Position: Microbiologist - Biofertilizer Production
Department: Production & Quality Control - Biofertilizer Unit
Location: Lucknow / Sidhauli Manufacturing Unit
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Production Manager / Plant Head
1. Role Summary
We are looking for a skilled Microbiologist to manage and scale up the production of biofertilizers. The candidate will be responsible for mother culture maintenance, mass multiplication, quality control, and ensuring all products comply with Fertilizer Control Order [FCO] standards.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Production & Culture Maintenance
- Maintenance, preservation and regular sub-culturing of mother cultures: Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, PSB [Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria], KSB/KMB, Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria, Trichoderma, Mycorrhiza [VAM].
- Preparation of media, inoculum development, and fermenter, boiler, Colar and Chilar operations [1L to 250L].
- Supervise carrier-based and liquid biofertilizer production.
- Maintain batch production records, culture history, and production logbooks.
B. Quality Control & Quality Assurance
- Microbial count by serial dilution and plate count method as per FCO / BIS specifications.
- Check for contamination, pH, CFU count [should be > 1x108 or 1x109 CFU/ml as per product].
- Perform Gram staining, biochemical tests, and viability tests.
- Ensure 100% compliance with FCO norms, FSSAI and organic certification like NPOP, Jaivik Bharat.
C. R&D and Process Improvement
- Isolation of efficient local strains from soil and field trials.
- Work on improving shelf-life of liquid biofertilizers - up to 12-18 months.
- Develop new consortia products like NPK consortia, biofertilizer + biopesticide combo.
D. Documentation & Compliance
- Preparation of SOPs, COA [Certificate of Analysis], MSDS, and production reports.
- Handle audits for fertilizer license, organic certification, and lab accreditation.
- Training of lab assistants and production staff on aseptic techniques and hygiene.
3. Required Qualification & Experience
- Education: M.Sc. in Microbiology / Agricultural Microbiology / Biotechnology / Life Sciences. B.Sc. with strong experience can also be considered.
- Experience: 2-5 years in biofertilizer / bio-inoculant / biopesticide industry. Freshers with internship in a biofertilizer lab can be considered for Junior Microbiologist.
- Must have hands-on experience with Laminar Air Flow, Autoclave, BOD Incubator, Shaker Incubator, Fermenter, Microscope, pH meter.
4. Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of aseptic techniques and microbial handling
- Knowledge of FCO specifications for biofertilizers
- Lab management and inventory control of media, chemicals, cultures
- Data recording, report writing and good communication
- Problem-solving attitude and ability to work on the production floor
5. Salary & Benefits
- Salary Range in India: Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 40,000 per month [Based on experience - Junior to Senior level]
Pay: ₹25,000.00 - ₹35,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Internet reimbursement
- Leave encashment
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
