Vishal Ahir

Fermentation Scientist with 8+ years of biotechnology industry experience in microbial fermentation, process development, and technology transfer for biopharmaceuticals, probiotics, and biofertilizers. Strong expertise in scaling processes from lab to pilot scale, optimization of high-cell-density fermentations, and recombinant protein production using E. coli and P. pastoris, enzyme production using bacillus and fungal species. Proven ability to develop, validate, and transfer robust processes in compliance with cGMP standards.

Skilled in bioreactor operations, fed-batch strategies, downstream processing (DSP), and regulatory documentation.

Assistant Manager (R&D Micro Lab) - Gumpro Drilling Fluids Pvt Ltd - Panvel, Maharashtra

(2021-06)

• Designed and established a new microbiology R&D lab supporting fermentation-based product development.
• Isolated and characterized microbial strains for novel product applications.
• Produced drilling based viscosifier using microbial culture and optimized its process by increasing 30% yield.
• Developed enzymes as drilling cake breaker using bacterial and fungal isolates.
• Developed and optimized fermentation processes at shake flask level and scaled up to pilot fermenters.
• Led installation, qualification, and validation of critical lab equipment.
• Authored SOPs, experimental reports, and managed lab inventory to support ongoing process development.

Senior Research Associate - Syngene International Limited - Bengaluru, Karnataka

(2019-12 - 2021-06)

• Executed high cell density microbial fermentations using E. coli and P. pastoris.
• Conducted fed-batch process development and optimization for recombinant protein production.
• Operated single-use bioreactors for fermentation scale-up studies.
• Transferred processes from 2L → 10L glass bioreactors → 70L pilot reactors.
• Generated clinical material batches of Nitrosomonas through continuous fermentation.
• Drafted batch records, SOPs, and analytical reports in alignment with GMP standards.

Officer (R&D Biotech) - FDC Limited - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2018-02 - 2019-11)

• Developed and optimized bacterial fermentation processes for recombinant proteins (cytokines, thrombolytics) using E. coli.
• Performed scale-up trials on 20L bioreactors with downstream TFF concentration.
• Validated instruments and processes per ISO and cGMP guidelines.
• Authored GMP-compliant documents: batch reports, deviation analysis, and validation reports.

Research Associate (R&D) - Zytex Biotech Pvt Ltd - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2016-12 - 2018-02)

• Conducted microbial fermentation of Bacillus spp. for probiotic and biofertilizer applications.
• Led BIRAC-BIPP funded project on antifungal bioproduct development, including scale-up and field trials.
• Carried out media optimization, enzyme activity assays, and pilot scale-up studies.
• Standardized fermentation protocols ensuring reproducibility and batch consistency.

Microbiologist - Sahaj Aqua Pvt Ltd - Mumbai, Maharashtra

(2015-08 - 2016-12)

• Performed microbial testing and water quality validation.
• Supervised QA/QC, plant hygiene, and compliance with BIS standards.
• Researched microbial contamination control methods for water processing.

M.Sc. - Biotechnology - VIVA College, University of Mumbai (2015)

B.Sc. - Biotechnology - Vartak College, University of Mumbai (2013)

H.S.C. - New English Junior College (2009)

S.S.C. - B.K.S. English High School (2007)