Microbiology/Molecular Biology Technician

Background

FA Bio is an agritech start-up company developing a revolutionary microbial biofungicides and biostimulants pipeline. Our technology has the potential to transform the way we grow food, making it more sustainable and efficient. We are a close-knit team of passionate individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the world.

FA Bio has recently secured £5.3M and is now gearing up for growth. With commercial agreements in place, microbial candidates in field trials and plans to expand our capabilities, we are now growing our team to help deliver our impact goals. Hence, we are now expanding our team and are looking for a Microbiology/Molecular Biology Technician to join our growing business.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace that harnesses personal development and focuses on excellence. We offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, etc., to support staff from different backgrounds and personal needs.

Job Title: Microbiology/Molecular Biology Technician

The candidate will be involved in different aspects of the microbial discovery platform, including supporting different bioassays, molecular biology tasks, and culture of microbial strains. The candidate will also contribute towards glasshouse trials. Experience working with microorganisms in an aseptic environment and carrying out molecular biology experiments is essential.

Salary

Competitive (dependant on experience).

Full-time position, part-time will be considered.

Benefits

- Generous EMI Options Scheme upon 1 year of service

- Flexible working hours

- Employer-contributed pension scheme

- Cycle to Work Scheme

- Season Ticket Loan

- Free onsite parking

- Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme

- Enhanced maternity package and childcare support upon 1 year of service

- Subsidised onsite gym

- Subsidised canteen

Location

Rothamsted Research Centre, AL5 2JQ, Harpenden.

This is an on-site role.

Tasks & Responsibilities

- Execute microbial bioassays (such as ELISA, enzymatic assays and others) for the characterisation of microbial activity in vitro.

- Execute microbiology techniques involving growing and maintaining microbial cultures using different media and environmental conditions.

- Carry out molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extractions, PCR, electrophoresis, qPCR, etc.

- Preparation of stock solutions, culture media, and materials needed to perform experiments.

- Laboratory organisation and maintenance involving clearing and cleaning work areas and participating in lab cleaning duties as required.

- Support laboratory instruments maintenance, including organisation of services and calibrations.

- Support diverse research and development projects by carrying out microbial bioassays for the characterisation of microbial activity in planta.

- Work with ELN and data management systems to ensure data is collected, entered, secured, and maintained in accordance with the Company’s guidelines.

- Follow and apply SOPs, COSHH/Risk Assessments, Quality Control policies, Health and Safety, GLP, etc. ensuring procedures are always followed.

Experience Required

Essential

- MSC degree with a core in microbiology, biotechnology or equivalent.

- Minimum 4 years’ experience working in Microbiology/Molecular biology laboratory.

- Experience isolating DNA from plants, soil and/or microbes.

- Experience carrying out qPCR, ELISA, PCR, electrophoresis, etc.

- Microbiology hands-on experience.

- Working in aseptic conditions.

Desirable

- Experience working with fungi cultures and basic knowledge about fungal growth and physiology.

- Experience working with soil-plant systems in controlled environments and glasshouse. Experience carrying out total RNA extractions.

Skills

- Methodical – pays attention to detail, does things carefully and in an ordered way.

- Ability to perform tasks to a consistently high standard with exceptional attention to detail.

- Highly organised with the ability to prioritise workload, multitask, and work to deadlines.

- Self-motivated, reliable, and capable of working independently.

- Excellent team player, respectful and embraces diversity.

- Effective communicator and empathic in an international environment.

- Excellent problem-solving skills, and ability to react quickly and adapt to the ever-changing business environment.

- Effective decision-making skills.

If you are interested in becoming part of FA Bio’s team, please send us your CV and personal statement to info@fa-bio.net before 25th March 2024 quoting job reference FA_JOB_029.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site gym

Application question(s):

• Do you have a MSC degree with a core in microbiology, biotechnology or equivalent?
• Do you have experience isolating DNA from plants, soil and/or microbes?
• Do you have Microbiology hands-on experience?
• Do you have a Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in Microbiology/Molecular biology laboratory?
• Do you have experience carrying out qPCR, ELISA, PCR, electrophoresis, etc ?
• Do you have experience of working in aseptic conditions?

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/03/2024
Reference ID: FAJOB029