Vice President Research And Development

About Loopworm

At Loopworm, we’re on the cusp of a breakthrough in recombinant protein production . Our proprietary platform leverages insects as miniature bio-factories to produce complex recombinant proteins — a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to conventional cell culture systems. Our mission: to redefine protein manufacturing for health, nutrition, and biotech industries globally.

We are looking for a seasoned industrial R&D professional to lead and scale our recombinant protein production R&D efforts, reporting directly to the Board and managing a 20-member team across five specialised verticals:

1. Molecular Biology & Genetics
2. Upstream Process Optimisation
3. Downstream Process Optimisation
4. QA/QC & Assays
5. Intellectual Property

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a cross-functional R&D team of scientists, setting clear KPIs and ensuring milestone achievement.
• Develop & execute R&D strategy , timelines, and budgets for recombinant protein projects.
• Ensure smooth collaboration between vertical teams to accelerate tech development.
• Drive process optimisation from gene to purified protein, ensuring scalability and quality.
• Partner with the IP team to protect innovations through global patent filings .
• Establish and refine R&D processes in line with international best practices.
• Oversee hiring within R&D to build high-performing teams.
• Present technical updates to leadership, partners, and stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience in project management within recombinant protein platforms — Insect Cells or Mammalian Cell systems.
• Core expertise in Molecular Biology/Genetics or Downstream Processing (must have deep technical skills in at least one).
• Strong understanding of all R&D verticals in the protein production pipeline.
• Proven track record in team leadership , strategic planning , and meeting R&D timelines .
• Hiring and team development experience within R&D.
• Experience with IP strategy and working alongside patent attorneys.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills .

Preferred Tools & Software Proficiency (Experience in equivalent tools is equally valued)

• Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics – e.g., SnapGene , Vector NTI , Benchling , or similar platforms for construct design, cloning strategy, and sequence analysis.
• Data Analysis & Statistical Tools – e.g., GraphPad Prism , R , Python , or equivalent software for experimental data analysis and modelling.
• Process Development & Simulation – familiarity with SuperPro Designer , BioSolve , or similar tools for process optimisation and cost modelling.
• Quality Management & Documentation – e.g., LIMS platforms (Benchling LIMS, LabWare) or equivalent systems for lab data management and traceability.
• Protein Structure & Modelling – e.g., PyMOL , SwissSidechain , AlphaFold , or similar tools for protein structure analysis and visualisation.
• Project Management – e.g., Microsoft Project , Asana , Monday.com , or other workflow planning and milestone tracking tools.
• IP Management – familiarity with patent search and management databases such as Orbit , PatSnap , WIPO Patentscope , or similar.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an India-first platform redefining how recombinant proteins are made.
• Lead a team at the forefront of biotech innovation .
• Shape the future of sustainable protein production with global impact.
• Work in a fast-paced, VC-backed startup environment where your ideas directly shape outcomes.