Vinod Rathod

Head, R&D Lab / Technology Lead

Rethink Bio

Jun 2022 - Present • 4 yrs 4 mos

Leading R&D and technology development in fermentation-based biomanufacturing, with responsibility for process development, bioreactor design, troubleshooting, validation, and product development from laboratory scale through scale-up. My work involves designing and reviewing bioprocesses, evaluating operating parameters, investigating process deviations, and developing practical solutions for improving process consistency and performance. I work across fermentation process development, bioreactor operation, experimental design, laboratory-scale development, process optimization, and technology validation. I regularly troubleshoot process deviations such as batch-to-batch yield inconsistency, dissolved oxygen and control-loop instability, contamination risks, foaming, and other process-performance issues. My troubleshooting approach combines process data review, equipment and instrumentation checks, historical batch comparison, root-cause analysis, and review of underlying process and mass-transfer considerations. I also work on product development and technology development, taking concepts from laboratory experimentation toward more practical and scalable processes. This includes experimental planning, process parameter evaluation, laboratory setup and commissioning, analytical methods, SOP development, process documentation, and validation-related activities. Alongside technical R&D, I develop and review scientific and technical documentation, including experimental reports, process documentation, SOPs, validation records, and technical presentations. My experience allows me to bridge laboratory research with practical process and technology development, with an emphasis on scientific accuracy, structured problem-solving, and reproducible R&D workflows.