Lab Technician; microbiology and fermentation

Lab Technician (microbiology and fermentation)
About us

Sun Bear Biofuture was born in 2022 out of a desire to use modern science and technology to have a meaningful environmental impact. We are reimagining farming to produce everyday essentials more sustainably. We’re starting by using synthetic biology, precision fermentation and machine learning to produce an alternative to cocoa butter and palm oil. The industry generates over 800m tonnes of CO2e annually and has had a huge impact on the planet.

We’re at a very exciting stage of our growth, now setting up production capability, whilst continuing with our cutting edge innovation in the lab. You’ll be joining a well established team of scientists and engineers in a critical supporting role where you’ll get to work on a little of everything.

You’ll ideally have a Masters degree or equivalent industry experience in a related field with 1-2 years of relevant work experience. You will have worked with microbes and synthetic biology tools in a professional lab environment before and a bonus would be experience of setting up and running fermentation equipment. The ability to balance time, quality and results is needed in our fast paced startup environment.

• Working closely with the Lab Manager in supporting the wider scientific and engineering team
• Hands on experimental work in the field of microbiology and synthetic biology tools
• Operating a range of laboratory equipment
• Helping to manage data and ensuring excellent recording keeping
• Aiding in the analyses of results and monitoring data
• Ensuring good standards of quality control and protocol development and adherence
• Support in the operation and monitoring of the performance of fermentations

• Good understanding of molecular biology fundamentals, research tools and practices, such as PCR, transformations, cloning and gene editing.
• Excellent abilities in research planning, time management and delivery of research in a laboratory setting.
• Lab record keeping and QC experience.

• Experience of operating fermentation equipment
• Work experience within a startup

Master’s with 1+ years industry work experience

An educational or professional background in microbiology, molecular biology and/or fermentation

Oxford, UK

£24,000 to £28,000 dependent on experience - because you shouldn’t have to guess what your salary would be when job searching

• £500 annual training budget - books, courses, training, spend it how you see fit in your own professional development
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Subsidised gym membership
• Option scheme available to own a part of the business you’re helping to build