At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead enzyme engineering and collaborate with ML teams to innovate sustainable solutions.
- Company: Oltricx, a pioneering biotech startup focused on sustainable oil extraction.
- Benefits: Equity in the company, competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, and global representation opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about sustainability and eager to shape the future of biotech.
- Why this job: Join a small team making a real impact at the intersection of AI and biotechnology.
- Qualifications: MSc, PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields; strong lab skills required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Oltricx is an early stage Biotech company developing novel enzymes using artificial intelligence for vegetable oil extraction mills, enabling them to extract more oil from their existing process. This approach supports a lower carbon footprint by reducing waste and improving resource utilisation. Our mission is to make crude vegetable oil production more efficient and sustainable, starting with palm oil and expanding across global vegetable oil markets.
As we move to the next stage of growth, we are opening an expression of interest for a scientist to join Oltricx. The scientist will lead some of the technical pipelines for the development of our enzyme products. You will support enzyme engineering, enzyme screening, assay development and characterisation, while working closely with the ML team to ensure experimental data directly informs model development and subsequent design cycles.
What You Will Be Doing
- Leading enzyme engineering, screening and characterisation across multiple enzyme classes
- Performing microbial expression and purification workflows for engineered enzyme variants
- Generating high-quality, structured wet-lab data to train and validate Oltricx’s machine learning platform
- Working closely with ML engineers to define experimental labels, validation criteria and design-build-test-learn cycles
- Experimentally validating ML-generated enzyme candidates and feeding results back into subsequent model iterations
Requirements
- MSc, PhD or equivalent industry experience in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology or a related field
- Strong practical experience in protein or enzyme engineering
- Experience with recombinant protein expression in microbial systems
- Experience independently designing and troubleshooting laboratory experiments
- Familiarity with computational protein design, machine learning or sequence-based protein models
Nice to Have
- Experience developing enzymes for industrial biotechnology applications
- Experience working alongside ML or software teams on biological datasets
- Experience in optimising dosage and formulation for large biological molecules
- Experience in an early-stage startup or research environment
- Proven interest in sustainability, food systems, or industrial biotechnology
What We Offer
- Equity in an early-stage deep tech company as part of the founding team
- Competitive salary depending on experience
- 30 days annual leave
- Opportunity to represent the company at national and international opportunities
- A technically ambitious problem at the frontier of AI and engineering biology
- A small team where your work has direct and visible impact
How to Apply
Send your CV + a brief paragraph on why you are interested in this role to .
Expression of Interest - Founding Scientist in Bolton employer: Oltricx (formerly PalmPro)
Oltricx is an exceptional employer for those passionate about biotechnology and sustainability, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team at the forefront of AI-driven enzyme development. With a competitive salary, equity options, and a collaborative work culture, employees can expect to make a tangible impact while enjoying generous annual leave and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant startup ecosystem, Oltricx fosters innovation and creativity, making it an ideal place for scientists eager to contribute to meaningful advancements in vegetable oil production.
Contact Details:
Oltricx (formerly PalmPro) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Expression of Interest - Founding Scientist in Bolton
✨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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro). 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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro)!
We think you need these skills to ace Expression of Interest - Founding Scientist in Bolton
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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro) 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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro).
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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro) 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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro)
✨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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro). 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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro)'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 Oltricx (formerly PalmPro). This shows your passion for the industry!
