Bioreactor technologist

Want to help change how the world is fed?
Uncommon began its journey as Higher Steaks and recently underwent a transformative rebranding. Our new brand and identity truly reflects our mission, values, and the positive global impact we want to have. We transform the global food system by making delicious and nutritious food – from animal cells and plants. We are pioneering the development of cultivated meat to solve some of the world’s growing challenges in health, sustainability and animal welfare.
We're a purpose, science and engineering-driven company dedicated to creating breakthrough technologies that will push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Our brilliant team are experts in their respective fields, drawn from around the world. We’re passionate, curious, innovative and at the forefront of the ground-breaking work being done in this exciting and rapidly growing sector. Uncommon is a well-funded biotech company; we’ve experienced spectacular growth over the last few years and continue to accelerate every month.
We are growing rapidly again this year so this is a great time to join us and solve one of the most important challenges we face today!
 
The role
Our Bioprocess team focuses on developing and optimising cell culture processes at the intersection of cell culture R&D, media development, and food manufacturing. As part of this team, you'll contribute to process development, collaborate with colleagues to tackle unprecedented challenges, and support production scaling efforts. Your main responsibility will be operating bioreactors (at a 5+ litre scale) to deliver high-quality mammalian stem cell culture batches. These batches are then utilised by Food Scientists to create innovative bacon and belly pork products.
We offer a fast-paced, dynamic environment where we push the boundaries every day. You'll receive the necessary support and training to make a significant impact across our complex operations.
This full-time role is based onsite in our state-of-the-art facility in Cambridge, UK, and may involve variable work schedules, including weekends and non-traditional hours, to meet operational demands.

What you’ll be doing:
- Take charge of executing experiments in our bioreactors across different scales, from bench to pilot, and collaborate closely with other technical teams to drive progress and achieve project goals.
- Actively contribute to process optimisation efforts, ensuring the robustness and scalability of our bioprocessing methods.
- Play a key role in the specification, installation, and operation of new bioprocessing equipment, contributing to the continuous improvement of our capabilities.
- Support the creation and maintenance of comprehensive batch documentation, including reports, SOPs, batch records, bioprocessing schedules, and experimental reports, in accordance with our rigorous quality procedures.
- Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and closely monitor critical process parameters to ensure the timely production of batches that meet our stringent quality standards.

What we think you need:
- Undergraduate degree in Life Sciences or a related field, or demonstrate equivalent practical experience.
- Strong understanding of mammalian cell culture, bioreactors/fermenters, and GMP manufacturing, including knowledge of associated safety and quality considerations.
- Familiarity with aseptic and sterile operating techniques.
- Ability to work autonomously, diligently following instructions, taking ownership, and proactively troubleshooting and resolving issues.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Organized approach to work and meticulous attention to detail with a results-oriented mindset, demonstrating persistence in overcoming obstacles to achieve goals.
- Thrive in a fast-paced team environment, collaborating effectively across diverse disciplines such as R&D, bioprocessing, manufacturing, and product development.
- Be open to flexible working arrangements to meet critical production targets and deadlines.
We’d love it if you also have:
- Hands-on experience operating bioreactors.
- Experience in culturing stem cells.

Please be advised that we are unable to sponsor visas for this role. Only candidates who already have the full Right to Work in the United Kingdom without sponsorship will be considered for this position.

Reward
Alongside a competitive base salary, all our people get these benefits:
- Share options
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Enhanced parental leave pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme and gym membership
- "Make your work life easier" annual stipend
- Regular team dinners and social activities
- Flexible hours
- Snacks, fruits, tea, coffee and more!