Position: Molecular Scientist
Department: Biotech
Location: Bengaluru

Job Purpose
To accelerate molecular marker discovery and validation, improve the speed and cost-effectiveness of molecular testing, and provide reliable genotyping and purity analysis to support crop improvement, hybrid development, and seed quality assurance across vegetable crops.

Roles & Responsibilities
Molecular Marker Discovery and DFP Development

- Identify, evaluate and validate molecular markers for DFP applications in vegetable crops where relevant genetic data is available.
- Develop and optimise marker panels for reliable differentiation and identification of parents and hybrids.
- Validate selected markers across parental lines and hybrids to establish their suitability for routine testing.
- Support DFP implementation for priority hybrids in coordination with relevant breeding and R&D; teams.
- Improve the turnaround time for marker discovery, panel development and validation through systematic planning and workflow optimization.

Molecular Testing and Process Efficiency

- Conduct molecular genetic purity (MGP) testing of validated hybrids and associated seed lots, in line with defined protocols and quality requirements.
- Streamline DNA extraction from seeds through simplified, productive extraction methods.
- Optimise routine testing workflows through the use of a minimum number of validated markers wherever scientifically appropriate.
- Implement suitable automation in DNA extraction and molecular testing processes.
- Build team capability by acquiring proficiency in automation and seed DNA extraction techniques and training relevant team members.
- Maintain testing records,



track turnaround times and identify bottlenecks affecting timely delivery of results.

Cost Optimisation and Laboratory Productivity

- Reduce the cost per data point through efficient utilisation of chemicals, consumables and laboratory resources.
- Evaluate the reuse of suitable plasticware and reduction in reagent consumption without compromising data quality, accuracy or reliability.
- Design and optimise SNP assays and workflows to improve testing efficiency.
- Implement multiplexing approaches where technically feasible to increase testing throughput and reduce per-sample analysis costs.
- Monitor cost, productivity and result consistency to ensure that efficiency improvements do not adversely affect test performance.

Molecular Screening and Support to Tomato R&D;

- Conduct genotyping and molecular screening of tomato samples for relevant traits, including TY-1, TY-2, TY-3, TY-5, TY-6, BWR-6 and BWR-12.
- Support marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) and other breeding activities through timely and accurate molecular screening.
- Compile, analyse and interpret genotyping data and communicate results to the relevant breeding teams.
- Ensure that screening results are available within agreed timelines to support breeding decisions and advancement of research material.




- Coordinate with tomato R&D; scientists to understand testing requirements, sample priorities and result interpretation needs.

Parental Purity Confirmation and Cross-Functional Coordination

- Conduct molecular purity assessments of P1 and P2 parental lines to support the Parent Seed Production (PSP) team.
- Complete purity assessment and communicate results within agreed timelines.
- Validate findings in coordination with breeders, the Grow-Out Test (GOT) team and PSP quality personnel.
- Investigate discrepancies or unexpected results and support appropriate follow-up testing and resolution.
- Ensure that test results and supporting data are documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders for quality and production decisions.

Data Management and Scientific Documentation

- Maintain accurate and traceable records of marker discovery, validation, genotyping, testing costs and laboratory performance.
- Apply appropriate quality controls to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of molecular data.
- Prepare test reports and data summaries within agreed turnaround times.
- Document optimised protocols and support standardisation of validated laboratory methods.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in molecular testing, data analysis and laboratory operations.

Qualifications & Experience

- Relevant postgraduate qualification in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Plant Molecular Biology or a closely related discipline
- Experience in molecular biology techniques, plant genotyping and molecular marker-based analysis
- Exposure to seed purity testing, vegetable crop breeding or marker-assisted selection would be advantageous

📌 Molecular Scientist (Bengaluru)
🏢 Acsen Agriscience
📍 Bengaluru