Description Grade UE06: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum School of Chemistry / CSE / University of Edinburgh Full time: 35 hours per week Fixed Term: for 12 months (Post available from 1 st April 2026) The Opportunity: Turn fermentation know‑how into real‑world impact. We’re seeking a technician to keep our Fermentation Facility running at peak performance and help deliver breakthrough research in the fermentation of exo‑polysaccharides. Why join us Play a key technical role in a vibrant, research‑active facility. Work directly with bench‑scale bioreactors, sensors and associated analytics. Collaborate with academic teams and industrial partners on milestone‑driven projects. Shape robust methods and standards that enable reliable, reproducible science. The role You will: Operate and maintain the Fermentation Facility to defined technical and safety standards (calibration, preventative maintenance, housekeeping, stock control, documentation). Develop, optimise and document reproducible technical methods and analytical workflows for exo‑polysaccharide bioproduction and characterisation; analyse data and prepare concise technical summaries. Install, commission and verify new/updated instrumentation (bioreactors, sensors, peripherals); coordinate with suppliers, Estates and IT; draft SOPs and verification checks. Train, guide and provide day‑to‑day technical supervision to users; set and monitor technical standards and good record‑keeping. Liaise with the PI, sponsor and industrial partners; contribute technical input on feasibility, scheduling and risk; support technology transfer. Maintain accurate, auditable records (ELN/LIMS as applicable); contribute to continuous improvement of facility processes. View the full job description HERE About you (Essential) HNC/HND (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related field with relevant technical experience; or a relevant degree with directly relevant experience. Proven hands‑on experience with bench‑scale bioreactors/fermenters and process control (pH, DO, agitation, temperature, feeds). Experience implementing/following SOPs, completing equipment logs and maintaining auditable technical records. Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to fermentation monitoring and polysaccharide characterisation (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography, viscosity/rheology), with ability to interpret and present results accurately. Strong troubleshooting skills for equipment, sensors and process issues. Solid knowledge of laboratory H&S (COSHH, risk assessment, waste management, biosafety). Effective communicator with the ability to train and supervise users; good time management; computer literate (instrument software, data analysis, electronic records). Desirable Exo‑polysaccharide fermentation and downstream characterisation (e.g., SEC/GPC, NMR, MS, DLS, rheology). Experience commissioning/verifying scientific instrumentation and liaising with vendors/service providers. Process development/optimisation (e.g., DoE), QA/GLP or ISO‑aligned environments. Understanding of GMO/biosafety regulations; experience supporting industry collaborations/technology transfer. How to apply Apply via the University of Edinburgh online recruitment system with: A CV; and A cover letter outlining how you meet the essential criteria. Line manager: Professor Colin Pulham As a valued member of our team, you can expect: A competitive salary. An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits. Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who can help us foster a safe, supportive and collaborative research environment. Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. Key dates to note The closing date for applications is 16 th February 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. Interviews are expected to be held between 26 th February and 4 th March 2026.