About CPI
CPI helps make great ideas and inventions a reality. We’re a team of intelligent people using advances in science and technology to solve the biggest global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Through our incredible people and innovation infrastructure, we collaborate with partners in industry, academia, government, and the investment community to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative products. From health technologies and pharmaceuticals to sustainable food and materials innovations, we turn the entrepreneurial spirit and radical thinking of our people and partners into incredible impact that makes our world a better place.
Why this role is important for CPI’s work
This is a fantastic opportunity to join CPI as a Placement Student within our Food and Feed team. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment to develop precision fermentation and biomass fermentation processes aimed at producing novel foods and functional ingredients. Your contribution will support the delivery of innovative projects through preparation, research, testing, and analysis, ensuring smooth laboratory operations and enabling scientific staff to focus on technical delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the development of scalable microbial and cell culture food processes from shake flask to 10,000-litre bioreactor scale, including submerged and solid-state processes.
* Assist in process development and scale‑up of bioproduct recovery and purification operations.
* Set up, operate, and monitor microbial fermentation processes under batch, fed‑batch, and continuous conditions. Maintain bioreactors and address issues impacting performance.
* Contribute to experimental design (DOE) to study variable effects on fermentation performance.
* Ensure compliance with Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE), GMP, Data Integrity, and quality standards.
* Perform general laboratory housekeeping and manage purchasing of chemicals and equipment.
* Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to understand project needs and deliver agreed outcomes.
The person we are seeking
* Studying towards a degree in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
* Knowledgeable in microbial cultivation and fermentation, with good analytical and numerical skills.
* Experienced in IT packages (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
* A strong communicator who values collaboration and continuous learning.
Desirable: Experience with aseptic techniques, bioreactor operation, microscopy, and preparation of microbial growth media.
What does CPI offer you?
* Up to 36 days holiday, including bank holidays – plus a holiday purchasing scheme
* Generous pension scheme
* Life assurance and accident insurance schemes
* Flexible working
* Learning and Development Opportunities
* Free parking
Additional Information
This role is fixed term for 12 months, beginning in July 2026. Students must be studying at a UK university to be eligible for this role, and CPI cannot offer sponsorship. CPI is an organisation based in the UK. Commencement of employment is conditional to demonstrating right to work in the UK; sponsorship may be available.
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Temporary
Job function: Education and Training
Industries: Research Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr