Laboratory Technician

About Us

At Better Dairy, we are dedicated to harnessing the bioactive components of milk to create ingredients uniquely suited to our bodies and needs. Our proprietary precision fermentation technology enables us to create nutritious and sustainable dairy ingredients that are biologically indistinguishable from their traditional counterparts, all without relying on animals or harming our planet. These can then become the foundation of a new generation of products, from infant formula to dietary supplements - setting a new benchmark for science-based nutrition!

The Role

We’re searching for a Lab Technician with experience in a microbial setting, specifically within an aseptic laboratory. The primary function of this role is to support daily laboratory operations working as a force multiplier to optimize the effectiveness of scientific researchers. The successful candidate will assist in conducting experimental procedures, maintaining lab equipment, performing Good House Keeping (GHK), stock management/monitoring and the ordering/receiving of routine reagents for the lab. We would love to meet candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments and have a passion for nutrition and sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Assay assistance: Assisting scientists in the lab with preparations or steps in a wide array of experiments (e.g. microbial work, protein gels, western blots and sample purification).
• Media/buffer/reagent Preparation: Media to be prepped for streams as per minimum levels. This includes preparation and sterilization. Buffers and stock reagents will be requested weekly.
• Preparation of plates: Pouring of agar plates for streaking and colony isolation.
• Equipment verification: Daily verification of lab equipment (e.g. pH meters and mass balances)
• Cleaning and autoclaving of equipment/glassware/consumables: Ensuring all streams are supplied with clean and sterile glassware/equipment/consumables for experimental work.
• Decontamination of surfaces: Preparation of Ethanol and Distel followed by daily cleaning of work areas and Biosafety Cabinets.
• Reagent stock management and ordering: Perform an in lab reagent check for the streams, if stock is below a minimum level orders are to be placed.
• Monthly lab maintenance: Deep cleaning of surfaces and incubators, centrifuge maintenance, fridge and freezers icing/defrosting and various routine equipment maintenance.
• Good house keeping: General laboratory house keeping.
• Reagent/shipment receipt: Receiving sample, reagent and consumable shipments. Placing goods in the correct storage conditions and notifying staff of delivery.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in a microbial setting, specifically within an aseptic laboratory.

• A good understanding of working laboratory principles (following SOP's, experimental calculations, dilutions and working with chemicals).

• An immaculate attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Good analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.

• Experience in fermentation (ideal but not essential).

Working at Better Dairy

At Better Dairy you will join a dynamic and diverse team that is excited and motivated to build this future for dairy. We've been ranked #7 on the 2024 Startups 100 Index and made the Europas 100 Hottest Startups list in 2024. We cultivate a fast-paced, enjoyable environment, believing it to be an exceptional platform for career growth. Everyone here is dedicated to addressing a monumental challenge and we embrace the journey with enthusiasm and have fun along the way.

We’re proud to have been featured in a range of global publications and programs - visit our Media Page to learn more about us.

Our state-of-the-art lab and office facilities are situated in Hackney Wick. We pride ourselves on a genuinely diverse and collaborative culture. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we guarantee that all qualified applicants will receive impartial consideration for employment, irrespective of any protected characteristics. We also celebrate our diverse workforce, striving to foster a climate where mutual respect flourishes, varied perspectives are valued, and every individual feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work and thrive. We champion an agile working culture across all our roles.

Some of the perks our team can enjoy include:

• A competitive salary

• 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays

• Access to Private Healthcare & Mental Health support services

• A stakeholder pension

• Share Option Scheme

• Weekly team lunch

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

• Free on-site gym

• Cycle2Work

• Eye-care vouchers