Process Development Scientist

Industrial Process Development Scientist

Abercorn Sinclair is delighted to present this exciting new opportunity with our industry partner MiAlgae, this role will be split across their production facilities (Balfron/Grangemouth) and Edinburgh HQ.

Founded in 2016, MiAlgae applies leading advances in science and technology to improve food security and reduce the impact of humanity on the planet. The company aims to eliminate reliance on wild-caught fish as a source of omega-3 by harnessing the potential of microalgae as a sustainable and rich alternative source. MiAlgae’s zero-waste solution recycles co-products from food and drink production to grow Omega-3-rich micro-algae, returning clean water in the process.

The Role:

Working as part of the Research and Development team, you will assist in the development and scale up of new and existing products from the bench to commercial scale, with specific work on 1000l pilot scale fermentation on an industrial site.

The candidate will play a key role in identifying new product opportunities and improvements or modifications to existing products and processes based on business needs and technological advances.

This hands-on practical role will involve close collaboration with the Engineering and Quality departments to ensure that scaled operations are considered early in the development cycle and to maintain adherence to quality standards.

The Candidate:

We are seeking dynamic individuals with a flexible approach to work who are keen to make their mark within a rapidly growing award-winning biotechnology company.

The ideal candidate will be educated to undergraduate / MSc. level in a relevant life science or bioprocess discipline (e.g., Biotechnology, Fermentation or Microbiology). Furthermore, they will have some demonstrable industry experience with a focus on biotechnology, with working knowledge of process development (increasing titre/productivity) and an understanding/interest in the technoeconomic and practical engineering aspects associated with scale up activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with a multidisciplinary team of staff within AGILE project framework to deliver company objectives.
• Plan, execute and analyse laboratory and demonstration scale upstream and downstream processes within agreed timescales and quality standards.
• Present and formally report experimental conclusions and supporting data for internal peer review.
• Execute the successful and smooth transfer of processes from laboratory-based R&D to commercial scale.
• Utilise expertise and experience of bioprocess development to conduct problem solving activities across Technology Readiness Levels.
• Provide scientific and technical support to colleagues in the Production department to ensure smooth technology transfer.

Experience and skills:

• Evidence of hands-on technical troubleshooting and complex problem-solving experience.
• Fundamental understanding of microbiology and the challenges associated with scale-up of fermentation processes.
• Experience separating, extracting (lipids/pigments), purifying and concentrating products of microbial fermentations.
• Technical experience with scale-up, process development and optimisation.
• Experience with analytical techniques including Gas Chromatography and HPLC.
• Experience and/or ability to coordinate scale up projects with external contractors both industrial and academic.

The opportunity:

For the right individual, this is an amazing opportunity to join an exciting young, scaling biotech where you will play a critical role in delivering their current and future products.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary + benefits and the opportunity to work with a team truly committed to developing scalable, sustainable solutions.

For a confidential discussion please contact our retained partner, Keith Tocher at Abercorn Sinclair.

About Abercorn Sinclair

Abercorn Sinclair is a specialist, technical recruitment consultancy based in Edinburgh. We provide bespoke talent solutions across the science & technology sectors.