Senior / Team Lead, Fungal Molecular Biologist
Supplant, United Kingdom

Supplant is an innovative and dynamic ingredient company, creating products to address major health and environmental challenges in the global food system. Its core product, Sugars from Fiber, allows the creation of food products that are healthier for people and planet.

Supplant is a Cambridge University start-up, a graduate of the Y-Combinator accelerator program and backed by major VCs in the US and Europe.

An exciting opportunity has opened up for an enthusiastic Senior/Team Lead, Fungal Molecular Biologist to join our Ramp;D team. Reporting directly to the Head of Research, you will support work across a range of functions in the Ramp;D team, however, your key duties will be strain development to improve our core fungal chassis for enzyme production and composition.

Reporting to, and supported by, the Head of Research, your duties as a Fungal Molecular Biologist will be varied; however, the key duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Planning, design and execution of Research amp; Development projects. Applying scientific principles to develop our strain using genetic engineering and classical (e.g. mutagenesis, directed evolution) techniques.
• Using analytical techniques to characterise the genotypic and phenotypic effects of mutations on enzymology at the molecular level.

• Developing and implementing new chemical and physical characterisation methods, processing techniques and product analyses.
• Creating and maintaining inventory records of all experimental work.
• Engaging with industry experts on strain engineering topics and working alongside Life Science, Clinical amp; Regulatory Affairs and Business Development teams to set the strategic direction of the life science function.
• Analysing results and writing reports summarising findings and conclusions for senior management.
• Presenting results and discussing findings as part of weekly meetings.

• Proactively contributing to the development of the company’s patent portfolio.

Requirements

Ideally, you will have completed a post-graduate degree in fungal molecular biology (or related subject); those with equivalent technical experience are also encouraged to apply. You will also have proven track record of working in a laboratory environment, preferably in an industry research setting.

Candidates should have:

• Strong fungal molecular biology knowledge, including gt;3 years relevant industry experience and/or a post-graduate qualification in a food science related field. (NB position offered will vary depending on the skillset and experience of the candidate).
• Solid fundamentals in enzyme evolution amp; mutagenesis including enzyme kinetics, structure and substrate specificities.

• Proven laboratory experience, ideally gained within an industrial lab environment and a professional approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to deliver against tight deadlines and to contribute both as part of a team and individually.
• Excellent communication: both written and oral; evidence of technical writing and presentation skills heavily desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Passion about disruptive products and making a difference.

• Strong work ethic - prepared to put in extra hours when then are really needed.

Benefits

• Work on the prestigious Cambridge Science Park
• Competitive salary (contingent on experience)
• Pension scheme
• We look to grow our employees with the business and this position offers the right candidate potential for progression within the team

Job Rewards and Benefits