Job Description

Position Purpose

The Research Scientist specialized in Biochemistry will support early discovery and screening activities in biologicals, including peptides, biomolecules, and microbial-derived compounds. The role focuses on biochemical characterization, mechanistic studies, and development of robust in vitro screening methods to advance promising candidates from discovery into early development for applications in crop protection, crop growth enhancement, nutrient use efficiency, and abiotic stress management.

The position requires strong biochemical expertise, hands-on laboratory experience, and close collaboration with microbiology, molecular biology, formulation, and project management teams to enable data-driven progression of candidates aligned with the Biologicals R&D; strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic

Support execution of the Biologicals R&D; strategy by identifying and characterizing novel

peptides and biomolecules for agricultural applications.

Contribute to portfolio gap filling through biochemical primary screening and prioritization of

candidates.

Assist in building proprietary knowledge in peptide and biomolecule biomolecular modes of

action, and biochemical assay platforms.

Align activities with company philosophy, innovation targets, and project milestones.

Operational

Develop, optimize, validate biochemical screening assays to evaluate e.g. plant defense activation pathways, plant hormone production, stress mitigation, enzyme inhibition.

High throughput Screening of peptides, proteins, secondary metabolites, and microbial-derived

biomolecules for their potential application in crop protection / crop growth / nutrient use

efficiency / abiotic stress management.

Design experiments using statistically sound methodologies to maximize efficiency and reliability.





Execute laboratory experiments with high accuracy and reproducibility.

Maintain rigorous documentation and data integrity standards.

Analyze, interpret, and present results using appropriate statistical and visualization tools.

Maintain contamination-free laboratory practices.

Ensure proper handling, storage, and traceability of peptides, biomolecules, reagents, and

microbial materials.

Support establishment of long-term storage systems for biomolecules and reference standards.

Assist in procurement and inventory management of reagents and laboratory consumables.

Work closely with:

o Scientific characterization team and PPS team with establishment and running of

mechanistical studies using biochemical tools.

o Early Research team by supporting other screening experiments whenever required

Effectively communicate technical findings to multidisciplinary teams across global locations.

Contribute to technical presentations and review meetings with concise summaries and transparent

visual data.

Educational Qualification

Ph.D./Masters in Biochemistry or focus in Biochemistry from a reputed

university or institute

Functional Competencies

Strong foundation in biochemistry, enzymology, protein

chemistry, and molecular mechanisms

Experience in biochemical assay development and validation

Hands-on expertise in techniques such as:

o Enzyme kinetics and spectrophotometric/fluorometric/

colorimetric assays, including ELISA.

o Biochemical assays, including measurement of antioxidant

enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX, GPx), along with ROS,

LOX/FOX analyses, and assessment of IAA/JA/SA pathway

involvement.

o Basic Molecular techniques (PCR, qPCR)

Understanding of microbial modes of action and plant-pathogen

interactions

Ability to integrate biochemical and microbiological datasets

Strong analytical and statistical data interpretation skills

Proficiency in experimental design and troubleshooting

📌 Research Scientist - Plant Biochemistry (Hyderabad)
🏢 PI Industries
📍 Hyderabad