Microbiology Laboratory Technician

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 quoting job reference FA_JOB_017 before 28th February 2023.

We will not accept applications submitted in any other way.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Background:

FA Bio (FungiAlert) is a young, growing, and an exciting agri-tech company that has developed world leading technology for understanding soil microbial communities. Our mission is to increase crop productivity sustainably, whilst minimising agriculture’s environmental impact, by discovering superior microorganisms for the development of bio-products. After having secured a seed investment, we are growing our technical team to implement our vision of protecting our natural ecosystems by providing game-changing bio-products for agriculture that can replace chemical inputs.

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 Laboratory Technician

The candidate will carry out laboratory maintenance, preparation of materials and stock and support equipment monitoring and maintenance. The candidates will be required to support the assembly of SporSenZ and microbial analyses, including isolation, molecular identification, and cell culture of microbial strains. The candidate will also support research and development projects, including maintaining microbial cultures and supporting glasshouse trials. Experience working with microorganisms in an aseptic environment is essential and molecular biology is desirable.

Salary:

£26,500 FTE – full-time, with time flexibility

Location:

Rothamsted Research Centre, AL5 2JQ, Harpenden

Tasks & Responsibilities:

- Laboratory organisation and maintenance - involving clearing and cleaning of work areas, and participation in lab cleaning duties, as and when required.

- Stocks preparation and management, and preparing reagents for R&D experiments.

- Maintains laboratory instruments and is responsible for their calibration.

- Assists with SporSenZ production chain, which involves preparing parts, manufacturing and assembling and sampling in aseptic conditions.

- Supports Microbial Discovery Campaigns and Microbial Library Collection – tasks include making microbiological media, isolating and purifying strains, microbial culture maintenance, identification using molecular biology techniques, and data collection.

- Supports research and development projects, whenever necessary.

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

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

Experience required:

Essential:

- Either:

(1) BSc degree or equivalent with a core in microbiology, biotechnology etc. and at least 1 year or practical experience in Molecular Biology lab

Or

(2) At least 4 years of relevant practical industry experience working in a Microbiology laboratory, carrying out relevant tasks such as media preparation, and microbial cell culture.

- Experience handling Biosafety Level Class 2 microbes (fungi/bacteria) working in aseptic conditions, using good microbiological practices to limit contamination.

Desirable:

- Experience with Molecular Biology techniques such as genomic DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis, etc.

- Experience with fungi cultures manipulation, basic knowledge about fungi growth and morphology.

- Experience carrying out glasshouse experiments would be an added advantage.

Skills:

- Good time management & multi-tasking skills.

- The candidate will need to be self-motivated and capable of working independently with the ability to plan and take responsibility for their work using initiative, seeking advice where necessary.

- Team working and effective communication – the candidate will need to demonstrate successful team working skills, adapt to team working practices and develop effective communication skills with all the members of the team.

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

- Dynamic - understands the priorities and adapts well to accommodate changes in a start-up environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £26,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• 1. Do you have a BSc degree or equivalent with a core in microbiology, biotechnology etc and at least 1 year of practical experience in Molecular Biology lab?

Or:
2. At least 4 years of relevant practical industry experience working in a Microbiology laboratory, carrying out relevant tasks such as media preparation, and microbial cell culture?

• Do you have experience handling Biosafety Level Class 2 microbes (fungi/bacteria) in aseptic conditions, using good microbiological practices to limit contamination?

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 28/02/2023
Reference ID: FAJOB017