Senior Downstream Process Development Scientist (Biotechnology)

Abercorn Sinclair is delighted to present this exciting new opportunity with our industry partner MiAlgae, this role will be based at their HQ in Edinburgh.

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:

Reporting to the Head of Research and Development, you will assist in the development and scale up of new and existing products from the bench to commercial scale.

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 cross-disciplinary 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.

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.
• Responsible for leading 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.
• Identify and prioritise routes for development for new and existing products in response to market demand and scientific and technical advances.
• Contribute to writing grant applications to support research activities.
• Actively contribute to a culture of continuous capability development through coaching, mentoring and/or developing colleagues within the team and business unit, providing insights into areas of specialism.

Experience and skills:

• Evidence of technical troubleshooting and complex problem-solving experience.
• Fundamental understanding of microbiology and the challenges associated with scale-up of fermentation processes.
• Experience separating, extracting, purifying and concentrating products of microbial fermentations
• Proven track record of bringing new products to market and progressing development projects up the Technology Readiness scale.
• Professional mastery of principles and practices in fermentation downstream processing gained through career to date in area of specialism.
• Leadership skills within and across multidisciplinary teams, particularly ability to communicate and translate technical ideas to varying levels of understanding.
• 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.
• Experience actively challenging and influencing projects and teams to drive results.
• Experience of line management, training, supervision of technical staff

The Candidate:

We are seeking driven 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 MSc. or Ph.D. level in a relevant life science or bioprocess discipline (e.g., Biotechnology, Fermentation or Microbiology). Furthermore, will have several years of demonstrable industry experience with a focus on biotechnology, with detailed working knowledge of fermentation process development (increasing titre/productivity).

You will be an effective communicator with the ability to work independently and efficiently within a team. You will have a positive ‘can do’ approach and a keen interest in the use of biotechnology for the benefit of the environment.

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.