At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct hands-on experiments and support innovative projects in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Join Holiferm, a leader in sustainable biosurfactants, making a real impact on the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, strong benefits, flexible working, and share options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on teamwork, wellbeing, and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team driving scientific growth and innovation.
- Qualifications: Passion for laboratory science and experience with bioprocess work preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 31000 £ per year.
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester
Salary: c£31K (full-time & permanent position)
About Holiferm
Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market – moving the industry away from fossil fuel-based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling fast, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out.
When you join us, you’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive environment at our innovation laboratory in Manchester. You’ll have autonomy, support and a platform to innovate, grow, and make a real impact.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Research Assistant to play a key role in driving forward project-based experimental work at our innovation laboratory at Holiferm during an exciting period of scientific growth and innovation. This is a hands-on, project-focused role for someone who is passionate about laboratory science, eager to take ownership of day-to-day experimental delivery, and comfortable working across both practical bioprocess work and the planning and documentation that surrounds it.
You will be embedded within a specific project team, working closely with engineers and project leads to design, execute, and report on experiments that push our research forward. You’ll be responsible for:
- Running and monitoring bioreactors day-to-day, including fermentation support, reactor set-up, sampling, and downstream processing activities
- Planning and executing experiments in collaboration with your project team, contributing to the design and interpretation of results
- Preparing feedstocks, media, and reagents to support active fermentations and development work
- Operating and maintaining analytical equipment, including HPLC, and processing experimental data to support project reporting
- Supporting experiment documentation and report writing, ensuring findings are clearly recorded and communicated
- Contributing to lab maintenance and equipment upkeep as part of a wider lab support team, helping to keep the environment safe, organised, and ready for research
- Championing rigorous scientific standards and Holiferm's values in everything you do
About You
You’re a motivated, scientifically curious professional who thrives in a fast-paced project environment and is looking to develop your career in hands-on innovation. You have a solid foundation in laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, standard equipment use, and aseptic technique, and are comfortable working with microbial systems. Experience with managing bioreactors and analytical instrumentation would be a bonus, though what matters most is a genuine enthusiasm for biotechnology and a desire to grow within it.
How You’ll Be Rewarded
- A competitive salary (based on experience)
- A strong benefits package that has your back – including a 7.5% employer pension contribution, income protection, life insurance (4x Salary) and comprehensive health, dental and mental health support (after 2 years)
- Share options, because we want you to grow with us as we scale
- Flexible and hybrid working to help you balance life inside and outside of work
- Access to an electric & plug-in hybrid car scheme and a company reward/discount platform
- Regular team events and socials (informal, inclusive, no pressure)
- Plus, a few extra perks that make day-to-day life that little bit easier
And It’s Not Just Words – Our Culture Really Works This Way
We know lots of companies say they value openness, wellbeing and teamwork – but at Holiferm, it’s genuinely how we operate every day. People here look out for each other, share knowledge freely, and celebrate wins together. Leaders are approachable, feedback is welcomed, and you’ll always have the support you need to do your best work.
Our culture isn’t a poster on a wall – it’s how we show up for each other, how we solve problems, and how we make sure everyone feels included, respected and able to thrive.
Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities
Holiferm is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace. If you need any adjustments – whether during the application process or at interview – just let us know. We want you to feel comfortable, supported and able to show us your best self.
Application deadline: 12 noon on Monday 29th June.
Research Assistant in Stretford employer: Holiferm
Holiferm is an exceptional employer located in Trafford Park, Manchester, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, Holiferm empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact in the sustainable biosurfactant industry. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values openness, teamwork, and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Stretford
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Holiferm. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Holiferm!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Stretford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Holiferm that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Holiferm.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Holiferm does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Holiferm
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Holiferm. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Holiferm's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Holiferm. This shows your passion for the industry!
