Biology Technician

Better Origin is hiring a Biology Technician in Cambridge, UK, to conduct lab-based research on Black Soldier Fly. Responsibilities include designing experiments, maintaining insect strains, and data analysis. The role requires experience in biological experiments, a proactive attitude, and proficiency in Microsoft software. A PhD in Biology or Entomology is desirable. The company focuses on innovative solutions to reduce food waste and improve the food chain.
About Better Origin

Our food chain is broken - the system that can barely feed 7 billion people will not feed 10 billion we’re expected to reach by 2050. And while it's hard to imagine that things could be different, they have to be.

At Better Origin, our mission is to fix the broken food chain. We are inspired by nature and how it deals with waste, with nutrients always flowing in a circular system.

Our solution use insects - nature's best up cyclers - to transform food waste into a range of innovative products, from animal feed to pet food. With the help of AI and robotics the larvae find their place back into the food chain, reducing food waste and emissions, making circular economy possible.

Why join us?

We’re backed by world-class investors at Balderton Capital, Fly Ventures and Metavallon VC. We're working with supermarkets and food producers to roll out our technology in the UK and the EU. In 2021, we signed a contract with Morrisons to convert their fruit and veg waste and create a carbon neutral egg line.

Following our $16m Series A round raised to support technology and team scaleup, we are looking to hire the best people that make Better Origin a great place to work.

We are very proud of our values and want to attract those who feel motivated by them as much as we are. Some of our key values include:
• Customer obsession
• No waste
• Challenge makes us grow
• Accountability drives excellence
• Respect each other
• Keep it simple, keep it done

Requirements

Your Role
As a Biology Technician you will play a key role in improving our understanding of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). You will be responsible for running a variety of lab-based research trials including optimising insect diet formulations using food surplus, performing microbiological experiments, and improving and maintaining R&D genetically differentiated insect strains.

You will be joining a small team of highly passionate and enthusiastic scientists, who will support in your training and future development as a specialist within the team. You will also gain accessibility to broader research in the Black Soldier Fly biology space across our external networks and academic partners.

Role specifics:
• Designing and executing scientific experiments from setup to completion
• Independently running lab trials from microbiological to feedstock experiments
• Carrying out routine nutritional and microbiological analysis
• Handling research strain maintenance e.g. preparing feed, feeding larvae and managing breeding fly populations
• Following experimental plans, collecting data and performing data analysis
• Compiling written reports and verbally presenting results
• Maintaining a clean and organised lab space and working environment

What we're looking for:
• Proven ability running complex biological experiments / trials in a commercial or academic environment e.g. pipetting, serial dilutions, data collection and analysis
• Hard-working and proactive approach, wanting to drive change and make a positive impact
• Not put-off by getting your hands dirty, or working in an environment with bad odours and live insects
• Proficient user of Excel and other Microsoft software. Experience with a data analytics tool e.g. R, SQL, Python (desirable)
• PhD in Biology / Entomology / equivalent field (desirable)
• Prior experience working with insects (desirable)

Please note - due to our site locations and nature of this role, you will need access to your own vehicle and be able to travel between our central site in Fulbourn, CB21 5DA and our labs in Cambridge, CB4 2HY.

Benefits
• 25 days holiday + birthday leave + bank holidays
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Private health insurance
• Cycle to Work + Electric Car schemes
• Learning and Development budget
• Monthly company social days + annual company events
• Fully stocked staff kitchen
• Company laptop

You can find more information about us at www.betterorigin.co.uk

Better Origin embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.