IBioIC is recognised as a European centre of excellence for industry-led research through its support for collaborative industry/academic projects and initiatives.
IBioIC has also developed bespoke training programmes at PhD, MSc and HND level to ensure the industry has the necessary skilled workforce to innovate in Scotland.
In addition to skilling the workforce of the future in formal programmes, IBioIC also has the responsibility for up and cross skilling the existing workforce, to ensure that this dynamic and developing sector can respond rapidly to change. New CPD opportunities are available on a regular basis.
PhD programme
PHD Programme
We align the skills that scientists need in the bioeconomy to address global challenges. At PhD level, we support industrially relevant PhD Projects that bring biotechnology closer to industrialization.
Our PhD Studentships are championed by industry and led by an IBioIC academic partner or N8 Research Institution, and are aligned to the themes outlined by the CTP awards: Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy (including Sustainable Feedstocks, Integrated Bioprocessing and Downstream Processing) and World Class Underpinning Bioscience (Synthetic Biology and Bio-catalysis and Biotransformation).
Our programme is designed to ensure that students are equipped with the technical knowledge and transferrable skills needed for their future careers.
For more information on the IBioIC PhD programme, contact skills@ibioic.com
Featured
PhD Case Studies
Featured
MSc in Industrial Biotechnology
IBioIC's collaborative MSc in Industrial Biotechnology is an exciting opportunity for science and engineering graduates who are looking for a career in an emerging industry that is sustainable, green and essential to the global economy.
The course is awarded by the University of Strathclyde, offers a 10 week industry placement and is taught across HEIs throughout Scotland.
Our course is at the forefront of developments in science and engineering, providing you with a strong foundation in industrial biotechnology as well as learning advanced state-of-the-art topics in a range of related areas.
IBioIC offers members companies the opportunity to participate in our MSc industrial placements programme.
Download the course flyer or see the University of Strathclyde course pages for more information.
Students & Industry
What you will learn
Take part in modules located at HEIs across Scotland, develop specialist knowledge in an emerging technology and increase your earning potential. All whilst adding academic, work-related and transferrable skills to your CV.
The course includes a range of compulsory core classes and electives which ensure graduates have the opportunity to specialise for their preferred career path. The Masters degree culminates in a minimum 10 week industrial placement which enables you to carry out an industrially-relevant project.
Core classes include:
Bioprocessing (University of Strathclyde)
Applied Biocatalysis (University of Strathclyde)
Synthetic Biology (University of Glasgow)
Downstream Processing (Heriot-Watt University)
Big Data Fundamentals (University of Strathclyde)
Introduction to Bioinformatics (University of Strathclyde)
Elective classes include:
Blue Biotechnology (SAMS, University of the Highlands & Islands)
Renewable Energy Technologies (Abertay University)
Circular Economy and Transformations Towards Sustainability (University of Strathclyde)
Project Management (University of Strathclyde)
Food Microbiology and Biotechnology (Glasgow Caledonian University)
Food Commodities and Sustainability (Glasgow Caledonian University)
Understanding the Regulatory Environment of Bioprocessing Industries (Glasgow Caledonian University)
Our students have gone on to enjoy successful careers with the following companies:
GSK
Xanthella
Marine Biopolymers
AMT
Ingenza
Unilever
CRODA
CelluComp
Cyanosol
NCIMB
Site Visits
To enhance your learning, students can take part in industry site visits, experiencing the industrial biotechnology sector first-hand in a variety of organisations from SME’s to Multinationals.
Career Support
Students undertaking IBioIC's MSc in Industrial Biotechnology will have access to a wealth of career support.
Industrial Projects - What you need to know
Members are welcome to enquire at any time about joining the industrial placements programme.
What is an MSc Industrial Placement?
We are looking for organizations to become involved in training and educating the biotechnologists of the future. Can your company provide an interesting work placement/project and supervision to an enthusiastic MSc student for a minimum of 10 weeks next year? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
What are the benefits to my company in offering an Industrial Placement?
There are numerous advantages, such as:-
It’s a great opportunity to engage with an enthusiastic MSc student with a fresh perspective, and have them working within your company for a defined period of time.
It’s a great opportunity for your company to undertake a defined project or investigative piece of work (or progress an existing one) using the MSc students’ knowledge, skills and experience, which has been enhanced by our MSc programme and its collaborative industry-focused modules.
It’s a great opportunity for your company to become an integral part of training and educating the next generation of future biotechnologists, strengthening links between academia and industry.
Here’s what some of our Industrial Partners/Members have to say about offering a placement.
