Colorifix is a biotechnology company that aims to bring a novel, sustainable and environmentally friendly process to the textile dyeing industry by eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals as well as allowing for large savings in water and energy use. Colorifix has been recognised by winning awards in both synthetic biology and fashion, with full information available on our website.

We promote and adhere to our company values of Trust, Sustainability, Respect, Inclusivity and Social Conscience.

Colorifix is seeking a Fermentation Technician to support the production of sustainable microbial dyes. In this hands-on role, you will manage the preparation, execution, and analysis of fermentation processes ranging from 0.6L to 30L. As a key member of the Lab-scale Process Development team, you will accelerate the validation and scaling of dye-producing strains, ensuring bioprocesses are robust and ready for transfer to commercial manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fermentation Operations

• Aseptic preparation: Perform daily setup, inoculation, sampling, and harvesting of various-scale bioreactors/fermenters (0.6L- 30L) following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under aseptic conditions.

• Process monitoring: Continuously monitor and control fermentation parameters on small and pilot-scale bioreactors.

• Sampling: Perform in-process sampling and testing (e.g., cell density, glucose concentration, viability) and prepare samples for downstream analysis.

• CIP: Execute Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) cycles for bioreactors and associated process equipment.

2. Supporting activities

• Media preparation: Prepare and sterilise fermentation media, buffers, and feed solutions accurately according to batch records and formulation sheets.

• Analytics: Prepare fermentation samples for HPLC processing using chemical extraction methods. Carry out HPLC runs and collate data.

3. Maintenance and Documentation

• Calibration: Assist in the routine preventative maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of probes, sensors, pumps, and process lines on lab-scale fermenters.

• Documentation: Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all executed batch records, including process parameters, fermentation on-line and off-line data, process deviations, equipment logs, and cleaning validation forms.

• Troubleshooting: Identify and troubleshoot routine equipment malfunctions or deviations in the fermentation process and escalate complex issues to senior members of the team.

Qualifications and Skills:

Required -

• Education: Undergraduate degree or equivalent in fermentation, bioprocess, microbiology, chemical engineering or a related science is highly preferred.

• Experience: 1–3 years of hands-on experience in an industrial fermentation, biomanufacturing, or laboratory setting. Academic experience accepted but candidates with industrial background prioritised.

• Technical skills:

  • Proven ability to work aseptically and experience operating and maintaining laboratory or pilot-scale bioreactors/fermenters.

  • Familiarity with bacterial microbiology and applied fermentation.

  • Mathematical aptitude for calculating rates, ratios, etc.

• Soft skills:

  • Pragmatic approach to problem solving.

  • Meticulous approach to following complex SOPs and maintaining accurate documentation.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods, and work with chemical and biological materials.

  • Team player.

  • Sense of urgency and commitment to the mission.

Preferred -

• Experience running an HPLC is a significant advantage.

• Willingness and ability to work flexible shifts, including weekends, as fermentation processes often require continuous monitoring.

Title: Fermentation Technician

Reports to: Senior Lab-scale Process Development Scientist

Location: Vila Nova De Famalicao, Portugal

Holidays: 22 + BH + Birthday