About Us
Better Dairy is building the future of food by producing molecularly identical dairy without using any animals. This allows us to provide consumers with delicious, nutritious and versatile dairy products without harmful effects to the planet and animals. By utilizing a series of technologies, including precision fermentation, we are rebuilding dairy from the ground up. Our products melt, stretch, pour and pop with umami like their originals just without lactose, antibiotics and hormones.
We've been ranked #7 on the 2024 Startups 100 Index in the UK and we're keen to make an impact and are equally as passionate about great tasting food and eating experiences. You will be joining a dynamic and diverse team that will be expanding rapidly. We are tackling a huge problem and are having a lot of fun along the way.
The Role
Our Science team is growing and we’re therefore looking for a Lab Technician who is experienced in microbiology. The right person should have experience working in a research laboratory, working knowledge of microbial culture as well as a passion for efficient lab operations. You will work closely with many of our scientific team to support the effective and efficient running of the lab and will initially report directly to our Lab Operations Lead.
We are looking for a candidate who has general technical laboratory skills, a background in aseptic working techniques, and microbiology support. They should relish the opportunity to work with a dynamic team, and find joy in an established routine while growing their skill set over time.
The successful candidate will be comfortable pitching in at every level and enjoys a high accountability/high autonomy environment.
Responsibilities
Preparation of culture plates, culture media, and buffer solutions
Maintaining lab cleanliness, supplies and tidiness in line with Good Housekeeping protocols
Managing stocktakes and the ordering of lab consumables
Supporting with the maintenance of lab equipment and equipment records including liaising with external suppliers for service/maintenance events
Operation and maintenance of thermocyclers, incubators, bio-safety cabinets, pH meters, centrifuges, fridges, freezers and gel phoresis stations
Supporting laboratory health and safety requirements
Identifying and driving continuous improvement in the lab
Assist in the drafting/review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Assist in the digitization of paper records
General support with lab experiments
Additional ad-hoc duties as required
We will be considering a wide variety of professional backgrounds and experience for this role and so we encourage those interested to apply even if they feel might not meet all the necessary requirements.
Skills & Experience
Practical lab experience or in a commercial or academic environment
Knowledge and understanding of aseptic techniques and microbial culture (filamentous fungi experience is highly desirable but not essential)
Excellent attention to detail and the ability to accurately read, record and communicate information
Ability to perform common laboratory calculations such as molarity and unit conversion
Familiarity with standard spreadsheet and word-processing software applications
Previous use of electronic lab notebook software or physical lab books is highly desirable
Exposure to Good Lab Practices (GLP) is advantageous
Working at Better Dairy
Our core values are to be bold, kind and resilient.
Better Dairy is located in a brand new lab and office space in Hackney Wick. Our environment is genuinely diverse and collaborative. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristics. We also embrace our diverse workforce and strive to create a climate where we celebrate our diversity in all forms by treating each other with respect, listening to different viewpoints, and creating a workplace where your authentic self belongs and thrives. We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles.
Some of the benefits you can expect as part of this role include:
25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays
Access to Private Healthcare & Mental Health support apps
Share Option Scheme
Weekly team breakfast and monthly team lunch
Ongoing learning and development opportunities
On site Gym
Cycle2Work
Eye-care vouchers