At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on microbial strains to revolutionise food and feed applications.
- Company: Join MiAlgae, a pioneering company tackling global food security with sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, a diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while advancing your scientific career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MSc, PhD or equivalent experience in bioprocessing or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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 Scientist role based in Edinburgh, working within MiAlgae's Research & Development team and reporting to a Principal Scientist. The R&D Scientist will take ownership of strain screening and development workflows, identifying, characterising and optimising microbial strains for use as production platforms for high-value compounds in food and feed applications. The role will play a key part in advancing strain candidates through development and supporting their progression towards commercial-scale production.
You will combine high-throughput growth and characterisation techniques with targeted metabolic studies to build a deeper understanding of strain performance. Working closely with Fermentation and Bioprocess Development teams, you will help evaluate promising strains at pilot and commercial scales while contributing to the continuous improvement of strain development workflows, screening strategies and experimental pipelines.
Key responsibilities include:
- Microbial strain screening and improvement
- Phenotypic characterisation using analytical techniques including Gas Chromatography
- Development of scalable strain development workflows
- Data management and documentation
- Communication of scientific findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
Qualifications
- MSc, PhD or equivalent industrial experience in bioprocessing, molecular biology, engineering biology or a related discipline
- Approximately five years of relevant experience in strain development, microbial characterisation or a related scientific field
- Experience using high-throughput growth and analytical methods to characterise strain growth and product formation
- Experience designing selective or adaptive screening strategies to enrich desired phenotypes under industrially relevant conditions
- Strong experimental design and data analysis skills, with the ability to analyse complex datasets and support data-driven decision making
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working effectively within cross-functional teams
- Ability to maintain detailed scientific documentation and communicate complex technical information clearly to a broad audience
Desirable
- Experience working with multiple microbial hosts, including two or more of yeast, bacteria and microalgae
- Experience establishing and applying growth kinetics to characterise strain performance
- Knowledge and application of omics techniques to better understand microbial strain behaviour and performance
- Experience influencing projects and challenging scientific approaches to drive improved outcomes
- Experience using robotic liquid handling platforms or other laboratory automation technologies
- Experience supporting the progression of strain development activities from proof-of-concept through to pilot or commercial-scale operations
R&D Scientist in Guildford employer: MiAlgae
At MiAlgae, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering employer in the field of sustainable biotechnology, offering our R&D Scientists the opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation in Edinburgh. Our inclusive and family-friendly culture fosters collaboration and creativity, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have access to continuous learning and development opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global food security and environmental sustainability, all while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Scientist in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the R&D field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or presentation showcasing your previous projects and research. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on explaining complex concepts in simple terms, just like you would to a non-technical audience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in MiAlgae and our mission. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Scientist in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for R&D and the science behind microalgae shine through. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to tackle food security and environmental challenges.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the R&D Scientist role. Highlight your relevant experience in strain development and microbial characterisation, and don’t forget to mention any specific techniques you’ve used that relate to our work.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language to explain your experiences and skills. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your application is easy to read and understand for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at MiAlgae!
How to prepare for a job interview at MiAlgae
✨Know Your Microalgae
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of microalgae and its applications in food and feed. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with MiAlgae's mission to replace wild-caught fish for Omega-3. Show them you’re passionate about sustainability and can contribute to their innovative approach.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with high-throughput growth techniques and analytical methods like Gas Chromatography. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully characterised microbial strains or developed screening strategies, as this will demonstrate your practical expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves communicating complex scientific findings to diverse audiences, practice explaining your research in simple terms. Think about how you can convey technical information effectively to non-specialists, as this skill is crucial for collaboration within cross-functional teams.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving
Expect questions that assess your experimental design and data analysis skills. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly in strain development or characterisation. Highlight your ability to analyse complex datasets and make data-driven decisions to show you're a proactive problem-solver.