“We had a very good experience with IBioIC and the MSc student placement. We felt that IBioIC made a real effort to find us a candidate that was a good fit within our company and our project aims, and there was good support from the team throughout the project. Overall, our student’s project was instrumental in evaluating downstream processing designs for the scale-up and has allowed us to progress more quickly into our commercialisation phase.”
“The students work was very useful for the company development as well as to decisions to proceed into this market. They have worked with a range of different samples from collaborating with us companies and produced very useful suite of results along with their analysis and comments. Their work exceeded our expectations.10 weeks projects are great opportunity to engage with upcoming biotechnology stars and to give them a shot at real life industrial biotechnology labs, which definitely helps in their future career”
Here’s what some of our MSc students have to say about undertaking a placement.
“All the experience and knowledge that I gained this year helped me in my career path in the science field and right after the end of my placement I had a job offer by one of the world’s largest clinical laboratory services provider.”
“Overall I can say that I have greatly benefited from this course as I came into contact with aspects of biotechnology and science in general, such as programming and bioinformatics, that I was previously either not familiar or had little experience with. Additionally, this course heavily emphasised on teamwork, assignments and report writing, which I believe are essential soft skills for the work environment.”
What is required of our company?
Industrial placements are scheduled to take place between late May and late July. The placement should last for 10 weeks. Placements may be offered for a longer period if the project requires it, but we would need to know the confirmed placement duration in advance. Each placement will require a named Industrial Supervisor, someone based within that company, who will mentor and look after the MSc student for the duration of their placement. Please refer to the ‘outline of responsibilities’ section at the end for more specific information.
Will our company be expected to pay for the MSc student?
For a standard 10 week industrial placement, payment to the MSc student is on a voluntary basis.
For any industrial placement exceeding 10 weeks, we would normally expect some sort of payment to be offered to the MSc student, this is open to negotiation.
The company is expected to cover all reasonable expenses relating to any work being undertaken on the premises during the placement (a small consumables budget may be available from IBioIC, by negotiation).
How will the MSc student be selected/allocated?
Our students will get to select their ‘top 5’ placements on offer, this will be prioritised and competitive based upon grades and performance and an appropriate knowledge and skills matching exercise. CV’s will be shared with companies and competitive interviews organised.
What are the terms and conditions of taking a MSc student?
All work undertaken by the MSc student during the placement will be on behalf of the company with the agreement that sufficient data can be collected and presented for inclusion in their Masters thesis.
A short agreement between the company and the student will be put into place prior to any work commencing. More information will follow shortly.
I’m interested in offering an Industrial Placement, how do I sign up?
Please return a completed ‘Proposal Form’ by email to skills@ibioic.com.
Outline of responsibilities of an Industrial Supervisor.
Provide a brief outline to the project identifying key techniques to be used.
Meet with the student to discuss the subject of the project and to provide key references.
Help the student to identify specific aims objectives of the project and formulate a hypothesis to be tested.
Provide or arrange training in relevant techniques (training may be given by PhD students, technicians or research staff as appropriate).
Ensure that students are aware of and sign the relevant safety information including COSHH and Risk Assessment Forms, and Standard Operating Procedures for equipment and facilities.
Monitor satisfactory attendance and performance of their students.
Meet with the student on a formal basis to discuss progress at least every two weeks throughout the ten week experimental part of the project (May to July).
Complete an assessment form for the laboratory performance of the student (20% of the mark for the thesis). Guidance/training can be provided if necessary.
MSc Case Studies
Featured
HND
In collaboration with IBioIC, two further education colleges in Scotland are set to deliver the HND in Industrial Biotechnology.
The course is available to study on a full-time or part-time basis meaning no matter what stage you are at in your career, there’s a study option to fit around your life commitments.
The HND Industrial Biotechnology at SCQF level 8 is intended for those wishing to find employment in the industrial biotechnology industry or to progress to further (degree level) study. It is a wide-ranging course that develops relevant knowledge and skills in the theoretical and practical aspects of industrial biotechnology, and learners will be exposed to each of the main branches of industrial biotechnology: chemistry, biology and process engineering.
As well as classroom and lab based learning, students will have the opportunity to visit key biotechnology industries in the local region, receive guest lectures from experts in the sector and have the opportunity to apply to participate in IBioIC's Annual Conference as part of the industry-readiness programme “Retain and Inspire”.
The HND will prepare students for employment in careers such as Science Laboratory Technician; Research Scientist; Process Operator and Production Scientist.
Alternatively, students may wish to progress to University entering into 2nd or 3rd year at relevant University degree courses throughout the country.
For full details on course content and entry requirements, please visit the college websites:
HND News
HND NEWS
HND Case Studies
Featured
STEM
Inspiring the future generation to work in IB is essential to the success of the sector. Awareness of the science and engineering that underpins industrial biotechnology is not well understood by school children and those that influence their career choices.
