Laboratory Technician
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester
Salary: c£29K (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 Laboratory Technician to play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our Innovation laboratory at Holiferm during an exciting period of growth and innovation.
This is a broad, hands-on role for someone who takes pride in keeping a lab running smoothly, enjoys working as part of a collaborative laboratory team, and is comfortable moving between routine laboratory management and active bioprocess support. You will work closely with engineers, research assistants, and the wider team, ensuring our laboratory environment is safe, well-organised, and equipped to support high-quality research and development.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Supporting equipment upkeep across the lab, including calibrations, probe management, pump maintenance, and scheduled deep cleans.
- Managing inventory and ordering, from tracking chemical and bioreactor stock to receiving deliveries and keeping records up to date
- Maintaining a clean, organised, and compliant lab environment, including routine housekeeping, consumable restocking, and waste management
- Contributing to process development by providing sampling, sample preparation, and data entry support
- Assisting with material characterisation activities such as feedstock analysis, product quality control, and related procedures
- Championing a 5S culture and safe working practices in everything you do
You’ll be based at Trafford Park, Manchester. Standard working hours of 40 hours per week working 8 hours per day between the hours of 08:00–18:00 Monday to Friday.
About You
You're a practical, detail-oriented laboratory professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced Innovation/Laboratory environment and takes ownership of the tasks that keep a lab functioning at its best. You're comfortable with routine maintenance and operational support, while also being curious and capable enough to contribute to experimental and analytical work when needed. The role requires you to work autonomously and proactively, demonstrating accountability of tasks and seeing them through to completion.
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.
