Senior Research Associate -Upstream Process Development

Mynvax is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and scalable manufacturing of thermostable recombinant vaccines against respiratory and emerging viral infections. The company collaborates closely with leading academic and translational partners including the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

The Senior Research Associate (Upstream Process Development) will play a key role in developing and optimizing cell culture processes for recombinant protein vaccine candidates expressed in insect and/or mammalian systems. The incumbent will be responsible for executing bench- to pilot-scale fermentation runs, maintaining aseptic operations, and contributing to process scale-up and technology transfer activities.

·        Execute and optimize cell culture processes using E. coli and insect cell systems (Sf9, High Five, etc.) and baculovirus expression workflows.

·        Operate and maintain bioreactors (1 L–50 L scale) for process development and optimization studies.

·        Perform cell revival, maintenance and prepare cell banks.

·        Perform media and feed optimization, infection kinetics, and yield analysis for recombinant protein expression.

·        Adhere to aseptic and cleanroom procedures under GLP/GMP-like conditions.

·        Maintain accurate batch records, logbooks, and SOP documentation.

·        Support scale-up, process characterization, and tech transfer to pilot/manufacturing teams.

·        Coordinate with downstream, analytical, and QA/QC teams to ensure data integrity and process consistency.

·        Participate in equipment qualification, calibration, and preventive maintenance activities.

·        Present experimental findings in team meetings and contribute to technical reports and publications.

·        M.Sc. / M. Tech. / B.E. / B. Tech in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related life science discipline.

·        3–5 years of hands-on experience in cell culture and bioreactor-based process development.

·        Familiarity with handling insect cell expression systems is essential.

·        Experience with bioreactor control systems (Sartorius, Minfors or equivalent) and data analysis software.

·        Experience handling 1 – 5L glass bioreactors.

·        Strong understanding of aseptic techniques, biosafety, and cleanroom practices.

·        Knowledge of upstream process scale-up principles and basic downstream interface requirements.

·        Excellent documentation, analytical, and communication skills.

·        Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced R&D environment.

·        Exposure to insect cell culture systems (Sf9, Sf21) for recombinant protein production.

·        Handling of single-use bioreactors (50L and 200L scale)

·        Basic knowledge of DoE-based optimization and process analytical technologies (PAT).

·        Familiarity with GMP documentation and tech transfer dossiers.

·        Prior experience in vaccine, biologics, or biosimilar development environments.

Manager – Upstream Process Development

Full-time | On-site (Bangalore)