Role type: Permanent
Reports to: Head of Technical, Research & Innovation
About Us
Celtic Renewables is widely regarded as one of the most innovative Biotech companies in Europe, having developed technology patent(s) for the conversion of biological residues into sustainable green chemicals. The process is an inspirational reinvention of a century old process known as the Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation, to bring this age-old fermentation back to the global scale. The green chemicals produced by this innovative process are highly sought after across a range of industries – from cosmetics, food flavourings, hygiene, pharmaceuticals through to use for biofuels. This pioneering company has completed construction of a state-of-the-art processing plant in Grangemouth, a historical exemplar plant for Scotland, and are operating at a commercial scale.
This first commercial plant is the launching pad for our ambitious international growth plans. Celtic Renewables is excited to recruit for a shift Laboratory Technical Operator. This role plays an integral part in the successful operation of the plant.
Job Overview
As a Laboratory Technical Operator at our manufacturing site in Grangemouth you will safely and efficiently operate the laboratory process, progressing the multi-stage batch fermentation process through to distillation and delivery of final products. This role required working on shift (12 hour day and night shifts).
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Commence each batch fermentation campaign and in collaboration with process operators progress through the multi stage process.
- Coordinate and schedule the laboratory operations to ensure that the plant runs efficiently and continuously.
- Collection of plant samples and their analysis using various techniques including microbiological, analytical and wet chemistry.
- Work with technical team members and wider process team to maintain the continual operation of our process thus ensuring deadlines & KPIs are met.
- You will work on your own initiative to ensure prompt appropriate corrective action is taken whenever necessary and ensure adequate recording and communication of any action taken/required.
- Provide the Process Operator with scientific guidance to manage both the batch fermentation process and continuous distillation.
- Operate, manage and continually contribute to the optimisation of the inoculation train and lab function, whilst supporting optimisation of the process.
- Demonstrate safe and hygienic working practices, ensuring that the requirements of the Integrated Management System are followed.
- Conduct relevant checks to ensure compliance, quality, efficiency/yield and volume is being achieved.
- Ensure compliance with H&S, Environmental and other legal requirements to produce safe products and co-products which meet strict quality parameters.
- Understand the requirements of GLP, SEPA, FEMAS and COSHH, and apply these in your role.
- Demonstrate high level of problem solving skills.
- Collaborate with wider business including Research & Innovation, Engineering & Projects and Finance
Do you have the following Skills, Experience and Qualifications?
- Science, engineering or manufacturing background.
- Previous fermentation or relevant laboratory experience.
- You are comfortable with being “hands-on”, operating and maintaining the early stage inoculation train.
- Understanding or GMP/GLP.
- Experience of working in a dynamic role where processes change and you need to adapt quickly.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- This could include amendment to plant schedules creation and updating site operating procedures and plant schedules, and communicating these with the wider operations team.
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience of working strictly within defined safety, environmental, quality standards and procedures.
Additional skills that are advantageous
- Scientific and/or relevant biotech/pharma background.
- Working knowledge of laboratory instrumentation including HPLC and GC and Karl Fischer analysis.
- Experience of fermentation and/or continuous distillation.
- COSHH trained.
- A natural interest in environmental sustainability would be an advantage.