Lead Scientist

Date: 6 Oct 2026
Location:
Bangalore, KA, IN, 560099
Division: Dedicated Centre
Job Description
Designation: Lead Scientist-Molecular Biology
Job Location: Bangalore
Department: BBRC-Discovery Technologies
About Syngene
Incorporated in 1993, Syngene International Ltd. is an innovation-focused global discovery, development and manufacturing organization providing integrated scientific services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nutrition, animal health, consumer goods and specialty chemical industries around the world. Syngene’ s clientele includes world leaders such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Baxter, Amgen, GSK, Merck KGaA and Herbalife. Its innovative culture is driven by the passion of its 4240- strong team of scientists who work with clients from around the world to solve their scientific problems, improve R&D productivity, speed up time to market and lower the cost of innovation.
Job Purpose (1-2 Lines): To provide Molecular biology support for discovery programs.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Molecular Biologist with computational expertise to support and develop construct design workflows at the interface of protein engineering and data science. The role leverages molecular cloning, computational biology, and AI-driven design approaches to accelerate reagent generation, engineered cell models, and next-generation genetic delivery platforms.
The ideal candidate brings rigorous bench skills in cloning and expression system design, paired with the capability to integrate bioinformatics and predictive modeling into cloning workflows.
Key Responsibilities
Design and execute cloning strategies (ligation-based, Gibson Assembly, recombination-based, shRNA, long-range PCR) for cell line engineering and recombinant protein generation
Design expression constructs with appropriate vectors, promoters, and tags optimized for screening assays
Apply computational tools (AlphaFold, ESM, ProteinMPNN, Rosetta) for protein domain design, linker optimization, and variant engineering
Build and maintain sequence-to-outcome datasets; develop predictive models to improve construct success rates
Curate and expand a multi-species gene/isoform ortholog database linked to experimental outcomes
Design gene delivery constructs (AAV, mRNA, LNP) in collaboration with in vivo teams
Educational Qualifications
M.Sc/M.Tech in Biotechnology/Biology/Molecular Biology
Experience
4-7 years of research experience
Required Technical Skills
Proficiency in molecular cloning techniques: ligation-based, recombination-based (e.g., Gateway, Gibson Assembly), sub-cloning, and long-range PCR
Solid understanding of expression vector design, including promoter selection, signal peptides, and protein tags
Hands-on experience with construct design software: SnapGene, Geneious, and/or Vector NTI
Familiarity with computational protein engineering tools (AlphaFold, ESM, Rosetta, ProteinMPNN) or strong interest and aptitude to develop these skills
Strong foundation in bioinformatics, sequence analysis, comparative genomics, and computational biology.
Proficiency in Python, R, or related scientific programming tools
Experience with or exposure to NGS data analysis and multi-species sequence comparison
Diligent documentation practices, including detailed electronic lab notebook (ELN) entries
Working knowledge of EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) practices in a laboratory setting
Desirable Skills & Experience
Experience in reagent and plasmid inventory management.
Familiarity with automated liquid-handling platforms and workflow automation.
High-throughput cloning workflows.
Exposure to ML/statistical modeling applied to biological datasets
Behavioral Skills
A proactive team player.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and work on multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision; comfortable working in a dynamic environment with changing requirements.
Good oral and written communication and presentation skills to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Syngene to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable legislation or local law. In addition, Syngene will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Work arrangement
No