Bioprocessing Laboratory Technician

Directorate: School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Salary: Grade 5 (£26,038-£30,505)

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE) OR Part Time (0.8FTE), Open Ended

Rewards and Benefits: 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days per year after 5 years service, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE).

Detailed Description

FlexBIO is seeking a motivated and skilled Lab Technician to join our dynamic team specialising in fermentation and cell culture scale-up and downstream processing. The facility features advanced bioreactors and fermenters ranging from 2L to 300L, alongside complementary downstream processing equipment, to support innovative bioprocessing solutions development for external clients and academics.

This role is essential to maintaining a high standard of laboratory operation and efficiency. The Lab Technician will play a key role in supporting daily technical tasks, from preparing and maintaining equipment to performing routine cleaning and maintenance, inventory control and purchasing of consumables, and assisting in training and facility records upkeep. The position requires a proactive and competent individual with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with all team members across various functions.

The role holder will be line managed by the FlexBio Facility and Operations Manager or the Upstream Bioprocess Manager.

Due to the nature of the position, the role would be most suitable to candidates currently working at undergraduate level.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Support

1. Assist in the setup, calibration, operation, and monitoring of bioreactors, fermenters, and associated downstream processing equipment.
2. Support process runs and troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with senior scientists.
3. Aid in the preparation and sterile handling of cultures and media for fermentation and cell culture processes.
4. Perform cleaning operations on equipment and ensure this is conducted in compliance with local health and safety procedures.

Maintenance & Cleaning

1. Maintain schedules for cleaning and maintenance of the scale-up facility and its equipment.
2. Perform regular cleaning, sanitation, and routine maintenance of laboratory and bioprocessing equipment to ensure operational readiness.
3. Monitor and track equipment performance and report issues promptly to maintain process continuity.
4. Follow strict cleaning protocols to ensure contamination control.

Inventory & Procurement

1. Maintain inventory of lab supplies and consumables; assisting in purchasing materials to ensure the facility is stocked appropriately.
2. Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for timely and cost-effective ordering and delivery.
3. Use organisational procurement software to place orders.
4. Record purchasing and receipt in a timely and accurate manner.
5. Assist in maintaining client and project consumable inventory and usage records.

Documentation & Compliance

1. Record all relevant data and maintain accurate lab documentation following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant SOPs.
2. Adhere to Process COSHH and risk assessment documentation, biological safety procedures protocols, and maintain a clean, organised, and compliant work environment.
3. Flag hazards as appropriate, especially near-miss and accidents.

Training & Collaboration

1. Provide training to a high standard to newly on-boarded colleagues and ensure operational continuity.
2. Participate in training and support team members in equipment operation and laboratory procedures.
3. Work collaboratively across departments with the university and IBioIC, ensuring effective communication and efficient workflow within the lab.
4. Attend weekly team meetings and update orally and in writing as matters arise and as requested by the line manager.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

1. HND and/or Bachelor's qualification in a related subject such as biology, biotechnology or biochemistry or similar, equivalent to SCQF level 8 or higher.
2. Previous experience as a technician in a lab environment, preferably in bioprocessing, cell culture, or fermentation equipment.
3. Experience of using and maintaining routine laboratory equipment.
4. Experience conducting routine cleaning of a laboratory workplace.
5. Working safely and ensuring compliance with Health and Safety procedures.
6. Proficient in using Microsoft Word and Excel.

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience of taking and processing samples.
2. Experience with data capture.
3. Experience with bioreactors (50L:300L) and/or downstream processing equipment.
4. Familiarity with automated laboratory equipment and control systems.
5. Experience working in cleanroom or sterile bioproduction environment.
6. Knowledge of inventory management and procurement processes.

About our Team

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) aims to accelerate the commercialisation of the industrial biotechnology sector in Scotland, the UK and worldwide. IBioIC's Bioprocessing Scale-Up Centre (FlexBio) based at Heriot Watt University (HWU), supports industry and academia, allowing them the opportunity to execute scale-up studies using state of the art fermentation and downstream processing equipment.

Hosted within the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3), FlexBio provides clients with access to expertise and equipment to carry out semi-pilot scale fermentation and downstream processing. This primarily encompasses microbial culture at scales up to 300 litres, along with a variety of downstream processing techniques for cell and molecule separation.

Many of our industry clients work within the exciting areas of biotechnology such as marine, agriceuticals, biomass, carbon capture, biomaterials and food, all helping to deliver the national biotechnology plan and working towards ‘net-zero’.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) CV.

Applications can be submitted until midnight on Friday 7th February 2025.

Shortlisting to be complete by 19th Feb. Interviews to commence w/c 24th Feb.

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.