Fermentation Facility Technician

Overview

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 1st April 2026)

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.

• 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.

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

• 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).

• 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.

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

• 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.

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