Lead

The Analytical Biochemistry Lead plays a pivotal role in characterizing bio-based molecules and fermentation-derived products. You will lead the effort to quantify the purity, structure, and performance of chemicals produced through biocatalysis or microbial pathways. You will be responsible for building a multi-disciplinary analytical team from the ground up, integrating traditional chemical analysis with biological activity testing.

Core Responsibilities

• Bio-Based Method Development:

  Develop and validate novel methods to analyze bio-derived specialty chemicals, often dealing with high-complexity matrices (e.g., fermentation broths).

• Structural Characterization:

  Lead the identification of unknown side-products and impurities using advanced mass spectrometry and NMR to ensure molecular "fingerprinting" matches specifications.

• Enzyme Assay Development:

  Establish a dedicated bio-assay workflow to measure enzyme kinetics, specific activity, and stability profiles.

• Protein Analysis:

  Standardizing SDS-PAGE, protein quantification (BCA/Bradford), and purity assessments.

• Scale-Up Analytics:

  Support the transition from bench-top to pilot plant by developing on-line analytical techniques for real-time monitoring of biochemical transformations.

• LIMS Integration:

  Oversee the digital workflow of samples from the bioreactor to the final certificate of analysis (CoA).

• Safety & Compliance:

  Ensure all operations comply with industry standard safety norms, data integrity and regulatory requirements.

• Team Management:

  Recruit and mentor a high-performing, agile team of specialists

• Instrumentation:

  Lead the selection, installation (IQ/OQ/PQ) and regular calibration and maintenance; Author and implement SOPs for all equipment.

Qualifications

• Education:

  PhD/M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry or related field.

• Experience:

  7-10 years in a Biotech/Specialty Chemicals, with proven experience building or managing a laboratory.

• Soft Skills:

  Collaborative mindset to work with Pilot and R&D teams.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

Mass Balance Closure:

Method Precision:

Innovation: