Fermentation Technician

Phase Biolabs; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Phase Biolabs is seeking a hands-on Technician to support day-to-day laboratory fermentation operations. You will perform routine checks, prepare solutions and maintain equipment to ensure experiments run without interruption.

This is a practical, physically active role with full training on reactors, systems and safety procedures. The position runs Monday to Friday, 30 hours per week, with no weekend work.

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences, chemistry or engineering or related field, OR MSc + 1 year industry experience OR BSc + 3 years industry experience OR Level 3 qualification plus 5 years industry experience.
• Must have laboratory experience and be comfortable with routine lab work.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 20 kg and standing for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine checks and upkeep of fermentation and analytics equipment.
• Follow SOPs and carry out routine system checks (e.g., dilution checks).
• Monitor consumables and stock levels; raise orders in advance.
• Prepare stock solutions and reagents for experiments.
• Clean, sterilise and maintain labware and equipment.

Skills

Clear communicator

Team player

Reliable and organized

Manual handling

Attention to detail

Laboratory experience

Education

PhD in life sciences/chemistry/engineering

MSc + 1 year relevant industry experience

BSc + 3 years relevant industry experience

A-levels / Level 3 + 5 years relevant industry experience

Tools

pH meters

HPLC

GC instruments

Bioreactors / Fermentation

Job description

THE COMPANY

Phase Biolabs is a deep tech company building biomanufacturing platforms. We use engineered biocatalysts to convert waste and low-value feedstocks like CO2 into sustainable chemicals and fuels, starting with ethanol. Phase develops and scales these industrial bioprocesses from lab to pilot and commercialises them with industrial partners through retrofit models.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a hands‑on Technician to work with our team and support day‑to‑day laboratory fermentation operations. Working closely with the team, you will carry out routine checks, prepare solutions and clean, set up and maintain equipment so experiments run without interruption. This is a practical, physically active role. It suits someone who is organised and reliable, has high standards of cleanliness, and takes pride in keeping a lab tidy, stocked and running well. Full training will be given on our reactors, systems and safety procedures. The role is Monday to Friday, with no weekend work consisting of 30 hours per week

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out routine checks and upkeep of fermentation and analytics equipment
• Follow SOPs and Carry out routine system checks, such as dilution checks
• Monitor consumables and stock levels, and raise orders before supplies run low
• Prepare stock solutions and reagents for experiments
• Clean, sterilise and maintain labware and equipment

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications

• A PhD in a life sciences, chemistry or engineering subject (e.g. biochemistry, bioprocess or chemical engineering) or a related field, OR
• An MSc in a related field, plus 1 year of relevant industry experience, OR
• A BSc in a related field, plus 3 years of relevant industry experience, OR
• A-levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, Scottish Highers), plus 5 years of relevant industry experience

Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate relevant experience in a laboratory setting
• Able to lift up to 20 kg using safe manual handling techniques
• Comfortable being on your feet for most of the day in a hands‑on role: building, moving, connecting and cleaning equipment
• Careful, accurate record keeping
• Reliable and well organised, and comfortable with routine work
• Stays calm and keeps standards high when things are busy
• Works well as part of a team, takes direction, and raises problems early
• Clear communicator

Desirable

• Experience preparing solutions, including dilution and molarity calculations
• Confident using pH meters and preparing buffers
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals and compressed gases
• Experience with bioreactors or fermentation
• Experience working with HPLC and/or GC instruments
• Aseptic technique

COMPENSATION

Compensation depends on the experience and qualifications of the applicant. Phase aims to fairly compensate all employees in line with their experience and qualifications.

THE HIRING PROCESS

We will review your cover letter and CV and invite you to an initial screening interview if we think you might be a good fit. Our process includes two additional interviews (30-45 minutes each). If successful, we will carry out referencing will prior to making an offer. All interviews are remote.

We endeavour to provide feedback to all interviewees. Applications are being considered on an rolling basis.

Phase Biolabs is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone and will consider reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and in the role.