist Lab - Microbiology
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Plant Microbiology expert to join the Plant Health India team. TS specialist will be part of exciting research and development efforts focused on plant-microbe interactions, soil microbiomes, and microbial solutions to enhance crop productivity, resilience, and sustainability. By leading experiments of innovative projects, as well as building cross cross-functional network, you will harness your strong analytical abilities to turn ideas into meaningful business outcomes that shape the future.
High level overview of the role: Functional validation of microbial strains (fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes) and bio-molecules; Mode of action studies, Microbial and Bio-Chemical assay development and standardization, Product formulation, storage and shelf life studies, microbial culture collection & maintenance, taxonomy, Microbial QC, On-site plant-trials at CMO or customer site, Independantly lead microbiological projects in terms of planning, execution & reporting,
Assist in lab management, chemical inventory, procurement of lab-wares and consumables, ,
Literature surveys and reporting, Stay up to date with new scientific discoveries and technologies related to Plant Health, develop new scientific concepts and innovations
Qualifications: MSc or PhD (Agricultural Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology). Preferably having experience in plant-microbe interaction studies, soil health, biofertilizers, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs), beneficial symbiotic microbes biocontrol, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in plants and microbes, microbial biostimulants, enzymes, etc. Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in Agri input Industries in various technical roles
:

• Independently drive and carry out projects/experiments and tasks related to Plant Health as per the agreed timelines,

• Generate high-quality data towards testing of hypothesis/product performance, analysis &interpretation, prepare impactful presentations and project completion reports

• Plan, optimise and implement internal and external crop evaluation studies across different climatic regions within India (may involve travelling)

• Timely planning, initiation, trialling and completion of crop/plant experiments, data generation, as per the team's needs and must win battles

• Documentation of experiments, results and project completion reports

• Contribute to new ideas/innovation, scientific publications, patents, and internal reports

Agricultural Microbiology:

• Optimizing/standardization of media compositions for microbial strains (fermentation and sporulation), Maintenance and QC of cultures, enumeration of microbial inoculants on seed and in formulation, microbial taxonomy, shake flask fermentation, small scale fermenters (25L), cell/spore viability assays, Mycorrhiza (ecto and endo) enumeration and QC, optimization of mass production protocols of microbes and mycorrhiza spores, compatibility of strains, functional validation of microbes for plant nutrition, plant health and plant protection

• Experience in developing microbial solutions for crops to mitigate nutrition, biotic, abiotic and climatic stress factors

• Shelf life and stability trials of microbial and non-microbial samples

• Regular maintenance of in-house culture collection, QC and ID creation of the viable strains.

Biostimulants (microbes and bio molecules
Evaluation of microbes and bio-molecules, mode of action, bioassays, QC methods,
Technical service to customers

• In-house or on-site lab trials, exchange of methods and process flows, external evaluations/testing, feedback and learning loops, technical support

Quality control (QC)

• Methods and assays for fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes and biomolecules, method optimization, documentation of EOPs and SOPs, GLP (good lab practices), GSP (good safety practices)

• Decipher the mode of actions or USPs of products, develop impactful marketing tools (slides, visuals, AV aids etc.), test new product concepts

• Assist in conducting Field visits/trainings about Novonesis products and their performance to sales team/customers/farmers

Expertise and Skills

• Good knowledge and deep understanding of microbiology principles, methods, strain handling, media suitability,
• Expertise in updated microbial enumeration and QC methods, EOPs, SOPs, GLP, GSP
• Specialization in Mycorrhizal enumeration and quality analysis (Spore count and IP analysis)
• Functional characterisation of strains for Agril. applications, Microbial product formulation, Assay development, oBiochemical assays, plant-microbe interaction assays
• Work Experience in corporate set-up with good lab and processes, and systems

• Good communication and networking skills

• Good planning and execution of project tasks in a time-efficient manner

• Team player, Support colleagues, driven by passion and energy

Could our purpose be yours? Then apply today!
At Novonesis we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. We recommend you not to attach a cover letter to your application. Instead, please include a few sentences in your resume/CV about why you are applying. To ensure a fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your resume/CV.
Novonesis is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, disability, or veteran status.
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