At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in hands-on lab work for bioleaching and hydrometallurgy projects.
- Company: Join BIOWEG, a leader in sustainable technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain practical experience, flexible hours, and mentorship from industry experts.
- Other info: Opportunity to turn this role into a thesis project.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Currently studying Chemistry or related fields with lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
BIOWEG is seeking a motivated student assistant to support the bioleaching and hydrometallurgical work within the BIOPEPLEACH project. You will work closely with the Project Engineer and collaborate with academic partners at TU Berlin. This is a hands‑on laboratory role.
Your Role
- Laboratory work (primary focus):
- Hands‑on experience in a chemical laboratory.
- Preparation of feedstock samples for leaching experiments.
- Setting up experiments for leaching and filtration.
- Recording experimental parameters: pH, ORP/Eh measurements, temperature logging, sampling at defined time intervals.
- Prepare samples for ICP‑OES/ICP‑MS/HPLC/IC analysis.
- Maintenance of laboratory equipment like pH meters, ORP probes, and titration equipment.
- Prepare calibration standards and reagent solutions.
- Data and documentation:
- Analyze and extract important, applicable data from research papers.
- Maintain clean, organized lab documentation following SOPs.
Your Profile
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of solution chemistry: pH, acid‑base equilibria, precipitation reactions.
- Understanding of hydrometallurgical concepts is an advantage.
- Interest in sustainability, circular economy, and critical raw materials.
- Hands‑on laboratory experience (from coursework, internships, or thesis work).
- Careful, systematic working style with attention to detail and reproducibility.
- Reliable, self‑organized, and able to work independently after initial training.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced startup.
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English (working language of the project); Fluency in German is a plus.
What We Offer
- Hands‑on involvement in a project at the intersection of biotechnology and hydrometallurgy.
- Collaboration with academic partners at TU Berlin (UniSysCat Cluster of Excellence).
- Practical experience with industrial‑relevant analytical techniques (ICP, HPLC, titration).
- Mentorship from an experienced process engineer with pilot‑scale REE separation expertise.
- Flexible hours compatible with your study schedule.
- Potential for the role to develop into a thesis project (Bachelor’s or Master’s).
Student Assistant - Bioleaching & Hydrometallurgy (Critical Metals) (All Genders) employer: Bioweg
BIOWEG is an excellent employer for students seeking meaningful and hands-on experience in the fields of biotechnology and hydrometallurgy. With a collaborative work culture that fosters mentorship from experienced professionals and the opportunity to engage with academic partners at TU Berlin, employees can expect to grow their skills in a supportive environment. The flexible hours allow for a perfect balance between work and study, making it an ideal place for aspiring scientists to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Assistant - Bioleaching & Hydrometallurgy (Critical Metals) (All Genders)
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including Bioweg, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like Bioweg.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at Bioweg, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Assistant - Bioleaching & Hydrometallurgy (Critical Metals) (All Genders)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with Bioweg specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bioweg
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show Bioweg that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show Bioweg that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
