Job Description

Title: Scientist – Metabolic Engineering & Synthetic Biology

Location: Gurugram

About Us

Absolute is a bioscience company founded with the vision of creating a shared future where both people and the planet thrive together. By harnessing the power of nature, science, and exponential innovation, Absolute aims to build a sustainable and prosperous future.

Absolute’s Bio division has evolved into a generation-defining bioscience company operating across Agriculture, Human Health, and Sustainable Materials. With operations in 30+ countries, Absolute’s Agtech businesses span Climate Solutions, Soil Health Testing, Crop Insurance, and Tech-driven Commodities Trade.

Backed by Sequoia, Tiger Global, and Alpha Wave, Absolute’s angel investors include Nadir Godrej (MD, Godrej Industries), Kamal Aggarwal (Promoter, Haldiram), and Kunal Shah (Founder, CRED). The company’s breakthroughs are powered by Xenesis — a team of 150+ scientists driving innovation across disciplines.

Job Description

Absolute is seeking an experienced Scientist specializing in Synthetic Biology and Microbial Genetics. The role involves engineering microbial strains for improved phenotypes and recombinant molecule production.

Key Responsibilities

More specifically but not limited to:

Research and Development Management

• Work with laboratory strains of fungi, yeast, etc., using aseptic techniques for culturing, maintenance, and transformation.
• Perform advanced molecular biology techniques including recombinant cloning, genome editing, and recombinant knockouts.
• Conduct genome editing of microorganisms for improved phenotype and heterologous production of recombinant molecules.
• Carry out fermentation studies for recombinant strains, focusing on yield optimization and scale-up.
• Design, implement, and characterize novel gene constructs.
• Perform metabolic engineering of recombinant strains and analyze metabolic flux.
• Prepare and execute established methods and SOPs.
• Deliver high-quality results within timelines and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Drive process improvements and maintain equipment, data, and records as per specifications.

Qualifications & Experience

• Masters/Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience after a master’s degree or 3 years of postdoctoral experience in pharmaceutical, or biotechnology settings working on recombinant platforms for novel molecule production (e.g., flavors and fragrances).
• Proven experience in metabolic pathway engineering of yeast and bacterial systems using advanced molecular biology tools.
• Proficiency with metabolic pathway prediction tools.
• Strong foundation in fundamental molecular biology techniques.
• Exposure to gene circuit design, cell engineering, and strain development is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly.
• Execution-focused, team-oriented, and comfortable meeting challenging commitments.
• Passionate about impact-driven science and contributing to a sustainable future.

Join Absolute

Be part of a pioneering bioscience company shaping the future of sustainable innovation.