Lab Technician (microbiology and fermentation)

About us

If you’ve got experience working with microbes (ideally yeast), synthetic biology, fermentations and are passionate about the environment then read on, we have a great role and fresh challenge for you. Sun Bear Biofuture was born in 2022 out of a desire to use modern science and technology to have a meaningful environmental impact. We are reimagining farming to produce everyday essentials more sustainably. We’re starting by using synthetic biology, precision fermentation and machine learning to produce an alternative to cocoa butter and palm oil. We’re at a very exciting stage of our growth, now setting up production capability, whilst continuing with our cutting edge innovation in the lab.

You’ll be joining a well established team of scientists and engineers in a critical supporting role where you’ll get to work on a little of everything. Some defining qualities for us, so you can get a sense of what we’re about, are our values: Candid, Trusting, Nurturing, Impact-Driven and Brave. If a culture built on these values sounds like a good fit then we’d love to hear from you.

About you

You’ll ideally have a Masters degree or equivalent industry experience in a related field with 1-2 years of relevant work experience. You will have worked with microbes and synthetic biology tools in a professional lab environment before and a bonus would be experience of setting up and running fermentation equipment. The ability to balance time, quality and results is needed in our fast paced startup environment. How you got to science and technology matters less to us than your passion, interest and understanding of it. If you like to explore ideas, discuss, debate and challenge assumptions and feedback to others on their ideas then you’ll fit in really well.

The role

You will be working closely with our team of research scientists as we carry out research on yeast for the production of lipids. This will involve supporting the lab team in setting up and running experiments. You’ll work on analysis of the results and support the wider team in researching and planning future work. You’ll be hands on in the lab and working with a range of pieces of equipment. Experience of fermentation equipment is a real advantage but not essential. What is essential is an appetite to learn new things and being comfortable stretching yourself and gaining new knowledge. You will work closely with the Lab Manager on a day to day basis. This will involve regular procurement and stock control of essential research consumables and equipment, and helping to ensure the lab is a safe and healthy place to work. You will engage with the different research team members and collaborate with them on their experimental plans. This may involve strain engineering protocols, fermentations, among other tasks.

As you grow and develop your practical skills you will get the opportunity to own your own research projects as well as supporting your colleagues. This will give you the chance to develop new skills and really play a critical role in the progression of Sun Bear’s mission. We are a startup and that makes for a ‘dynamic’ environment. It’s really fun, exhilarating and a place where you’ll learn a lot quickly. If you’re unsure if it’s the right work environment for you, apply and we can see together. We seek to be a truly inclusive and diverse company so if you do not fit all the criteria don’t worry - having a great cultural fit is as important as the skills and experience you have built up.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Working closely with the Lab Manager in supporting the wider scientific and engineering team
• Hands on experimental work in the field of microbiology and synthetic biology tools
• Operating a range of laboratory equipment
• Helping to manage data and ensuring excellent recording keeping
• Aiding in the analyses of results and monitoring data
• Ensuring good standards of quality control and protocol development and adherence
• Support in the operation and monitoring of the performance of fermentations

Skills and experience

• Good understanding of molecular biology fundamentals, research tools and practices, such as, PCR, transformations, cloning and gene editing.
• Excellent abilities in research planning, time management and delivery of research in a laboratory setting
• Lab record keeping and QC experience

Nice to haves:

• Experience of operating fermentation equipment
• Work experience within a startup

Qualifications

• Master’s with 1+ years industry work experience
• An educational or professional background in microbiology, molecular biology and/or fermentation

Location

Oxford, UK

What we offer

• £24,000 to £28,000 dependent on experience
• £500 annual training budget
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Subsidised gym membership
• Option scheme available to own a part of the business you’re helping to build

Our process

• Email your CV and Covering letter to info@sunbearbiofuture.com
• First video interview
• Second, ideally face to face, interview
• 2 References - we won’t ask for this until after offering you a role

No recruitment agents please.