Fermentation Technician

Background

FA Bio is an agritech start-up company developing a revolutionary microbial biofungicides and biostimulants pipeline. Our technology has the potential to transform the way we grow food, making it more sustainable and efficient. We are a close-knit team of passionate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the world.

FA Bio has recently secured £5.3M and is now gearing up for growth. With commercial agreements in place, microbial candidates in field trials and plans to expand their capabilities, we are now growing our team to help deliver our impact goals. Hence, we are now expanding our team and are looking for a Fermentation Laboratory Technician to join our growing business.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace that harnesses personal development and focuses on excellence. We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, etc., to support staff from different backgrounds and personal needs.

Job Title: Fermentation Laboratory Technician

The candidate will assist in lab-scale microbial fermentation, preparing solid and liquid culture media, growing our novel fungal isolates, optimising culture conditions, and finally producing fungal cell mass. The candidate will work closely with our Fermentation and Formulation Team, carrying out microbial fermentation (submerged and solid-state) for small and large volumes. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for recording data efficiently and using the optical microscope. The candidate will contribute to all areas of the Product Development team and support other day-to-day activities at FA Bio. This role requires sound knowledge of microbial fermentation processes, especially in filamentous fungi and yeasts. The candidate should be highly competent in working in aseptic conditions. Hence, having experience in microbial fermentation would be advantageous.

Salary

Competitive (dependent on experience)

Full-time position

Benefits

• Generous EMI Options Scheme upon 1 year of service
• Flexible working hours
• Employer-contributed pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Free onsite parking
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
• Enhanced maternity package and childcare support upon 1 year of service
• Subsidised onsite gym
• Subsidised canteen

Location

Rothamsted Research Centre, AL5 2JQ, Harpenden.

This is an on-site role.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Support the Fermentation and Formulation Team - tasks mainly include preparing culture media (liquid and solid), inoculating and harvesting microbial cultures, use the optical microscope, data collection, and material stocks preparation.
• Extend support to other activities and participate in research projects within the company when needed.
• Support glasshouse trials when needed.
• Participate in laboratory organisation and maintenance, including lab cleaning duties as necessary.
• Understands and applies SOPs, COSHH/Risk Assessments, Quality Control policies, Health and Safety, GLP, ensuring procedures are always followed.
• Work with ELN and LIMS data systems to ensure data are collected, entered, secured, and maintained in accordance with the Company’s guidelines.
• Understand the values and culture of the Company and strives for excellence.
• Any other ad-hoc tasks to support the business

Experience Required

Essential

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology or equivalent scientific discipline plus three years of practical experience, ideally in microbial fermentation.

OR

• Postgraduate/Master’s degree in microbiology, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology (or equivalent specialised discipline) plus one year of practical experience in microbial fermentation.
• Experience working in aseptic conditions is essential
• Must have the right to work in the UK full-time. Please note that a Certificate of Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Desirable

• Experience with microbial fermentation on solid media/ agro-industrial wastes.
• Experience working with fungal cultures, basic knowledge about fungi growth and morphology.
• Experience carrying out glasshouse experiments would be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of downstream processing, in particular, experience with bioformulation optimisation of microbial products.

Skills

• Ability to perform tasks to a consistently high standard with exceptional attention to detail.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise workload, multitask, and work to deadlines.
• Self-motivated, reliable and capable of working independently.
• Excellent team player, respectful and embraces diversity.
• Effective communicator and empathic in an international environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, and ability to react quickly and adapt to the ever-changing business environment.
• Effective decision-making skills.

If you are interested in becoming part of FA Bio’s team, please send us your CV and your personal statement to jobs@fa-bio.net before 05th November 2024, quoting job reference FA_JOB_041. Do not apply via LinkedIn, email us directly.

We look forward to hearing from you!