R&D Scientist - Biotechnology

R&D Scientist (Biotechnology)

Abercorn Sinclair is delighted to present this exciting opportunity with our industry partner MiAlgae, this role will be based at their HQ in Edinburgh.

Founded in 2016, MiAlgae applies leading advances in science and technology to improve food security and reduce the impact of humanity on the planet. The company aims to eliminate reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of omega-3 by harnessing the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and rich alternative source. MiAlgae’s zero-waste solution recycles co-products from food and drink production to grow Omega-3-rich micro-algae, returning clean water in the process.

The Role:

Reporting to the Head of R&D you will contribute to the successful delivery of the company’s lab-based projects and support the needs of the Production Team.

You will be an active participant in team meetings contributing to various topics including, but not limited to, the standardisation of methods and processes, design of experiments (DOE), and presenting practical results and conclusions.

You will also support the Lab Supervisor with lab upkeep, assisting with the preparation of media, maintenance of cultures, and development of new lab protocols.

Key Responsibilities:   

• Assist with the preparation and delivery of R&D projects, with a focus on upstream activities. To include troubleshooting and process optimisation using scale down fermentation models with the aim of subsequent implementation at production scale.
• Independently analyse and interpret complex data to inform subsequent experimentation and make strategic recommendations.
• Support the preparation and execution of production runs
• Contribute to the development of production and Quality Control procedures
• Assist with product development
• Assist with general lab maintenance tasks and additional biological projects
• Support lab administration duties including COSHH forms and risk assessments
• Manage, collate, and report data
• Support the training of Lab personnel and students

Experience and Skills:

• Fundamental understanding of microbiology and the challenges associated with the maintenance and propagation of pure cultures
• Industrial experience (preferred), or collaborative industry-led academic experience, with a focus on biotechnology
• Knowledge of data analytics and the deployment of solutions within a diverse environment

Preferred:

• Experience in aerobic fermentation process development, including demonstrated understanding of how to manipulate key fermentation parameters to maximise titres and use of these parameters to guide scale up.
• Experience of scale-up, process development, and optimisation
• Experience working with multiple microbial hosts

Beneficial:

• Biosynthesis of high value compounds
• Extraction and purification of high value compounds
• Expertise in biochemical assays
• Large-scale cultivation
• Bioprospecting
• GC, HPLC

The Candidate:

We are seeking driven individuals with a flexible approach to work who are keen to make their mark within a rapidly growing award-winning biotechnology company.

The ideal candidate will be educated to MSc/MRes/Ph.D. level in a relevant life science or bioprocess discipline (e.g., Microbiology/ Microbial ecology / Biotechnology, etc.)

For candidates at MSc level, we would be looking for some relatable industry experience.

You will be an effective communicator with the ability to work independently and efficiently within a team. You will have a positive ‘can do’ approach and a keen interest in the use of biotechnology for the benefit of the environment. 

The opportunity:

For the right individual, this is an amazing opportunity to join an exciting young, scaling biotech where you will play a critical role in delivering their current and future products.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary + benefits and the opportunity to work with a team truly committed to developing scalable, sustainable solutions.

For a confidential discussion please contact our retained partner, Keith Tocher at Abercorn Sinclair.

About Abercorn Sinclair

Abercorn Sinclair is a specialist, technical recruitment consultancy based in Edinburgh. We provide bespoke talent solutions across the science & technology sectors.