Job description
Salary Range: £25,000-£28,000
Applications Close - 18th August 12:00pm
ABOUT US:
Modern Synthesis is crafting the next generation of biomaterials by connecting the dots between biology, material science and design. We’re on a mission to create sustainable materials which reduce the fashion industry’s dependence on petrochemicals - without sacrificing performance or creativity. Our first material, which is grown by bacteria, is fully biodegradable and astonishingly strong. You can read more about it on our website.
We believe that big magic happens when disparate disciplines, perspectives and ideas collide. As a team of biologists, chemists, designers, engineers, business experts, robots and microbes, we get to witness this magic on a daily basis. From our strong culture of debate (hot takes always welcome ️) to our bi-weekly deep dives, we intentionally embed collaboration and growth into everything we do.
We hire people, not roles, so we can be flexible on scope. We strongly encourage you to apply if you think you’re qualified for a portion of this role, and can demonstrate a proven ability to take on new skills and challenges.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We’re looking for a Lab Technician to assist in our upstream biomaterial production as well as in the daily operations of our lab. You’ll be supporting cutting edge R&D, and assisting in our sample production to develop the future of biomaterial technologies. You’ll work with our technology and product teams to produce materials for projects with global brand.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Upstream Production
- Carrying out upstream production activities and adhering to detailed Standard Operating Procedures;
Weighing and preparation of raw materials
Processing raw materials
Labelling and allocation of processed material
Ensure all upstream requested production is met for all departments
Perform required lab activities in a safe and diligent manner
Collect, log and present precise production data. This may include yields, quality checks and various product metrics
Laboratory Management
Managing the hygiene of the workplace through regular, scheduled cleaning and waste management
Daily maintenance of equipment used in the production and laboratory activities
Regular stock takes and monitoring of stock levels
Liaising with other departments for planning, material updates and change management
Completion of production records and supporting paperwork
Keeping an up to date stock and management of all required PPE
Collaborate with production partners and suppliers on the handling and completion of orders
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent experience of 2-3 years in a laboratory setting
Proactive with high attention to detail
Comfortable performing repetitive tasks consistently and to a high standard
Comfortable wearing suitable PPE according to company policy when required (we are an inclusive workplace so please let us know if you have any specialist requirements for wearing PPE)
Strong interpersonal skills; able to collaborate with and support team members from different backgrounds and disciplines
Interest in sustainability and/or circularity
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
The following skills and experience are not required for the role, but would be beneficial for a successful applicant:
Chemistry or Biology lab experience
Experience in a production manufacturing environment
Aseptic technique experience or knowledge of aseptic techniques
Interest in the intersection of fashion, materials and biology
BENEFITS:
Company Pension Scheme
28 Days Annual Leave
Private Health Insurance, including vision and stipends
Enhance Parental Leave Policy
Flexible working hours and WFH where possible
Cycle-to-work Scheme
Headspace Subscription
Dog-friendly office in Balham
Access to state-of-the-art testing and analytical facilities
Personalised Learning and Development plan, with individual budget and LinkedIn Learning account
OUR VALUES:
Co-Culture - We Co-Culture Change
Co-Culture reflects our commitment to cross-pollination internally and externally, our ability to lean on one another, and our role as a catalyst in both business and culture.
Growth - We Put Growth on a Pedestal
Growth speaks to our inspiration and creative use of biology, our bias towards impact and scale, and our dedication to empowering industry to ‘grow up’ from a harmful past.
By Design - We Do It All By Design
By Design articulates the intentionality, empathy and creativity built into every aspect of our work. It also denotes the importance of accountability and our adherence to core design thinking principles.
MODERN SYNTHESIS ED&I STATEMENT
Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. The greatest ideas stem from a variety of perspectives, and an environment that supports equal representation and opportunities for all.
We are committed to driving global change. We only have one planet we all call home, and we need to work together to protect it. We believe in collaboration and a culture of debate. Disagreements are a chance to refocus our direction. We call this co-culture.
We welcome people of all races, genders, religions, ages, backgrounds, and abilities to our workplace and are committed to ensuring all our employees are safe, heard, represented and provided with every opportunity to thrive.
Equally we will act with integrity, purpose and respect in everything we do. We too are human. We will likely make mistakes and need to continue evolving our approach to ED&I as the world around us changes.
OUR HIRING PROCESS
Round 0. Apply online
Round 1. 25 minute exploratory phone interview where we’ll dive into your experience and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis
Round 3. 1 hour interview where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role. The interview will take place on-site in our Balham office.