About us
If you’ve got experience working with microbes (ideally yeast), synthetic biology, fermentations and are passionate about the environment then read on, we have a great role and fresh challenge for you.
Sun Bear Biofuture was born in 2022 out of a desire to use modern science and technology to have a meaningful environmental impact. We are reimagining farming to produce everyday essentials more sustainably. We’re starting by using synthetic biology, precision fermentation and machine learning to produce an alternative to cocoa butter and palm oil. Why? Well, they’re responsible for over 800m tonnes of CO2e annually and have had a huge impact on the planet.
We’re at a very exciting stage of our growth, now setting up production capability, whilst continuing with our cutting edge innovation in the lab. You’ll be joining a well established team of scientists and engineers in a critical supporting role where you’ll get to work on a little of everything.
Some defining qualities for us, so you can get a sense of what we’re about, are our values: Candid, Trusting, Nurturing, Impact-Driven and Brave. If a culture built on these values sounds like a good fit then we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re wondering why sun bears, well, that's a daily reminder of our mission - there are fewer than 1000 left in the wild largely due to deforestation. Come and join us on a real scientific and technical journey to help create a better world for all.
About you
You’ll ideally have a Masters degree or equivalent industry experience in a related field with 1-2 years of relevant work experience. You will have worked with microbes and synthetic biology tools in a professional lab environment before and a bonus would be experience of setting up and running fermentation equipment. The ability to balance time, quality and results is needed in our fast paced startup environment.
How you got to science and technology matters less to us than your passion, interest and understanding of it. If you like to explore ideas, discuss, debate and challenge assumptions and feedback to others on their ideas then you’ll fit in really well.
The role
You will be working closely with our team of research scientists as we carry out research on yeast for the production of lipids. This will involve supporting the lab team in setting up and running experiments. You’ll work on analysis of the results and support the wider team in researching and planning future work. You’ll be hands on in the lab and working with a range of pieces of equipment. Experience of fermentation equipment is a real advantage but not essential. What is essential is an appetite to learn new things and being comfortable stretching yourself and gaining new knowledge.
You will work closely with the Lab Manager on a day to day basis. This will involve regular procurement and stock control of essential research consumables and equipment, and helping to ensure the lab is a safe and healthy place to work. You will engage with the different research team members and collaborate with them on their experimental plans. This may involve strain engineering protocols, fermentations, among other tasks..
As you grow and develop your practical skills you will get the opportunity to own your own research projects as well as supporting your colleagues. This will give you the chance to develop new skills and really play a critical role in the progression of Sun Bear’s mission.
We are a startup and that makes for a ‘dynamic’ environment. It’s really fun, exhilarating and a place where you'll learn a lot quickly. If you’re unsure if it's the right work environment for you, apply and we can see together. We seek to be a truly inclusive and diverse company so if you do not fit all the criteria don’t worry - having a great cultural fit is as important as the skills and experience you have built up.
Responsibilities and tasks
Working closely with the Lab Manager in supporting the wider scientific and engineering team
Hands on experimental work in the field of microbiology and synthetic biology tools
Operating a range of laboratory equipment
Helping to manage data and ensuring excellent recording keeping
Aiding in the analyses of results and monitoring data
Ensuring good standards of quality control and protocol development and adherence
Support in the operation and monitoring of the performance of fermentations
Skills and experience
Good understanding of molecular biology fundamentals, research tools and practices, such as, PCR, transformations, cloning and gene editing.
Excellent abilities in research planning, time management and delivery of research in a laboratory setting
Lab record keeping and QC experience
Nice to haves:
Experience of operating fermentation equipment
Work experience within a startup
Qualifications
Master’s with 1+ years industry work experience
An educational or professional background in microbiology, molecular biology and/or fermentation
Location
Oxford, UK
What we offer
£24,000 to £28,000 dependent on experience - because you shouldn’t have to guess what your salary would be when job searching
£500 annual training budget - books, courses, training, spend it how you see fit in your own professional development
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Pension scheme
Subsidised gym membership
Option scheme available to own a part of the business you’re helping to build
Our process
Stage 1. Email your CV and Covering letter to info@sunbearbiofuture.com
Stage 2. First video interview
Stage 3. Second, ideally face to face, interview
Stage 4. 2 References - we won’t ask for this until after offering you a role
No recruitment agents please