Job Description

Applications are invited for the following ad hoc positions at the Herbalife–IIT Madras Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology, located at IIT Madras Research Park. The required basic qualifications for each position are outlined below.
Interested and eligible candidates are requested to submit their CVs to pctiitmrecruitment@gmail.com by April 14, 2026. Please ensure that the subject line of the email clearly states the position applied for in the following format: Application for (Position)_Name

Position: Junior Research Fellow (JRF-1)
Number of positions: 1
Duration of the project: 1 year (extendable to 2 years based on performance)
Emoluments per month: Rs. 37,000 (Consolidated)
Essential qualifications :
● M.Tech/M.Sc degree in Plant Biotechnology/ Chemical Engineering/ Bioprocess Engineering/ Biochemical Engineering from a recognized university or an equivalent institution. Candidates qualified in CSIR/UGC/GATE or other National Level tests will be given first preferences
Desirable qualifications
●      Hands-on experience in bioprocess development, including culture optimization and yield enhancement
●      Proficiency in bioreactor operation (batch/fed-batch) and upstream processing under aseptic conditions
●      Experience in downstream processing (filtration, centrifugation, purification)
●      Exposure to scale-up from lab to pilot scale
●      Ability to perform equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance
●      Strong understanding of SOPs, safety, and quality standards
●      Experience in data analysis, documentation, and technical reporting
●      Ability to mentor junior staff and support project execution

2. Position: Junior Research Fellow (JRF-2)
Number of positions: 1
Duration of the project: 1 year (extendable to 2 years based on performance)
Emoluments per month: Rs. 37,000 (Consolidated)
Essential qualifications :
● M.Tech/M.Sc. degree in Biotechnology/Chemistry/Biochemistry/Plant Biotechnology/Biochemical/ Bioprocess Engineering from a recognized university or an equivalent institution. Candidates qualified in CSIR/UGC /GATE or other National Level tests will be given first preference.
Desirable qualifications :
●      Experience in plant tissue culture (explant preparation, sterilization, media preparation, multiplication in aseptic conditions)
●      Experience in metabolic profiling and metabolomic analysis of primary and secondary metabolites using HPLC/GCMS/LCMS
●      Familiarity with lab equipment, maintenance, and safety protocols
●      Strong documentation, data analysis, and reporting skills (SOPs)
●      Ability to work independently and in a team; support publications