At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on microbial strains for sustainable food solutions.
- Company: Join MiAlgae, a pioneering company tackling global food security with microalgae.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on equity and belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while advancing your scientific career.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields with experience in strain development and data analysis.
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 Livingston employer: MiAlgae
At MiAlgae, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the heart of Edinburgh. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology. Join us to make a meaningful impact on global food security while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Scientist in Livingston
✨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 open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past projects and achievements in strain development and microbial characterisation. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on technical questions related to bioprocessing and molecular biology. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in MiAlgae. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission, and let us know how you can contribute to our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Scientist in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for R&D and the innovative work we do at MiAlgae shine through. Share specific examples of your experience in strain development or microbial characterisation that highlight your commitment to tackling global challenges.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission and the specific responsibilities of the R&D Scientist role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your scientific expertise and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as complexity!
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 the latest research and developments in microalgae and its applications. Being able to discuss how your knowledge aligns with MiAlgae's mission will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experimental Design Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with experimental design and data analysis. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate how you've successfully developed screening strategies or characterised microbial strains in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves communicating complex scientific findings, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will help you convey your ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences during the interview.
✨Collaborate and Connect
Highlight your teamwork skills by sharing experiences where you worked within cross-functional teams. Discuss how you contributed to collaborative projects and how you can bring that spirit of cooperation to MiAlgae's R&D team.
