Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Direct message the job poster from Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre
Facility Manager | FlexBIO Scale-Up Centre | IBioIC | Advancing Bioprocessing Innovation and Commercialisation
Apply at HWU website by midnight Wednesday 28th May 2025.
FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35 hrs per week, Monday – Friday
Contract: Fixed Term for 50 Months
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 bank holiday days (and Christmas Eve if it falls on a weekday)
Detailed Description
The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) is seeking a full-time Upstream Bioprocessing Scientist/Senior Scientist to support and lead microbial fermentation and mammalian cell culture projects within IBioIC’s FlexBio Bioprocessing Scale-up facility at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) and the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3).
This lab-based role includes some office work and focuses on supporting fermentation and scale-up projects for industry and academic clients in a safe, timely, and professional manner. The role involves working with the wider scale-up team, facility manager, and IBioIC management to help commercialise biotech projects from lab to pilot scale using a fee-for-service model.
The candidate should be technically skilled in microbiology and fermentation/cell culture/bioprocess engineering. The role supports (grade 6) or leads (grade 7) day-to-day planning and execution of scale-up projects—from lab-scale processes to larger bioreactors (2 to 300L). Client interaction during project phases and supervising/training technical staff are also key responsibilities, with potential line management duties (grade 7 only).
The role reports to the Upstream Bioprocessing Manager.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Project Management & Technical Delivery
Grade 7 (Senior Scientist):
* Lead industry-led fermentation and upstream bioprocessing projects, including technology transfer, process optimisation, and protocol development.
* Plan, manage, and execute multiple lab- to pilot-scale fermentation projects ensuring timely delivery.
* Interpret complex bioprocess data and report findings to clients and stakeholders.
* Provide strategic input on project design and future development.
Grade 6 (Scientist):
* Support senior members in project execution, especially pilot-scale fermentation and cell culture runs.
* Assist in implementing protocols and process optimisation tasks.
* Participate in data collection and initial interpretation.
Leadership and Mentoring:
* Grade 7: Line-manage and mentor junior staff, support their professional development.
* Grade 6: Mentor interns or students and contribute ideas for process improvements.
Client Engagement, Project Design & Communication
Grade 7:
* Attend client meetings, ask technical questions, develop bespoke work packages, and communicate complex concepts clearly.
Grade 6:
* Attend meetings with senior staff, prepare protocols, presentations, and reports.
Health & Safety and Facility Operations
Grade 7:
* Lead in risk assessments, COSHH documentation, and safety protocols. Coordinate maintenance and troubleshoot equipment.
Grade 6:
* Follow safety protocols, assist with risk assessments, and support maintenance tasks.
Collaboration & Cross-functional Integration
Grade 7:
* Lead collaboration with downstream processing colleagues and represent the facility externally.
Grade 6:
* Collaborate with teams on joint experiments and tasks.
Strategic Input & Funding Support
Grade 7:
* Contribute to funding bids and align work with strategic goals.
Grade 6:
* Support bids with data, and suggest lab practice improvements.
Training & Knowledge Exchange
Grade 7:
* Design and deliver training courses, represent IBioIC externally.
Grade 6:
* Support training delivery and attend networking events.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
* Engage in CPD activities, stay updated on biotech trends, and participate in internal courses.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
* Grade 6: BSc in Biotechnology, microbiology, fermentation science, biochemical engineering, or related, with 6-12 months experience OR MSc with 3-6 months hands-on experience.
* Grade 7: PhD in relevant disciplines OR MSc with 5+ years of bioprocessing experience.
* Hands-on experience with lab-scale cell cultivation and bioreactors (both grades).
* Strong microbiology and bioprocess knowledge (both grades).
* Excellent time management and project management skills (Grade 7).
* Experience with microbial and mammalian cell types.
* Supervisory experience (Grade 7) or supporting roles (Grade 6).
* Excellent communication skills.
Additional Desirable Criteria
* Experience troubleshooting contamination, health & safety practices, lab administration, mammalian or plant cell culture, scaling up fermentation, fermenter control systems, mathematical principles for scale-up, analytical techniques, and technical training experience.
About our Team
IBioIC aims to accelerate biotech commercialization in Scotland, the UK, and globally. The FlexBio facility at Heriot Watt supports industry and academia with microbial culture and downstream processing at scales up to 300L, producing bio-based products for various markets including marine, waste valorization, agriceuticals, biomass, and more.
Our work contributes to national biotech initiatives and sustainability goals.
#J-18808-Ljbffr