Laboratory Scientist (Chemistry) in Nottingham

Adamo Foods is a deeptech food company developing an entirely new generation of meat alternatives, using our proprietary fermentation technology (3x patented). With our ultra realistic whole-cut products (starting with a filet alternative) we’ve landed letters of intent to sell products to some of the largest food distributors and restaurants. Over 90% of external tasters to date have said the Adamo Filet is the best product they’ve tried. We’re now beginning to scale up to commercial production and sales. We were recently ranked #20 in the Startups 100 index for the UK’s best new startups.

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Development Scientist with strong expertise in fermentation or cell culture, ideally with a focus on fungal systems, to join our Scale-Up R&D team at Adamo Foods. This role will be instrumental in developing, optimizing, and scaling fermentation processes from bench to pilot scale and supporting the advancement of our products to commercial manufacturing.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with our Science Lead, wider team and external partners on joint projects;
• Plan and conduct R&D to troubleshoot, improve and optimise our products and processes (spore cultures, shake flasks and fermentation parameters);
• Support scale-up activities, translating lab-scale processes to pilot-scale while maintaining performance and reproducibility;
• Effectively organise, interpret, and present data to drive decisions / innovation;
• Effective lab management (cleaning, stocking, efficiency, process optimisation);
• Ensure safety, food safety, and environmental regulation compliance;
• Assist with other departments and tasks as needed.

Requirements:

• MSc or PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Mycology, or similar;
• Experience in fermentation, ideally with filamentous fungi;
• Experience operating bioreactors across multiple scales (bench and pilot);
• Proficiency with DoE software (e.g., JMP, Design-Expert, R, or equivalent);
• Experience with metabolic analysers and other bioprocess analytical tools;
• Excellent data analysis skills, attention to detail, and record keeping;
• Experience developing and using Standard Operating Procedures;
• Excellent communications skills;
• Self-motivated and able to drive work as part of a hybrid team.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary;
• Stock options;
• Flexible working;
• Team socials and away days and regular product tastings.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, with equal opportunities for all applicants on the basis of merit. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or national origin. All applications are welcome.

How to apply: Please send your CV to andrew@adamofoods.com