Research Assistant
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester
Salary: c£31K (full-time & permanent position)
About Holiferm
Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market - moving the industry away from fossil fuel–based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible.
And while Holiferm may not be a household name you recognise, the brands we supply certainly are - from well-known global names to fast-growing, future-focused innovators. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling fast, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and help drive the next wave of growth.
When you join us, you’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive environment at our innovation laboratory in Manchester. You’ll have autonomy, support and platform to innovate, grow, and make a real impact.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Research Assistant to play a key role in driving forward project-based experimental work at our innovation laboratory at Holiferm during an exciting period of scientific growth and innovation.
This is a hands-on, project-focused role for someone who is passionate about laboratory science, eager to take ownership of day-to-day experimental delivery, and comfortable working across both practical bioprocess work and the planning and documentation that surrounds it. You will be embedded within a specific project team, working closely with engineers and project leads to design, execute, and report on experiments that push our research forward.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Running and monitoring bioreactors day-to-day, including fermentation support, reactor setup, sampling, and downstream processing activities
- Planning and executing experiments in collaboration with your project team, contributing to the design and interpretation of results.
- Preparing feedstocks, media, and reagents to support active fermentations and development work
- Operating and maintaining analytical equipment, including HPLC, and processing experimental data to support project reporting
- Supporting experiment documentation and report writing, ensuring findings are clearly recorded and communicated.
- Contributing to lab maintenance and equipment upkeep as part of a wider lab support team, helping to keep the environment safe, organised, and ready for research
- Championing rigorous scientific standards and Holiferm's values in everything you do
About You
You're a motivated, scientifically curious scientific professional who thrives in a fast-paced project environment and is looking to develop your career in hands-on Innovation. You have a solid foundation in laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, standard equipment use, and aseptic technique and are comfortable working with microbial systems. Experience with managing bioreactors and analytical instrumentation would be a bonus, though what matters most is a genuine enthusiasm for biotechnology and a desire to grow within it.
How You’ll Be Rewarded
We believe great work should feel genuinely rewarding - not just in what you do every day, but in how you’re supported. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary (based on experience).
- A strong benefits package that has your back - including a 7.5% employer pension contribution, income protection, life insurance (4x Salary) and comprehensive health, dental and mental health support (after 2 years).
- Share options, because we want you to grow with us as we scale.
- Flexible and hybrid working to help you balance life inside and outside of work.
- Access to an electric & plug‑in hybrid car scheme and a company reward/discount platform.
- Regular team events and socials (informal, inclusive, no pressure)
- Plus, a few extra perks that make day-to-day life that little bit easier.
And It’s Not Just Words - Our Culture Really Works This Way
We know lots of companies say they value openness, wellbeing and teamwork - but at Holiferm, it’s genuinely how we operate every day. People here look out for each other, share knowledge freely, and celebrate wins together. Leaders are approachable, feedback is welcomed, and you’ll always have the support you need to do your best work.
Our culture isn’t a poster on a wall - it’s how we show up for each other, how we solve problems, and how we make sure everyone feels included, respected and able to thrive.
Not sure you tick every box? No worries.
We know job adverts can sometimes make great people doubt themselves. If this role sounds exciting and you’ve got most of what we’re after, we’d really love you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.
Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities
Holiferm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace.
If you need any adjustments - whether during the application process or at interview - just let us know. We want you to feel comfortable, supported and able to show us your best self.
Key Words: Lab Technician, Fermentation, Upstream Process, Downstream Process, Aseptic techniques, Biosurfactants, Bioreactor, Research Assistant, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology
Application deadline: 12 noon on Monday 29th June.
