Research Associate

At Umami Bioworks, we are a leading bioplatform for the development and production ofsustainable planetary biosolutions. Through the synthesis of machine learning, multi- omics biomarkers, and digital twins, UMAMI has established market-leading capability for discovery and development of cultivated bioproducts that can seamlessly transition to manufacturing with UMAMI's modular, automated, plug-and-play production solution

By partnering with market leaders as their biomanufacturing solution provider, UMAMI is democratizing access to sustainable blue bioeconomy solutions that address a wide range of global challenges.

We're a venture-backed biotech startup located in Singapore where some of the world's smartest, most passionate people are pioneering a sustainable food future that is attractive and accessible to people around the world. We are united by our collective drive to ask tough questions, take on challenging problems, and apply cutting-edge science and engineering to create a better future for humanity. At Umami Bioworks, you will be encouraged to dream big and will have the freedom to create, invent, and do the best, most impactful work of your career.

Umami Bioworks is looking to hire an inquisitive, innovative, and independent
Research Associate
for either Cell Line and Media Development to join our
R&D Team
in
Bangalore, India
with hands-on experience in animal cell culture and media formulation to support the development of scalable, serum-free cell culture platforms for marine species.

This role involves the isolation, characterization, and optimization of cell lines from fish and crustaceans, as well as the formulation and screening of food-grade, cost-effective culture media to support proliferation and differentiation. You'll work directly with senior technical leadership and cross-functional teams to meet scientific and commercial milestones.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, characterize and optimize cell lines derived from fish and crustacean species
• Primary cell isolation & suspension adaptation
• Plan and execute experiments to evaluate cell growth, viability, and differentiation potential towards muscle or fat cells etc.
• Optimize protocols for cell lines characterization
• Sourcing of animals of various developmental stages for cell line isolations
• Design and execute experiments using high-throughput screening approaches to identify optimal media compositions.
• Formulate and produce novel, food-grade, serum-free media formulations for cell proliferation and differentiation.
• Collaborate with external vendors, suppliers, and internal teams to source raw materials and animal tissue samples.
• Prepare reports and technical presentations in coordination with senior scientists for internal and external updates.

Core competencies:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in cell line development, preferably in aquatic species
• Proficient in animal cell culture techniques, including primary cells, stem cells, suspension culture, and primary cell culture
• Experience working with high-throughput screening in multi-well plate formats for molecular biology or cell biology applications.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and DoE methodologies for data interpretation and process optimization.
• Strong experimental design skills and attention to detail in documentation and data analysis.

Experience

• Master in Biology/Life Science, or related field with more than 2 years of relevant industry experience
• Bachelor in Biology/Life Science, or related field with more than 5 years of relevant industry experience

You will work directly with other members of our small but growing team to do cutting-edge science and will have the autonomy to test new ideas and identify better ways to do things.