Research Technician

Quintall; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech startup is seeking a hands-on Research Technician to support microbial production in hydroponic systems. The role involves preparing media, DNA extraction, and managing lab supplies. Ideal candidates are early in their career, hold a BSc in relevant fields, and have practical lab experience. Join a passionate team focused on transforming the relationship with microbiomes.

Qualifications

• Practical experience preparing microbiological media and maintaining sterile techniques.
• Hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately.

Responsibilities

• Support research associates with microbial production and maintenance.
• Assist in extracting DNA from microbiome samples.
• Manage consumables and coordinate orders for lab materials.
• Prepare plant microbiome sampling kits for customers.

Skills

Microbiological media preparation

DNA extraction

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

BSc in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology or related

Tools

Autoclaves

Dishwashers

Job description

We will not be engaging with any recruitment agents for this position.

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from individuals who currently, or will eventually, require visa sponsorship due to minimum salary requirements on applicable visa routes.

About Concert Bio

We are a biotech startup transforming humanity’s relationship with microbiomes, the world’s most important ecosystem. We’ve started with hydroponics, helping the greenhouse growers who produce many of our vegetables harness their plant microbiome to improve yield, resilience, and sustainability. With our first product already live in the UK and US, and over $6 million in funding, we’re entering an exciting stage of rapid growth and international expansion. You’ll be joining a passionate team where everyone has high ownership, shaping both the company and its culture as we scale.

Role

At Concert Bio, we develop microbial biostimulants for hydroponic greenhouses, discovered through the world’s largest database of hydroponic plant microbiome DNA sequencing data (18,000+ samples). To support both our discovery and production pipelines, we’re looking for a hands-on Research Technician to join our team. In this role, you’ll provide essential support to our research associates by helping with microbial production by preparing media, pouring plates, and culturing strains to grow and deliver the beneficial microbes that underpin our products. You’ll also support our discovery pipeline by extracting DNA from hydroponic microbiome samples, providing high-quality material for sequencing and analysis. In addition, you’ll prepare and aliquot reagents, manage consumables and stocks, and ensure equipment is maintained so the lab runs smoothly. This is a supportive role at the heart of our R&D operations, designed to enable the work of our research team, with a lot of potential for learning and growth.

Responsibilities

• Support research associates with microbial production by preparing media, pouring plates, and culturing strains to grow and deliver our beneficial microbes.
• Assist the discovery pipeline by extracting DNA from hydroponic microbiome samples, providing high-quality material for sequencing and analysis.
• Prepare and aliquot reagents to ensure the research team has what they need for experiments.
• Manage consumables and stocks, and take responsibility for ordering materials and reagents to keep projects moving.
• Operate core lab services such as the autoclave and dishwasher, ensuring sterile equipment and media are always available.
• Support the smooth running of the lab by maintaining equipment and coordinating with the team when issues arise.
• Prepare plant microbiome sampling kits and ship them to our customers.
• Contribute to a supportive, passionate, and high-performance work environment.

Qualifications

• Practical experience preparing microbiological media, pouring plates, and maintaining sterile technique.
• Hands-on experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction
• Experience with ordering materials and reagents from suppliers and managing stocks of these.
• Ability to take on requests from research associates and provide reliable support across microbial production, molecular biology, and lab operations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately.
• Proactive and organised approach to managing tasks, equipment, and consumables.
• Eagerness to learn and expand your skills in microbiology and molecular biology.
• A love for working in a high-velocity, collaborative startup environment.

Desirable qualifications

• Familiarity with operating core lab services such as autoclaves and dishwashers.
• Previous experience with DNA sequencing workflows.
• Experience in managing a laboratory in a research or industrial setting.
• Experience in developing and updating SOPs.
• Previous experience liaising with suppliers.
• Experience working in a startup environment.

This role is ideal for someone early in their career with a BSc in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related life science, with hands-on laboratory experience. A Master’s degree is preferred, but not essential.

Applications are considered on a first-come, first served basis.

Diversity at Concert Bio

Concert Bio is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everybody belongs, and every great idea is heard.

Come do the best work of your life with us at Concert Bio.

Applications will only be considered if submitted via the completed application form. ChatGPT has already applied for this role and was unsuccessful... (we love AI tools and use them a lot, but we want to hear from the real you in your application.)