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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain our Fermentation Facility for groundbreaking research.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a leader in innovative science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible work options.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in a vibrant, collaborative research environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND or degree in relevant field with hands-on fermentation experience.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Grade UE06: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum
School of Chemistry / CSE / University of Edinburgh
Full time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term: for 12 months (Post available from 1st April 2026)
The Opportunity
Turn fermentation know‑how into real‑world impact. We’re seeking a technician to keep our Fermentation Facility running at peak performance and help deliver breakthrough research in the fermentation of exo‑polysaccharides.
Why join us
- Play a key technical role in a vibrant, research‑active facility.
- Work directly with bench‑scale bioreactors, sensors and associated analytics.
- Collaborate with academic teams and industrial partners on milestone‑driven projects.
- Shape robust methods and standards that enable reliable, reproducible science.
The role
You will:
- Operate and maintain the Fermentation Facility to defined technical and safety standards (calibration, preventative maintenance, housekeeping, stock control, documentation).
- Develop, optimise and document reproducible technical methods and analytical workflows for exo‑polysaccharide bioproduction and characterisation; analyse data and prepare concise technical summaries.
- Install, commission and verify new/updated instrumentation (bioreactors, sensors, peripherals); coordinate with suppliers, Estates and IT; draft SOPs and verification checks.
- Train, guide and provide day‑to‑day technical supervision to users; set and monitor technical standards and good record‑keeping.
- Liaise with the PI, sponsor and industrial partners; contribute technical input on feasibility, scheduling and risk; support technology transfer.
- Maintain accurate, auditable records (ELN/LIMS as applicable); contribute to continuous improvement of facility processes.
About you (Essential)
- HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related field with relevant technical experience; or a relevant degree with directly relevant experience.
- Proven hands‑on experience with bench‑scale bioreactors/fermenters and process control (pH, DO, agitation, temperature, feeds).
- Experience implementing/following SOPs, completing equipment logs and maintaining auditable technical records.
- Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to fermentation monitoring and polysaccharide characterisation (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography, viscosity/rheology), with ability to interpret and present results accurately.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for equipment, sensors and process issues.
- Solid knowledge of laboratory H&S (COSHH, risk assessment, waste management, biosafety).
- Effective communicator with the ability to train and supervise users; good time management; computer literate (instrument software, data analysis, electronic records).
Desirable
- Exo‑polysaccharide fermentation and downstream characterisation (e.g., SEC/GPC, NMR, MS, DLS, rheology).
- Experience commissioning/verifying scientific instrumentation and liaising with vendors/service providers.
- Process development/optimisation (e.g., DoE), QA/GLP or ISO‑aligned environments.
- Understanding of GMO/biosafety regulations; experience supporting industry collaborations/technology transfer.
How to apply
Apply via the University of Edinburgh online recruitment system with:
- A CV; and
- A cover letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria.
Line manager: Professor Colin Pulham
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive staff benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who can help us foster a safe, supportive and collaborative research environment.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 16th February 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
Interviews are expected to be held between 26th February and 4th March 2026.
Fermentation Facility Technician employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fermentation Facility Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the facility before your interview. Research the University of Edinburgh's Fermentation Facility and its projects. This will help you ask informed questions and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your knowledge of bioreactors and fermentation processes. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or alumni from the University. They can provide insider tips about the work culture and what the hiring managers are looking for, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant research community.
We think you need these skills to ace Fermentation Facility Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience with bioreactors and fermentation processes. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the essential criteria and why you're excited about joining our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Be specific about your technical expertise in fermentation monitoring and analytical techniques. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what tools and methods you’re familiar with.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the University of Edinburgh's online recruitment system. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Fermentation Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fermentation processes, especially exo-polysaccharides. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with bench-scale bioreactors and how you've tackled process control issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about the analytical techniques you're familiar with, like spectroscopy or chromatography. Have examples ready that demonstrate how you've used these methods to monitor fermentation and interpret results.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Familiarise yourself with laboratory health and safety regulations, including COSHH and risk assessments. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented safety standards in previous roles and how you ensure compliance in a lab environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves training and supervising users, practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with team members or collaborated with academic and industrial partners.