It’s important to the IBioIC Skills Team that this is addressed on a long-term basis, in alignment with the National STEM Strategy and the National Plan for Industrial Biotechnology.
There are opportunities for our student cohorts and industry members to participate in training and events to bring industrial biotechnology to life. Find out more about upcoming opportunities and our activities to date.
Leaders In Science Programme
INSPIRE A TEACHER AND CASCADE THE LEARNING TO PUPILS
Wanted - IBioIC Members to host a 3-day work experience placement for a teacher!
Industrial Biotechnology (IB) is yet to be embedded in the curriculum for excellence, a significant barrier to inspiring the next generation of IB employees.
STEM Learning is seeking employers willing to provide 3 days of work experience or job shadowing for a teacher to gain an understanding of the future employment opportunities and support young people to make career decisions based on opportunities of the future, not the past.
"Before the programme, I didn't feel I had sufficient knowledge of STEM careers to talk with confidence. Now I am equipped with up-to-date knowledge, real examples and experiences as well as strong industry links that can benefit the whole school." Insight into industry placement - Alice Kupara, subject leader of ICT and computer science
How will the Placements work?
Employer hosts are being sought to host a STEM or guidance teacher to embed knowledge of the four grand challenge themes and future career opportunities offered by Grand Challenge employers.
Host employers will provide a placement of a minimum of 3 days (this could be 3 day block or 3 x 1 days eg 3 consecutive Fridays). This will provide an opportunity for teachers to see research and development in practice and learn what future technologies will offer in terms of careers and job roles, from the very people who are developing those future technologies right now.
If you’d like to take part or find out more information please contact skills@ibioic.com
Why should I get involved?
Impact on career leaders and teachers:
professionally life-changing, increased enthusiasm, motivation and confidence
better informed to offer advice and guidance on potential career choices
pre and post-placement online and face-to-face CPD to help turn your experience into effective action
Impact on young people and parents:
increased awareness of the importance and relevance of Grand Challenge themes to society, and the role these will play in relation to people’s everyday lives and the UK economy
increased knowledge of future career pathways available to young people who study STEM subjects and gain the STEM skills needed to adapt to working with new technologies and the opportunities they present, improving life choices
increased enjoyment and engagement in Grand Challenge themed curricular and extra-curricular activities
greater understanding of apprenticeships and their value
Impact on schools or colleges:
equips schools and colleges to respond to the Government Careers Strategy and transform careers guidance
motivational STEM teaching enriched with real-world context and examples
meets Gatsby benchmarks 4, 5 and 6
builds a community of practice, with a network of school/industry experts who can support other colleagues in schools and colleges
What are the Grand Challenges?
The Government's Industrial Strategy sets out four key Grand Challenge themes, aimed at putting the UK at the forefront of future industry. Each challenge focuses on a specific real-world problem, and each of these problems offers a real opportunity to enthuse and inspire young people in their learning.
Artificial intelligence: Using data, AI and innovation to transform the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases by 2030.
Ageing society: Ensure that people can enjoy at least 5 extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035.
Clean growth: At least half the energy use of new buildings by 2030.
Future mobility: Put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, with all new cars and vans effectively zero emission by 2040.
How they fit with IB
IB is a really useful tool which uses biology (and materials which come from plants) to make all kinds of useful things that we use in our everyday lives. Up until recently most of these things have been manufactured by the chemical industry, but IB offers alternative sustainable processes to produce all of the products we need without any of the detrimental effects to our world.
IB has application in all of the Grand Challenges – production of medicines and sustainable materials to manufacture them, clean energy, encouraging the circular economy and reducing gas emissions from vehicles.
If you’d like to take part or find out more information please contact skills@ibioic.com
Inspire a teacher and cascade the learning to pupils
INSPIRE A TEACHER AND CASCADE THE LEARNING TO PUPILS
Wanted - IBioIC Members to host a 3-day work experience placement for a teacher!
Industrial Biotechnology (IB) is yet to be embedded in the curriculum for excellence, a significant barrier to inspiring the next generation of IB employees.
STEM Learning is seeking employers willing to provide 3 days of work experience or job shadowing for a teacher to gain an understanding of the future employment opportunities and support young people to make career decisions based on opportunities of the future, not the past.
"Before the programme, I didn't feel I had sufficient knowledge of STEM careers to talk with confidence. Now I am equipped with up-to-date knowledge, real examples and experiences as well as strong industry links that can benefit the whole school." Insight into industry placement - Alice Kupara, subject leader of ICT and computer science
How will the Placements work?
