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). Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

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 

• Assist in the setup, calibration, operation, and monitoring of bioreactors, fermenters, and associated downstream processing equipment. 

• Support process runs and troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with senior scientists and scientists. 

• Aid in the preparation and sterile handling of cultures and media for fermentation and cell culture processes. 

• Perform cleaning operations on equipment and ensure this is conducted in compliance with local health and safety procedures 

Maintenance & Cleaning 

• Maintain schedules for cleaning and maintenance of the scale-up facility and its equipment. 

• Perform regular cleaning, sanitation, and routine maintenance of laboratory and bioprocessing equipment to ensure operational readiness. 

• Monitor and track equipment performance and report issues promptly to maintain process continuity. 

• Follow strict cleaning protocols to ensure contamination control. 

Inventory & Procurement 

• Maintain inventory of lab supplies and consumables; assisting in purchasing materials to ensure the facility is stocked appropriately with both routine and client consumables 

• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for timely and cost-effective ordering and delivery. 

• Use organisational procurement software to place orders 

• Record purchasing and receipt in a timely and accurate manager 

• Assist in maintaining client and project consumable inventory and usage records. 

Documentation & Compliance 

• Record all relevant data and maintain accurate lab documentation following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant SOPs. 

• Adhere to Process COSHH and risk assessment documentation, biological safety procedures protocols, and maintain a clean, organised, and compliant work environment. 

• Flag hazards as appropriate, especially near-miss and accidents 

Training & Collaboration 

• Provide training to a high standard to newly on-boarded colleagues and ensure operational continuity. 

• Participate in training and support team members in equipment operation and laboratory procedures. 

• Work collaboratively across departments with the university and IBioIC, ensuring effective communication and efficient workflow within the lab. 

• Attend weekly team meetings and update orally and in writing as matters arises and as requested by the line manager

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential Criteria 

• HND and/or Batchelors qualification in a related subject such as biology, biotechnology or biochemistry or similar, equivalent to SCQF level 8 or higher.

• Previous experience as a technician in a lab environment, preferably in bioprocessing, cell culture, or fermentation equipment – eg. buffer and media preparation, aseptic handling, sample processing etc. 

• Experience of using and maintaining routine laboratory equipment – eg. Balances, pH meter, spectrophotometer, biosafety cabinets, autoclave etc. 

• Experience conducting routine cleaning of a laboratory workplace – e.g daily, weekly cleaning of surfaces and equipment 

• Working safely and ensuring compliance with Health and Safety procedures 

• Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience of taking and processing samples – eg. From experimentation and timely reporting results 

• Experience with data capture – eg. From GLP/inventory/experimentation and timely reporting results 

• Experience with bioreactors (50L–300L) and/or downstream processing equipment –  eg. Performing routine cleaning on larger scale lab/pilot scale equipment 

• Familiarity with automated laboratory equipment and control systems. 

• Experience working in cleanroom or sterile bioproduction environment – eg. working to high standards of cleanliness and quality in cell culture and fermentation facilities (GLP, ISO, GMP) 

• Knowledge of inventory management and procurement processes. 

About our Team

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) www.ibioic.com 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. These methods are used in the production of bio-based products for various industrial biotechnology market segments, and include whole cells, as well as enzyme, peptide, and small molecule-derived products. 

Many of our industry client 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’. Learn more about what we do… https://www.ibioic.com/bioprocessing-scale-up-centres 

How to Apply

Please must submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing you 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.