Microbiologist

Job Description: Scientist, Anaerobic Microbiology & Process Development

Company: Jeevatva Biosciences Private Limited

Location: IIT Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India Position Type: Full-Time Posted: August 21, 2025

Company Overview

Jeevatva Biosciences is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) to address significant unmet medical needs in India. Our lead candidate, JB001, is a rationally designed, multi-strain consortium of commensal microbes aimed at treating human diseases by restoring microbial balance. We are a science-driven team committed to translating cutting-edge microbiome research into safe and effective therapies.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented and experienced MSc/PhD-level Scientist specializing in Anaerobic Microbiology to lead the hands-on cultivation and process development for our JB001 program. The successful candidate will be the subject matter expert for the isolation, characterization, and scaled cultivation of strict anaerobic strains that constitute our therapeutic consortium. This is a critical lab-based role that forms the foundation of our entire Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) strategy. You will be responsible for developing robust and scalable fermentation processes, establishing our critical cell banks, and executing the analytical methods required to produce a safe, consistent, and potent LBP for clinical trials.

Key Responsibilities

Strain Isolation and Cultivation:

• Lead the isolation and purification of strict anaerobic bacteria from complex biological samples using specialized selective media and techniques.
• Master the cultivation of strains of the JB001 consortium, including notoriously fastidious organisms.

Fermentation Process Development:

• Develop, optimize, and scale up the individual batch fermentation processes for each of the strains to consistently achieve target cell densities.
• Operate and maintain lab-scale bioreactors, implementing process controls for operating parameters.

Cell Banking and GMP Operations:

• Establish and maintain the two-tiered cGMP Master and Working Cell Banks (MCB/WCB) for all production strains.
• Author and execute standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all microbiology and fermentation activities in accordance with established procedures.

Analytical and Phenotypic Characterization:

• Perform critical analytical testing for product release and stability, including Viable Cell Counts (VCC) and confirmation of purity.
• Conduct phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing (e.g., Minimum Inhibitory Concentration determination) to establish the biological control profile for the product.

Downstream Process Support:

• Collaborate with the formulation team to optimize lyophilization (freeze-drying) processes to ensure high viability of the final drug substance.
• Contribute to the development of the final drug product formulation.

Qualifications

Education: A PhD or MSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• Extensive, hands-on experience in the cultivation of strict anaerobic bacteria is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience with fermentation or bioprocess development using lab-scale bioreactors is highly desirable.
• Experience working under GMP or in a regulated environment is a significant advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in aseptic techniques and the use of anaerobic chambers or glove boxes.
• Expertise in standard microbiological techniques, including serial dilution, plating, colony counting, and microscopy.
• Familiarity with analytical methods for characterizing microbial cultures.

Attributes:

• Meticulous attention to detail and excellent record-keeping skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot complex biological processes.
• A proactive and collaborative mindset, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the position to We look forward to hearing from you.