Microbiologist

NOTE: This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of the management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist Vitaliz in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship and is subject to change by the management as the needs of the company and requirements of the job change.

Position Overview:

This position requires knowledge in basic culturing methods, culture maintenance, upscaling cultures, reviewing samples, conducting in-process microbiology works, maintaining laboratory equipment quality assurance, and preparing volumetric solutions/media/buffers, upscale cultures from mother spawn to production-level spawn as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Prepare mother spawn for production of commercial spawn for production of mushrooms and fungal cultivation.

2. Prepare media preparation for Agaricus bisporus (PDYA, MEYA, NA, MEA & etc.) and perform sterilization procedures for culture growth and quality control.

3. Prepare different types of mushroom spawn using various strains like paddy straw, milky, oyster, cordyceps, etc.

4. Conduct routine microbiological analysis of raw materials, mycelium cultures, check moisture & pH of grains and to ensure contamination-free production.

5. Perform culturing using basic methods (Titration, Culture maintenance,) and aseptic handling.

6. Review each sample received in the laboratory for analysis and also to ensure that samples analysed, within stipulated TAT.

7. Independently perform and report microbiological analyses of various samples, including identification of microorganisms and interpretation of results.

8. Ability to do In-process microbiology works.

9. Up keeping the general maintenance of laboratory equipment under a quality assurance.

10. Preparation of volumetric solutions/media/buffers.

11. Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping.

12. Collaborate with other departments to provide technical support.

13. Responsible for success of the batches.

14. Data compilation and report preparation.

Responsibility and Decision-Making Authority:

• Empowered to make decisions, and authority to make cross functional decisions in partnership with peers of other functions.

Qualifications/Competencies/Position Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Microbiology laboratory or similar role within the Functional Foods / Nutraceutical industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of microbial culture collection, Taxonomy and maintenance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented, with good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

Education and Experience:

• Msc – Microbiology with minimum of 3 years of experience in a Microbiology laboratory

Travel:

• Ability to travel as required by role.

Remuneration:

• As per industry. Will consider higher for deserving candidates.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹400,000.00 - ₹600,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Provident Fund

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to join us at Trivandrum?
• Languages Known
• Have you completed Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related field?

If yes, please specify and could you briefly describe the focus of your research during your Ph.D.?

• Have you previously prepared different types of mushroom spawn (e.g., paddy straw, milky, oyster, cordyceps)? If yes, please specify the types and your role in the process?
• o you have hands-on experience in preparing and sterilizing culture media (such as PDYA, MEYA, NA, MEA) and performing aseptic culturing techniques for fungi or microorganisms?

Experience:

• total work: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 01/12/2025