Research And Development (R&D) Specialist / Project Lead

PrEl's Biotech India Pvt. Ltd. is looking for an Research and Development (R&D) Specialist / Project Lead to lead our research projects.PrEl’s is a DPIIT-registered deep-tech biotechnology startup (DIPP104936) targeting environmental pollution and valorisation, incubated at the Technology Business Incubator, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (TBI-SIST), Chennai.Founded in 2019, we develop biological solutions for industrial pollution remediation and resource recovery, taking biotechnology from laboratory research towards real-world industrial applications.The role involves developing, testing and scaling biotechnology products for industrial and commercial applications.Key Project AreasThe selected candidate will lead research activities in one or both of our key project areas:1. Oil Pollution Remediation & BiodegradationR&D focused on biological treatment of oil pollution, petroleum hydrocarbons and contaminated environments through PrEl’s μEn enzymatic platform.Key areas include:Oil dispersal and Oil spill treatmentMicrobial degradation of oil and petroleum hydrocarbonsBioremediation of oil-contaminated environmentsEnzyme-based remediation approachesIsolation and characterisation of oil-degrading microorganismsMicrobial consortium development and process optimisationRegulatory compliance, Safety testing and Commercialisation of the productCandidates with experience in Oil & Gas, Petroleum, Lubricants, Hydrocarbon Degradation, Environmental Remediation or related industrial fields are particularly encouraged to apply.2. Heavy Metal Recovery & BioleachingResearch and development focused on removal of toxic heavy metal in environment and biological recovery of strategically important metals from industrial waste streams such as fly ash.Key areas include:Bioleaching, biosorption, bioremediation, Bioaccumulation and biotransformationIsolation and characterisation of indigenous microorganismsMicrobial functional characterisationMicrobial consortium development and managementLaboratory-to-pilot-scale process development and validationRegulatory compliance, Safety testing and Commercialisation of the productCandidates with experience in heavy metal degradation, industrial metal recovery using biotechnology and chemical engineering, Environmental Remediation or related industrial fields are particularly encouraged to apply.Key ResponsibilitiesLead day-to-day R&D activities for the assigned projectDesign and execute microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology experiments with appropriate controls and scientific logicPlan experiments, analyse results and determine next-stage research activitiesLead microbial isolation, screening, characterisation and consortium developmentConduct data analysis and prepare technical/research reportsSupport laboratory-to-pilot-scale validation and process optimisationMaintain experimental records, protocols and technical documentationEnsure laboratory safety, equipment maintenance and good laboratory practicesIdentify technical challenges and develop scientifically sound solutionsPrepare research proposals, grant applications and technical documentsPresent research findings in meetings, workshops and technical eventsStay updated with current biotechnology research, technologies and industry developmentsWork closely with the Management and Directors to translate R&D outcomes into practical and scalable industrial solutionsSupport project planning, technical discussions and coordination with external partners when requiredQualifications & ExperiencePhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Life Sciences or a relevant field.ORM.Sc. / M.Tech. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology or related disciplines with 2+ years of relevant industrial or research experience.Industrial Experience PreferredCandidates with hands-on experience in:Oil & Gas | Petroleum | Environmental Remediation | Industrial Biotechnology | Microbiology | Bioremediation | Bioleaching | Biomining | Metal Recovery | Hydrocarbon Degradation | Waste Managementwill be given preference.Experience working in an industrial R&D environment, commercialisation, and regulatory compliance, particularly in oil/petroleum-related industries/mining/heavy metals recovery, will be an added advantage.Preferred Technical SkillsStrong knowledge and hands-on experience in Microbiology and BiochemistryPractical understanding of Molecular Biology techniques and laboratory methodsExperience in Bioleaching, Biosorption, Bioaccumulation and BiotransformationHands-on experience in Bioremediation and environmental biotechnology applications Knowledge or experience in Oil and Hydrocarbon Degradation and Oil Chemistry Experience in microbial isolation, screening, characterisation and microbial consortium development Familiarity with Bioinformatics tools and biological data analysis Strong skills in experimental design, planning and scientific problem-solvingAbility to analyse experimental data and interpret research results Experience in laboratory management, safety practices and equipment handlingStrong ability to maintain scientific records, research reports, protocols and technical documentation