Bioprocessing Laboratory Technician

Role overview

Heriot-Watt University is hiring a Bioprocessing Laboratory Technician to support the FlexBio bioprocessing scale-up facility in Riccarton, Scotland. The position sits within the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) and is based in the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3). The centre helps industry and academia run scale-up work using modern fermentation and downstream processing systems.

The facility supports semi-pilot bioprocessing for external clients and academic users, including microbial culture at scales of up to 300 litres and a range of downstream separation methods. Work at the centre contributes to bioproduct development across sectors such as marine, agrichemicals, biomass, carbon capture, biomaterials, and food, with a wider goal of supporting the national biotechnology strategy and net-zero aims.

The role is line managed by the Upstream Bioprocessing Manager.

Contract, pay and working pattern

This is a Grade 5 post with a salary range of £26,707 to £31,236 per year. The appointment is full-time at 35 hours per week and fixed-term for 35 months.

Flexible working is welcomed, including part-time arrangements and job-share options.

Benefits

Leave entitlement includes 28 days of annual leave plus 9 university closure days, as well as Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday. A total rewards calculator is available from the university to help estimate the full value of the benefits package.

What the job involves

The technician will support the day-to-day running of the lab and help keep the facility efficient, compliant, and ready for client and academic work. The role covers equipment setup and upkeep, routine cleaning, stock control, procurement support, record keeping, training support, and general coordination with the wider team.

Technical duties

• Help set up, calibrate, run, and monitor bioreactors, fermenters, and related downstream processing systems.
• Support project activity and help resolve technical issues with senior scientists and scientists.
• Prepare cultures and media and handle them under sterile conditions for fermentation and cell culture work.
• Prepare buffers and reagents for downstream work and upstream sample analysis.
• Carry out regular cleaning of equipment while following local health and safety requirements.

Maintenance and facility care

• Help organise equipment maintenance schedules, including requesting RAMS, working with building management and service engineers, collecting service reports, and following up on required actions or orders.
• Keep cleaning and maintenance schedules up to date for the scale-up facility and its equipment.
• Perform routine sanitation, cleaning, and basic maintenance to keep laboratory and bioprocessing equipment operational.
• Track equipment performance and quickly report faults or issues so work can continue without interruption.
• Follow contamination-control procedures and strict cleaning protocols.

Stock, procurement and records

• Monitor lab stock and consumables, and support purchasing so routine and client materials are available when needed.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure ordering and delivery are timely and cost-effective.
• Use procurement software to raise orders.
• Record purchases and goods received accurately and promptly.
• Help maintain inventory and usage records for client and project consumables.

Documentation, safety and compliance

• Enter relevant data and keep laboratory records accurate and up to date in line with Good Laboratory Practice and applicable SOPs.
• Follow Process COSHH, risk assessments, biosafety procedures, and other compliance requirements while keeping the workspace tidy, organised, and safe.
• Identify and report hazards, including near misses and incidents/accidents.

Training and teamwork

• Train new colleagues to a high standard so daily operations remain uninterrupted.
• Take part in training and assist teammates with equipment use and lab procedures.
• Support training course setup, including printing paperwork, arranging the room, and organising catering.
• Work closely with colleagues across the university and IBioIC to maintain clear communication and efficient lab workflows.
• Attend weekly team meetings and provide oral and written updates when required by the line manager.

Essential requirements

• An HND and/or bachelor’s qualification in a relevant subject such as biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or a similar field, at SCQF level 8 or above.
• Relevant technical support experience in a bioprocessing setting, especially with cell culture or fermentation bioreactors.
• Practical experience preparing large volumes of complex buffers or media, typically above 10 litres.
• Hands-on experience using and maintaining standard laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meters, spectrophotometers, biosafety cabinets, and autoclaves.
• Experience with routine laboratory cleaning on a daily and weekly basis.
• Strong written and spoken English, along with a friendly and collaborative team approach.

Desirable experience

• Sample collection and processing experience, including analysis and timely reporting of results.
• Exposure to routine internal audits such as GLP or inventory checks.
• Experience carrying out calibration work on bioprocessing equipment.
• Familiarity with bioreactors in the 50L to 300L range and/or downstream processing equipment, including cleaning larger-scale laboratory or pilot equipment.
• Experience with inventory control and procurement processes.

How to apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their interest and fit for the role, together with a full CV, through the university’s online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 23:55 on Thursday 18 June 2026.

About the university

Heriot-Watt University highlights a culture centred on values, global collaboration, creativity, and practical impact. The institution emphasises inclusion, diversity, and support for flexible ways of working. It also states a commitment to equal opportunity and welcomes applicants from all sections of society, particularly people from underrepresented groups, including those supported by its disability-inclusive science initiatives.

Equality and flexibility

The university confirms that recruitment is based on merit and ability, and that it promotes an inclusive working environment. Flexible working patterns, including part-time work and job sharing, can be considered.