At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to develop sustainable microalgae solutions for Omega-3 production.
- Company: MiAlgae, a pioneering biotech company focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: 32 days holiday, flexible working, gym membership perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food security and environmental challenges while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in biology or related field; hands-on skills and eagerness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Company Description
Founded in 2016, MiAlgae leverages cutting-edge science and technology to tackle global food security and environmental challenges. Our breakthrough innovation lies in eliminating the need for wild-caught fish as a source of Omega-3, by harnessing microalgae—a sustainable and potent alternative. Our production process recycles co-products from the food and drink industry to grow Omega-3 rich microalgae, returning clean water in the process and supporting a truly circular economy. We are proud to be a diverse, family-friendly and inclusive employer, committed to equity and belonging in everything we do. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements that suit both you and the role.
Role Description
This is a full-time R&D Technician role based in Edinburgh, working within MiAlgae's Research & Development team and reporting to a Principal Scientist. The successful candidate will work to identify promising microbial strains and support their development towards commercial-scale production. You will be responsible for performing strain screening and development workflows for a wide variety of microorganisms: preparing media, microbiological plating, optimising growth conditions and analysing fermentations for high-value molecules using analytical techniques including gas chromatography. You will be responsible for data management and documentation, and communication of scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. You will support the wider team with reagent preparation and equipment calibration and general laboratory maintenance – giving exposure to a wide variety of microbiological, fermentation, and engineering biology techniques. You will additionally contribute to safe lab operations by completing COSHH and risk assessments and participating in the development of standard operating procedures. Training will be provided as needed – this is an ideal role for a new graduate looking for industrial experience and the chance to make an impact in a growing organisation.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate, MSC, or equivalent industrial experience in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related discipline
- We’re open to other backgrounds, provided you are good with your hands, organised, interested in our mission, and eager to learn!
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working effectively within teams
- Ability to maintain detailed scientific documentation
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to a broad audience
Desirable
- Experience with microbiology, aseptic handling, molecular biology, or strain development
- Experience working with multiple microbial hosts, including two or more of yeast, bacteria and microalgae
- Experience independently performing research projects from start to finish – design, execution, analysis, and communication
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to offer solutions
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Interest in making a positive environmental impact
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh
What We Offer
- Competitive Compensation: A market-aligned salary (as noted). We reward high performance and business impact.
- Holidays: 32 days holiday per year (including bank holidays) to recharge and refresh, plus flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. Additional annual leave per complete year of service – up to 5 additional days. Our holiday purchase scheme offers even more flexibility, allowing you to buy extra days when you need them.
- Pension & Benefits: 5% company pension contribution. We also offer a Cycle to Work and Electric Car salary sacrifice schemes. Free on-site parking is available for all employees.
- Wellness Perks: 50% company contribution to gym membership to support your health and wellbeing - terms apply. You’ll also enjoy regular social events and team activities - because at MiAlgae, it’s all about the folk and celebrating our successes together.
- Growth & Development: Join a high-growth, purpose-driven business where you can shape your own career path. We offer professional development support and opportunities to collaborate cross-functionally, helping you deliver results and make an impact.
- Mission & Impact: Be part of a pioneering biotech company delivering innovation with purpose - reducing reliance on wild-caught fish, supporting the circular economy, and driving a more sustainable pet food industry. Your work will directly contribute to creating a healthier planet.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re excited by the opportunity to help shape a more sustainable future, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest.
R&D Technician in Dunfermline employer: MiAlgae
MiAlgae is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Grangemouth production site where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and wellness perks, all while fostering a collaborative culture that celebrates achievements and encourages professional development. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global food security and the environment as part of a pioneering biotech company dedicated to a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Technician in Dunfermline
✨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 MiAlgae. 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 MiAlgae!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Technician in Dunfermline
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 MiAlgae 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 MiAlgae.
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 MiAlgae 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 MiAlgae
✨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 MiAlgae. 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 MiAlgae'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 MiAlgae. This shows your passion for the industry!
