Job
Description
Rylaq is an early-stage startup specializing in premium mushroom and micro-algae nutraceuticals. We’re launching a closed-system Spirulina platform—from photobioreactor cultivation through downstream extraction—to deliver high-purity powders, phycocyanin pigments, functional blends, and finished formats for human and pet wellness. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership: Design, commission, and optimize Spirulina photobioreactors (500 L–5 m³) for sterile, high-density growth. Develop scale-up protocols: inoculum preparation, medium formulation, light/temperature control, pH/CO₂ management, mixing strategies. Downstream Process Development: Architect and validate harvesting (flocculation, filtration, centrifugation), drying (spray/tray/freeze), and extraction (aqueous, solvent, membrane) workflows. Establish SOPs for phycocyanin purification, concentration, stabilization, and GMP-grade quality release. Equipment Sourcing & Vendor Management: Identify and qualify domestic/international suppliers of PBRs, dryers, centrifuges, filters, and control systems. Lead procurement, installation (FAT/SAT), commissioning, and vendor negotiations to meet project timelines and budgets. Regulatory & Quality Compliance: Ensure facility and processes comply with FSSAI, GMP/ISO 22000, and (where applicable) FDA/EU Novel Foods standards. Implement HACCP, microbial testing, and batch-release quality controls. Team Building & Stakeholder Collaboration: Recruit, mentor, and manage a cross-functional team of process engineers, lab technicians, and operators. Partner with R&D, formulation, and commercial teams to translate bench-scale innovation into scalable, market-ready products. Qualifications & Experience Education: M.Tech/Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, or related field. Experience: ≥ 10 years in micro-algae or fermentation biotech, with ≥ 5 years leading Spirulina photobioreactor operations. Proven track record in downstream processing (flocculation, centrifugation, filtration, drying, pigment extraction). Technical Skills: Photobioreactor design & automation (pH/DO/Temp). Upstream scale-up strategies and mass/energy balance modeling. Downstream unit operations and PAT tools. Vendor & Project Management: Experience sourcing and qualifying OEM equipment, managing CAPEX budgets, and leading cross-functional vendor relationships. Regulatory Knowledge: Hands-on familiarity with FSSAI/GMP/ISO dietary-supplement regulations; export standards a plus. Soft Skills: Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Results-driven, with exceptional problem-solving ability. Equity & Perks Compensation: Equity stake in Rylaq (based on milestones) Perks: Lead design of Rylaq’s first commercial Spirulina platform Flexible work model and direct influence on product direction Opportunity to build and mentor a high-impact technical team
