Please send your CV and a short cover letter (could be in the body of the email) to
Essential information
- HERlab – a revolutionary AI and synbio startup for recombinant protein production – is hiring a Senior Technician, starting in late January/February 2025.
- FTC, full-time role for 12 months, with further extension possible.
- We’d love to hear from you if:
-You’re an experienced lab technician with at least 2 years of post-degree experience and a solid track record in running a lab. This includes skills in inventory management, ordering, writing SOPs, managing health and safety, setting up experiments and equipment (like buffers and media), and keeping good notes.
-You’re looking to move into a lab manager role rather than scientist or researcher positions.
-You have an all-hands-on-deck attitude. While you’ll be setting up exciting experiments, you’re also ready to handle practical tasks, like washing that pesky glassware, to keep the lab running smoothly.
-You’re not be afraid to 1) think big; 2) step outside their comfort zone and work with unknowns; 3) care about the science and its impact on the real world.
We’re a small, tightly knit team currently working in Canterbury, and would love to welcome a new Senior Technician into the team.
Before you read any further, a word from our CEO:
“Hi there,
My name is Dei, I am the Founder and CEO at HERlab.
HERlab is an extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to 1) reduce the suffering of millions of lives–both human and animal–via climate impact and reduction of intensive farming; 2) help create one of the greatest scientific discovery platforms in the world; 3) get enormous returns from the effort we put in to building it – all at once. If you are highly motivated to change the world, talented, and willing to pioneer turning science into real-world solutions – I look forward to reading your cover letter and CV, and if we match, welcoming you to our brilliant team.
Best of luck!
Dei”
Responsibilities
- Assisting Senior Scientists in the delivery of the projects.
- Take full responsibility for managing lab operations (stock and inventory management, ordering, experiments set-up, etc.) and troubleshooting issues without direct supervision to maintain the working environment.
- Write and follow SOPs, proactively update and improve lab standards, and processes, set up work environments and conduct relevant tests and experiments.
- Understand and apply COSHH/risk assessments and health and safety protocols, ensuring lab colleagues meet safety compliance.
- Maintain accurate notes and records (including digitally): reports, databases, documentation and user guides.
- Actively demonstrate a commitment to professional development by advancing knowledge and competencies. We want to give you opportunities for growth within the role and for you to develop your career.
- Conducting large-scale phenotypic assays on non-conventional yeast strains.
- Performing and optimising transformation protocols for non-conventional yeast strains.
- Optimising the expression of commercially important proteins.
Qualifications and experience
We will be using a code word to help fast-track applicants who have diligently read this description. The code word is “wombat”- just add it to your application somewhere loud and obvious.
Essential:
- Education: We’re open to a variety of education backgrounds. A strong candidate will likely fall in one of the following categories:
-A levels + substantial industry experience in lab technician roles.
-BSc (+MSc) + at least 2 years of lab-based professional experience.
-You might have a PhD and therefore lots of relevant lab-based experience - but please tell us about your motivation for this technical (rather than scientific/research) role.
-This is not an entry level role.
- Stock and inventory management: proven experience in managing stock, inventory, and ordering processes.
- Experience with SOP development and adherence while adhering to good laboratory standards.
- Ability to work effectively within a team and prioritise the needs of the business.
- Familiarity with COSHH standards and waste management practices.
- Professional experience with basic microbiology and molecular biology techniques (SDS PAGE, Western Blot, ELISA, etc.). More complex technical equipment experience is desired (cloning, purification, PCR, etc) but we’re also very happy to train the right candidate.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including effective facilitation, presentation, and the ability to produce clear written materials.
- Confident with a variety of digital/cloud tools and willing to learn new ones. Proficient in using lab-specific software, data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Prism), and cloud platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Office).
- Excellent numeracy skills with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Supremely well organised and great at juggling conflicting priorities, even when things get hectic.
- Demonstrated experience managing hazardous substances and waste disposal protocols in line with COSHH and environmental standards.
Desirable:
- Experience working with microbial recombinant protein expression.
- Working experience in yeast biology.
- Experience with (high-throughput) robotic equipment. It will be coming to our lab, so experience (or excitement to learn) is a big bonus!
Application process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the following process:
- 1st interview - 30mins - getting to know you and sharing a bit more about the work we do.
- 2nd interview - 45-60mins - a deeper dive with our science team to understand your experience and competencies, and for you to ask any technical questions.
Other relevant information
- 28 days of holiday per year.
- Sick leave benefits.
- We’re a small and friendly team and have a supportive work culture - so if you need some flexibility at times to deal with personal matters, we’ll support you.
- Location: the lab is currently based on Kent University Campus. Paid parking is available if you prefer to drive, and Canterbury has excellent cycling, walking and public transport options from the city centre/train station.
- We will need you to have the Right To Work in the UK. We cannot sponsor visas at this time.
We kindly request that agencies refrain from submitting candidates, as we will only consider direct applications at this time.
