Job Description

Korra

Threaded in nature 

Bio-material research associate : Mycelium based bio-leather development 

Job location : Mysore 

Start date : January/February 2026 

Contact : jobs@korrathreads.in

Korra, a pioneering biotech startup on a mission to redefine the future of sustainable materials. We are at the forefront of creating high-performance, mycelium-based leather alternatives—a first of its kind in India.

We are a NSRCEL – IIM Bangalore and IKP EDEN incubated start-up.

This is an excellent opportunity for BE/B.tech or M.tech freshers in Material sciences or Biotechnology to work closely with the founder and industry leaders in Mycelium, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable materials. At Korra, you won’t just be improving a product; you will be pioneering a new category of material science in the Indian market.

Role

As a research associate, you will own the end-to-end development of our mycelium-leather composite, moving from lab-scale experiments to pilot-ready prototypes.

This role is designed for researchers who can work autonomously with minimal supervision .  

Key Responsibilities:

• Mycelium growth: Develop and optimize combinations for fungal mycelium growth using various Indian agri-waste streams (e.g., rice husk, bagasse, hemp).
• Composite Synthesis : Transform raw mycelium to desired material through addition of various fillers and additives. This will be the most crucial part of the role  
• Characterization & Testing: Establish a rigorous testing suite to evaluate tensile strength, flexural endurance, water absorption, and biodegradation.
• Consultant Management: Act as the technical point of contact for external experts, ensuring their specialized insights are successfully integrated into the core product.
• IP Development: Document novel processes and formulations to build Korra’s patent portfolio.
• Bio-Finishing: Work on non-toxic, bio-based coatings to achieve a “luxury leather” hand-feel and aesthetic.

What We Are Looking For:

Technical Requirements:

• Degree: Master’s in Biotechnology, Materials Science, Mycology, or Polymer Engineering. BTech can also apply, if they have the relevant knowledge in the above fields. 

And experience or interest in one or more of the following fields: 

• Microbiology/Mycology: Proven experience in fungal strain selection, substrate preparation, and maintaining aseptic conditions.
• Green Chemistry: Strong understanding of bio-binders and sustainable tanning/finishing alternatives.
• Material Characterization: Proficiency in using tools like SEM, FTIR, and UTM (Universal Testing Machine).

Leadership & Mindset:

• Project Ownership: Ability to design Design of Experiments (DoE) and manage long-term R&D timelines independently.
• Startup Scrappiness: A problem-solver who can thrive in a lean environment and innovate around equipment or resource constraints.

To Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to send their resume to jobs@korrathreads.in with the subject line: “Research associate application”

Important note: Only people with interest in above mentioned project, biomaterial research and willingness to work in a startup should apply.