Bioprocessing Laboratory Technician

Role Title

Bioprocessing Laboratory Technician

Grade 5, £26,707 - £31,236 per annum

Full‑time (35hrs per week);
Fixed‑term (35 months)

28 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday). Use our total rewards calculator:  to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot‑Watt University.

The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC)  aims to accelerate the commercialisation of the industrial biotechnology sector in Scotland, the UK and worldwide. IBioIC’s Bioprocessing Scale‑Up Centre (Flex Bio) based at Heriot‑Watt University supports industry and academia, allowing them the opportunity to execute scale‑up studies using state of the art fermentation and downstream processing equipment. Hosted within the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3), Flex Bio provides clients with access to expertise and equipment to carry out semi‑pilot scale fermentation and downstream processing.

This primarily encompasses microbial culture at scales up to 300 litres, along with a variety of downstream processing techniques for cell and molecule separation.

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 supports daily technical tasks, equipment maintenance, cleaning, inventory control, purchasing, training assistance and 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 is line managed by the Upstream Bioprocessing Manager.

• Assist in the setup, calibration, operation, and monitoring of bioreactors, fermenters, and associated downstream processing equipment.
• Support the team with project operations and troubleshoot technical issues in collaboration with senior scientists and scientists.
• Aid in the preparation and sterile handling of cultures and media for fermentation and cell culture processes.
• Aid in the preparation of buffers and reagents for downstream processes and upstream sample analysis.
• Perform routine cleaning operations on equipment and ensure that this is conducted in compliance with local health and safety procedures.

• Coordinate overall scheduling of equipment maintenance, including requesting RAMS, liaising with building management and service engineers, collating/recording service reports, actioning follow‑up orders.
• Maintain schedules for cleaning and maintenance of the scale‑up facility and its equipment. Inventory & Procurement
  • Maintain inventory of lab supplies and consumables; assist in purchasing materials to ensure the facility is stocked appropriately with both routine and client consumables.
  • Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for timely and cost‑effective ordering and delivery.
  • Use organisational procurement software to place orders.
  • Record purchasing and receipt in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Assist in maintaining client and project consumable inventory and usage records.
  Documentation & Compliance
  • Record all relevant data and maintain accurate lab documentation following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant SOPs.
  • Adhere to Process COSHH and risk assessment documentation, biological safety procedures protocols, and maintain a clean, organised, and compliant work environment.
  • Flag hazards as appropriate, especially near‑miss and accidents.
  Training & Collaboration
  • Provide training to a high standard to newly on‑boarded colleagues and ensure operational continuity.
  • Participate in training and support team members in equipment operation and laboratory procedures.
  • Assist with setup for training courses, including printing of…