Purpose of Role
FlexBIO is seeking a motivated and skilled Lab Technician to join our dynamic team specialising in fermentation and cell culture scale-up and downstream processing. The facility features advanced bioreactors and fermenters ranging from 2L to 300L, alongside complementary downstream processing equipment, to support innovative bioprocessing solutions development for external clients and academics.
This role is essential to maintaining a high standard of laboratory operation and efficiency. The Lab Technician will play a key role in supporting daily technical tasks, from preparing and maintaining equipment to performing routine cleaning and maintenance, inventory control and purchasing of consumables, and assisting in training and facility records upkeep. The position requires a proactive and competent individual with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with all team members across various functions.
The role holder will be line managed by the Upstream Bioprocessing Manager.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Support
1. Assist in the setup, calibration, operation, and monitoring of bioreactors, fermenters, and associated downstream processing equipment.
2. Support team with project operations and troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with senior scientists and scientists.
3. Aid in the preparation and sterile handling of cultures and media for fermentation and cell culture processes.
4. Aid in the preparation of buffers and reagents for downstream processes and upstream sample analysis.
5. Perform routine cleaning operations on equipment and ensure this is conducted in compliance with local health and safety procedures
Maintenance & Cleaning
6. Coordinate overall scheduling of equipment maintenance, including requesting RAMS, liaising with building management and service engineers, collating/recording service reports, actioning follow-up orders.
7. Maintain schedules for cleaning and maintenance of the scale-up facility and its equipment.
8. Perform regular cleaning, sanitation, and routine maintenance of laboratory and bioprocessing equipment to ensure operational readiness.
9. Monitor and track equipment performance and report issues promptly to maintain process continuity.
10. Follow strict cleaning protocols to ensure contamination control.
Inventory & Procurement
11. Maintain inventory of lab supplies and consumables; assisting in purchasing materials to ensure the facility is stocked appropriately with both routine and client consumables
12. Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for timely and cost-effective ordering and delivery.
13. Use organisational procurement software to place orders
14. Record purchasing and receipt in a timely and accurate manager
15. Assist in maintaining client and project consumable inventory and usage records.
Documentation & Compliance
16. Record all relevant data and maintain accurate lab documentation following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant SOPs.
17. Adhere to Process COSHH and risk assessment documentation, biological safety procedures protocols, and maintain a clean, organised, and compliant work environment.
18. Flag hazards as appropriate, especially near-miss and accidents
Training & Collaboration
19. Provide training to a high standard to newly on-boarded colleagues and ensure operational continuity.
20. Participate in training and support team members in equipment operation and laboratory procedures.
21. Assist with setup for training courses, including printing of documentation, room organisation and catering.
22. Work collaboratively across departments with the university and IBioIC, ensuring effective communication and efficient workflow within the lab.
23. Attend weekly team meetings and update orally and in writing as matters arises and as requested by the line manager
Person Specification
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.
Essential
24. At least an HND and/or Batchelors qualification in a related subject such as biology, biotechnology or biochemistry or similar, equivalent to SCQF level 8 or higher. This role is NOT suitable for PhD qualification or equivalent experience.
25. Previous experience performing technical support work in a bioprocessing environment, to support cell culture or fermentation bioreactors
26. Experience of making up large volumes of complex buffer/media (> 10 litres).
27. Experience of using and maintaining routine laboratory equipment - eg. Balances, pH meter, spectrophotometer, biosafety cabinets, autoclave etc.
28. Experience conducting routine cleaning of a laboratory workplace – e.g daily, weekly cleaning of surfaces and equipment
29. Evidence of excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with a friendly, collaborative approach to working within a team.
Desirable
30. Experience of taking and processing samples – eg. taking samples, analysis and timely reporting results
31. Experience with routine internal audits eg. GLP/inventory
32. Experience of performing calibrations on bioprocessing equipment
33. Experience with bioreactors (50L–300L) and/or downstream processing equipment – eg. Performing routine cleaning on larger scale lab/pilot scale equipment
34. Experience of inventory management and procurement processes.