Employer hosts are being sought to host a STEM or guidance teacher to embed knowledge of the four grand challenge themes and future career opportunities offered by Grand Challenge employers.
Host employers will provide a placement of a minimum of 3 days (this could be 3 day block or 3 x 1 days eg 3 consecutive Fridays). This will provide an opportunity for teachers to see research and development in practice and learn what future technologies will offer in terms of careers and job roles, from the very people who are developing those future technologies right now.
If you’d like to take part or find out more information please contact skills@ibioic.com
Why should I get involved?
Impact on career leaders and teachers:
professionally life-changing, increased enthusiasm, motivation and confidence
better informed to offer advice and guidance on potential career choices
pre and post-placement online and face-to-face CPD to help turn your experience into effective action
Impact on young people and parents:
increased awareness of the importance and relevance of Grand Challenge themes to society, and the role these will play in relation to people’s everyday lives and the UK economy
increased knowledge of future career pathways available to young people who study STEM subjects and gain the STEM skills needed to adapt to working with new technologies and the opportunities they present, improving life choices
increased enjoyment and engagement in Grand Challenge themed curricular and extra-curricular activities
greater understanding of apprenticeships and their value
Impact on schools or colleges:
equips schools and colleges to respond to the Government Careers Strategy and transform careers guidance
motivational STEM teaching enriched with real-world context and examples
meets Gatsby benchmarks 4, 5 and 6
builds a community of practice, with a network of school/industry experts who can support other colleagues in schools and college.
What are the Grand Challenges?
The Government's Industrial Strategy sets out four key Grand Challenge themes, aimed at putting the UK at the forefront of future industry. Each challenge focuses on a specific real-world problem, and each of these problems offers a real opportunity to enthuse and inspire young people in their learning.
Artificial intelligence: Using data, AI and innovation to transform the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases by 2030.
Ageing society: Ensure that people can enjoy at least 5 extra healthy, independent years of life by 2035.
Clean growth: At least half the energy use of new buildings by 2030.
Future mobility: Put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles, with all new cars and vans effectively zero emission by 2040.
How they fit with IB
IB is a really useful tool which uses biology (and materials which come from plants) to make all kinds of useful things that we use in our everyday lives. Up until recently most of these things have been manufactured by the chemical industry, but IB offers alternative sustainable processes to produce all of the products we need without any of the detrimental effects to our world.
IB has application in all of the Grand Challenges – production of medicines and sustainable materials to manufacture them, clean energy, encouraging the circular economy and reducing gas emissions from vehicles.
If you’d like to take part or find out more information please contact skills@ibioic.com
Featured
In work learning
For those wishing to maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge and skillset in industrial biotechnology, in work learning provides the means to progress towards achieving this.
As careers evolve, in-work learning activities can help you steer and manage your own route by gearing you up to adapt to changing circumstances.
IBioIC is part of a number of exciting initiatives to help you manage your own learning and development ambitions.
Introduction to Practical Fermentation
INTRODUCTION TO PRACTICAL FERMENTATION
This course is run in our pilot-scale facility at Heriot Watt University. Content is aimed at scientists, engineers, suppliers, post graduate students and postdocs wishing to learn more about bioprocessing and the biotech sector. Part theory, part practical, the course introduces the most common fermentation operations performed in biotechnology and biopharmaceutical production facilities.
Course content typically covers:
Theory Session
Basic principles of fermentation
Host strain selection
Growth medium development
Process types and optimisation
Practical Session
Principles of bioreactor technology and parameter control
Inoculation Train: How to prepare your seed culture to volume
Sterilisation in place (SIP) of 30L fermenter
Pre-run preparation (setup and calibration)
Inoculation and initial growth
Sampling, sensors, automation, data collection and analysis
Understanding changes in nutrient levels and their correlation to growth phases
Harvest and post-cultivation disinfection, CIP & cleaning
To find out when this course will next run and book a place, email scaleup@ibioic.com
Introduction to Downstream Processing
INTRODUCTION TO DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING
Based in FlexBio our pilot-scale facility in Edinburgh, this course is aimed at scientists, engineers, suppliers, postgraduate students and postdocs who want to learn more about downstream bioprocessing specific to the biotech sector. This classroom and lab based course covers methods for industrial downstream processing and the factors to be considered when choosing which one is best for your process.
