Job Description
Development Scientist
Abercorn Sinclair is delighted to present this exciting new opportunity with our industry partner MiAlgae, this role will be based at their HQ in Edinburgh.
Founded in 2016, MiAlgae applies leading advances in science and technology to improve food security and reduce the impact of humanity on the planet. The company aims to eliminate reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of omega-3 by harnessing the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and rich alternative source. MiAlgae’s zero-waste solution recycles co-products from food and drink production to grow Omega-3-rich micro-algae, returning clean water in the process.
The Role:
Reporting to the Head of Research and Development or Senior Scientist, you will assist in the development and scale-up of new and existing bioprocesses from the bench to the commercial scale.
You will identify and implement process improvements in response to the needs of the business and technological developments.
This cross-disciplinary role will involve close collaboration with the Engineering and Quality departments to ensure that scaled operations are considered early in the development cycle and to maintain adherence to quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
* Work with a multidisciplinary team of staff within AGILE project framework to deliver company objectives.
* Identify and evaluate area for improvement to process efficiency and productivity within the manufacturing process.
* Plan, execute and analyse laboratory and demonstration scale upstream and downstream processes within agreed timescales and quality standards.
* Present and formally report experimental conclusions and supporting data for internal peer review.
* Utilise expertise and experience in bioprocess development to conduct problem-solving activities across Technology Readiness Levels.
* Ensure reproducibility and consistency of manufacturing processes while adhering to regulatory standards
* Prepare comprehensive documentation protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the production team.
* Actively contribute to the successful and smooth transfer of processes from laboratory-based R&D to commercial scale by providing scientific and technical support to colleagues in other departments.
Experience and skills:
* Fundamental understanding of microbiology and the challenges associated with the maintenance and propagation of pure cultures.
* Evidence of technical troubleshooting and complex problem-solving experience.
* Experience liaising with external academic or industrial collaborators to arrange execute and analyse process development or product analysis runs.
* Experience working with multiple microbial hosts.
* Evidence of technical troubleshooting and complex problem-solving experience.
* Experience with online and offline analytical techniques for wandering fermentations.
* Experience with analytical techniques including gas chromatography and HPLC.
The Candidate:
We are seeking driven individuals with a flexible approach to work who are keen to make their mark within a rapidly growing award-winning biotechnology company.
The ideal candidate will be educated to MSc. or PhD level in a relevant life science or bioprocess discipline (e.g., Biotechnology, Fermentation or Microbiology). Furthermore, will have some demonstrable industry experience with a focus on upstream or downstream process development, optimisation, new product development and scale-up.
You will be an effective communicator with the ability to work independently and efficiently within a team. You will have a positive ‘can do’ approach and a keen interest in the use of biotechnology for the benefit of the environment.
The opportunity:
For the right individual, this is an amazing opportunity to join an exciting young, scaling biotech where you will play a critical role in delivering their current and future products.
In return, you can expect a competitive salary + benefits and the opportunity to work with a team truly committed to developing scalable, sustainable solutions.
For a confidential discussion please contact our retained partner, Keith Tocher at Abercorn Sinclair.
About Abercorn Sinclair
Abercorn Sinclair is a specialist, technical recruitment consultancy based in Edinburgh. We provide bespoke talent solutions across the science & technology sectors.