Research Technician, CBR Biomarker Centre of Excellence (Multiple positions)

Job description

The Centre for Brain Research (cbr-iisc.ac.in) at the Indian Institute of Science has embarked on a unique collaborative endeavour - a Biomarker Centre of Excellence in partnership with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) and with support from Gates Ventures. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a sophisticated platform for the discovery and validation of neurodegenerative disease biomarkers. In addition to plasma biomarkers, the Centre will also explore digital biomarkers to build a more comprehensive understanding of disease onset and progression. A unique strength of this Centre of Excellence is that it will function under the scientific guidance of Professor Henrik Zetterberg (UK DRI and University of Gothenburg), a globally recognised pioneer in biomarker research, and Professor Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK DRI, both of whom are Visiting Faculty Members at CBR. The Centre will integrate the state-of-the-art in fluid biomarker assays, high-throughput proteomics, and AI-driven analytics with unique, diverse cohorts from India and the UK in order to accelerate breakthroughs in early diagnosis. It will foster cross-institutional partnerships, training, and knowledge exchange to build capacity and advance global brain health research. The Research Technician will support biomarker discovery and validation projects by performing laboratory assays, maintaining high standards of data quality, and ensuring that sample handling, processing, and reporting are carried out according to best practices. The role requires meticulous laboratory work, proactive problem-solving, and close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team at CBR and external partners including the UK DRI. The Research Technician will report to the Lead, Biomarker Centre of Excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Receive, catalogue, and appropriately store biological samples for biomarker studies • Plan and execute measurements of fluid biomarkers in coordination with the Lead, Research Scientist, and other team members • Maintain compliance with data governance, biosafety, and ethical standards and update laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and quality control logs • Ensure accurate, complete, and timely recording and reporting of experimental data • Monitor and manage laboratory inventory and consumables; assist in procurement • Troubleshoot assay and equipment issues; coordinate with service engineers as needed • Participate actively in collaborative discussions and data review sessions • Foster strong linkages with international networks and maintain active engagement with the UK DRI Fluid Biomarker Lab to ensure global alignment and collaborative growth • Contribute proactively to the broader vision of CBR, including capacity-building, outreach, and public engagement initiatives.

Requirements:

Essential qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field or substantial equivalent laboratory experience • Practical experience with immunoassays and relevant lab technologies (e.g., ELISA, Simoa, MSD) • Strong general laboratory competence (sample handling, pipetting, centrifugation, calibration) • Excellent attention to detail, time management, and organisational skills to meet strict timelines • Proficiency in IT tools (MS Office, data entry, electronic lab notebooks) • Clear oral and written communication skills; ability to document procedures meticulously • Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Desirable qualifications • Experience running large-scale biomarker assays and troubleshooting assay variability • Interest in neurodegenerative disease research and translational biomarker science • Awareness of AI/data analytics integration into biomarker workflows.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. • Access to world-class research infrastructure and cross-institutional collaborations (e.g., UK DRI, HDR UK) • Opportunity to interface with the Indian Institute of Science’s vibrant, interdisciplinary research ecosystem spanning engineering, life sciences, and data science • Support for overall professional development • Additional benefits as per CBR policies.