Course content typically covers:
Solids separation - Disc-stack centrifuge operation, clean in place (CIP) and dismantle
Product isolation - homogenisation of cell solids
Filtration - Cross-flow filtration of supernatant using Sartorius Sartoflow
Purification - Isolation of target proteins using AKTA chromatography
Overview of other techniques - Formulation and fill, freezing drying
To find out when this course will next run and book a place, email scaleup@ibioic.com
Certificate of Upstream Bioprocessing
CERTIFICATE OF UPSTREAM BIOPROCESSING
The course is aimed at early career professionals and anyone who wants to develop an understanding of upstream bio-manufacturing techniques and processes.
This 3-day course consists of 6 lectures, enhanced with practical demonstrations using bench-scale, pilot-scale, and single-use bioreactors. In particular, attendees will gain hands-on fermentation experience using a 30L-scale, stainless steel stirred tank bioreactor. The course includes the set-up, steam sterilisation in place (SIP), inoculation, monitoring and harvest of a 30L yeast fermentation.
On completion of the course, the attendees will be presented with a ‘Certificate of Upstream Bioprocessing’ issued by IBioIC.
Learning outcomes
Obtain an up-to-date overview of microbial and mammalian cell cultivation in the field of bio-manufacturing.
Know the considerations and possible challenges of upstream bioprocessing scale-up.
Be aware of various cell types, cell metabolism, fermentation modes and bioreactor types.
Be aware of the importance of preparation, sterilisation, monitoring and quality control of fermentation process.
Develop hands-on fermentation skills through practical experience using a stainless-steel pilot bioreactor.
Familiarise with sampling techniques used in fermentation and biomass quantification methods.
Learn and apply fundamental aseptic and sampling techniques.
Who will benefit
Operatives, scientists, engineers, graduates, technical managers, especially those in their early career in fermentation and upstream bioprocessing.
Anyone who would like to gain an insight into the theoretical and practical aspects of bio-manufacturing.
Course Dates:
11 - 13 March 2025 - Spaces available
To find out more and book a place, email scaleup@ibioic.com
Mastering Protein Purification using Chromatography Techniques
The course is aimed at anyone who wants to develop an understanding of theory and techniques in protein purification using fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) on an AKTA Avant. This training course will also focus on AKTA maintenance and cleaning, and the applications of using FPLC.
The 3-day course consists of lectures, practical demos and hands-on exercises, and is hosted by Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC). Trainees will be issued a Certificate of Completion of the training by IBioIC.
Learning outcomes:
Understand the theory behind protein purification techniques
Be aware of the applications of protein purification
Purify green fluorescent protein (GFP) using hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC)
Learn how an AKTA system works, how to prepare for a chromatography run, and how to ensure your AKTA system remains clean
Understand the importance of good column packing
Who will benefit:
Anyone who would like to start to use AKTA systems or wants to gain an understanding of the theory behind chromatography.
Course dates:
11 - 13 February 2025 – Spaces available
10 - 12 June 2025 (date TBC) - Spaces available
To find out more and book a place, email scaleup@ibioic.com
Process Costing
PROCESS COSTING
Articulating the benefits of your product is something successful business owners and entrepreneurs can do easily, but how well do you understand your product from a cost perspective? IBioIC are offering CPD on Process Costing at 3 levels. Delegates will be able to build knowledge and increase the complexity of their cost model through the 3 levels of training.
Constructing a cost model will enable you to determine which of your costs are the most important to your business. Successful businesses use that knowledge to drive process development and optimisation, giving you the confidence you need to understand your profitability and answer the questions an investor will want to know.
IBioIC are offering CPD on Process Costing at 3 levels. Delegates will be able to build knowledge and increase the complexity of their cost model through the 3 levels of training. Check the events page to see when the courses are running or contact info@ibioic.com.
Level 1 – Plan, Do
Half-day theoretical course to understand the structure of a process cost, provide the tools to carry out basic cost calculations and begin to understand investment costs (Plan). You will be able to put these skills to the test in a business example, demonstrating how to apply the learning to your own business process on return to work (Do).
Level 2 – Check
Half-day consultancy-style training to review how you’ve applied your level 1 knowledge to your existing cost model, or used the level 1 knowledge to construct a model for a new process. This will reinforce your learning and give you the opportunity to check how you’ve applied your learning. You’ll have the opportunity to refine the model with additional support.
Level 3 - Act
This level of training will enable you to deepen your understanding and develop an advanced, probability-driven model for your process.
Bioinformatics Training
BIOINFORMATICS TRAINING
Understanding the huge volume of data online resources can be a time consuming and complicated process. Thanks to The James Hutton Institute, students can take part in a two day workshop that covers areas such as: working with sequence data; understanding data formats; extracting sequence data from genomes; sequence alignment and Genemodels.
Workshops are currently in development and further details on future course dates will be made available in the coming months. For enquiries, please contact skills@ibioic.com.
