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 cutting-edge science.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements, a diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate in a dynamic team environment focused on innovation and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on 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
- Pheontypic 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 Preston 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 Preston
✨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 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
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining MiAlgae. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our mission of sustainability and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Scientist in Preston
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 that might confuse non-technical readers. Remember, we value effective communication across all levels!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application reaches us promptly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, it’s the best way to show your interest in joining our team!
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 improved workflows in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be communicating complex scientific findings, practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will help you connect with both technical and non-technical interviewers, showcasing your excellent communication skills.
✨Collaborate and Contribute
Highlight your experience working in cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with others in the past, especially in bioprocessing or molecular biology, and how you can contribute to MiAlgae's diverse and inclusive environment.
