Job Opportunity: VP – Ava Seeds SBU – Agriculture Genomics & CRISPR Platforms –
R&D | Services & Business Development
Location: Avesthagen Limited, Bangalore
Position Type: Full-Time No. of Posts: 1
About Avesthagen:
Avesthagen Limited is a global leader in life sciences, specializing in Nutrigenomics, Agriculture
and Precision Medicine. Leveraging its proprietary Predictive, Preventive and Personalized
(“PPP”) healthcare platform, Avesthagen addresses critical challenges at the intersection of food,
pharma and population genetics. The company is at the forefront of advancing sustainable
agricultural solutions through cutting-edge genomics and biotechnology research.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a visionary leader in agricultural genomics and biotechnology to head the Ava
Seeds Strategic Business Unit (SBU). This role will focus on driving research in crop
improvement, disease resistance and sustainable farming through advanced genomics and
CRISPR technologies. The successful candidate will manage high-impact R&D projects, lead
client-focused initiatives and foster business development to transform agricultural practices
globally.
Key Responsibilities:
Research and Development (R&D):
* Lead innovative research in plant molecular genetics and crop biology.
* Identify and manipulate genes to enhance crop yield, pest resistance and stress tolerance.
* Develop and optimize genome-editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and molecular
markers.
* Analyze genetic data to uncover gene expression patterns and biological pathways.
* Publish impactful research findings and collaborate on grant proposals and funding
opportunities.
* Building a strong team and nurturing future leaders.
Agricultural Services and Business Development:
* Oversee the delivery of agricultural genomics and precision farming services.
* Manage client projects, ensuring excellence in execution and timely delivery.
* Build partnerships with stakeholders in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology.
* Collaborate with geneticists, agronomists and biotechnologists to develop innovative
solutions for modern farming challenges.
* Expand the business network and grow the client base to capture market share in India, as
well as in the Rest of the World (ROW), SARC and African markets.
* Drive revenue generation and ensure the timely delivery of company commitments.
Laboratory and Field Operations:
* Maintain state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and ensure adherence to research
protocols.
* Conduct greenhouse and field trials to validate research outcomes and enable practical
applications.
Candidate Qualifications:
Education:
* Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics or
a related field, ideally from a reputed institute (e.g., IIT).
* An MBA or equivalent management qualification from IIM or a comparable institute is
preferred.
Experience:
* A minimum of 10 years of experience in agricultural R&D, with at least 5 years in
leadership roles.
* Expertise in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, RNA-Seq and cloning.
Preferred Skills and Competencies:
* Hands-on experience with genome-editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR, TALENs) and
bioinformatics tools.
* In-depth knowledge of plant physiology, crop biology and plant-microbe interactions.
* Familiarity with high-throughput sequencing technologies and their applications in
agriculture.
* Proven ability to secure research grants and foster collaborative research projects.
* Strong leadership and team management skills with a focus on building business
partnerships.
Benefits:
* Contribute to innovative agricultural research with far-reaching global implications.
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
* Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
How to Apply:
Submit your CV, cover letter and a summary of your research or professional achievements to
[email protected] by 28th February 2025. Mention “VP – Ava Seeds SBU Application” in the
subject line.