Microbiologist – Laboratory & Field Operations

Company: Nutrapharm Algenomics

Location: Tumakuru (Tumkur), Karnataka

Job Type: Full-time

Department: Microbiology / Production / R&D

Job Description

Nutrapharm Algenomics is looking for a motivated and hands-on Microbiologist to support laboratory operations and field activities related to microalgae cultivation, culture maintenance, scale-up, harvesting, and extraction. The candidate will be responsible for microbiological testing, maintaining healthy cultures, supporting production activities, and ensuring product quality throughout the cultivation and processing stages.

The role involves working in both the laboratory and the production field, with a focus on microalgae cultivation, including Spirulina, and related product development activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Operations

Maintain, monitor, and preserve microalgal cultures.

Perform routine microbiological testing with raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.

Conduct microscopic examination and monitor culture health, growth, and contamination.

Prepare culture media, reagents, and laboratory solutions as required.

Perform microbial analysis and maintain laboratory hygiene.

Maintain laboratory equipment, testing records, SOPs, and documentation.

Assist in quality control, research, and product development activities.

2. Field Operations and Culture Maintenance

Maintain and monitor Spirulina and other microalgal cultures at cultivation sites.

Monitor culture growth, colour, pH, temperature, and other relevant cultivation parameters.

Identify and troubleshoot contamination and culture health issues.

Perform routine culture maintenance, inoculation, transfer, and replenishment.

Maintain cultivation ponds, and associated equipment in hygienic condition.

Record daily culture observations, growth parameters, and production data.

3. Culture Scale-Up and Production Support

Support culture scale-up from laboratory to pilot or production scale.

Prepare and transfer inoculum for larger cultivation systems.

Monitor growth performance and maintain consistent culture quality during scale-up.

Assist with harvesting, filtration, biomass handling, and drying operations.

Coordinate with the production team to improve cultivation efficiency and yield.

4. Extraction and Processing

Assist in the extraction and processing of Spirulina-derived products.

Support biomass preparation, extraction, separation, filtration, and concentration processes.

Monitor process parameters and maintain batch-wise production records.

Follow appropriate handling, hygiene, and safety procedures during extraction.

Assist in process optimisation and troubleshooting to improve product yield and quality.

5. Documentation and Safety

Maintain laboratory notebooks, culture maintenance logs, production records, and test reports.

Follow established SOPs and laboratory safety procedures.

Ensure proper cleaning and sanitisation of laboratory and cultivation equipment.

Support internal quality checks, audits, and continuous improvement activities.

Educational Qualifications

B.Sc. / M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Applied Microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline.

Experience

Freshers with relevant knowledge may apply.

Candidates with experience in microbiology laboratories and production facilities, or extraction processes will be preferred.

Required Skills

Practical knowledge of microbiological techniques and aseptic handling.

Understanding of culture maintenance, contamination control, and microscopic examination.

Interest in microalgae cultivation, scale-up, and extraction processes.

Ability to perform both laboratory-based and field-based activities.

Good observation, troubleshooting, documentation, and teamwork skills.

Willingness to work hands-on in laboratory and production environments.

Work Environment

This position involves both laboratory work and field/production activities, including culture maintenance, scale-up, biomass processing, and extraction. Candidates should be comfortable working in both environments

Pay: ₹19,000.00 - ₹20,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person