Microalgae R&D Lead

• Oversee microalgae R&D: Act as the technical lead in shaping, directing, and managing all algae-related scientific work, ensuring rigor, feasibility, and alignment with commercial goals
• Lab capability: Able to set up and run in-house trials if required, but primarily responsible for defining, designing, and directing experimental approaches—whether internally or with external partners—covering cultivation conditions, system design, and downstream processing
• Process development & optimisation: Provide expert input into cultivation technology, including photobioreactor design, sensor integration, cultivation media, aeration, mixing and hydrodynamics, and light distribution. Guide optimisation from lab-scale concepts to commercially viable systems
• External engagement: Represent the company in collaborations with academic groups, suppliers, and industry partners across the UK/EU microalgae ecosystem
• Networking: Build and strengthen ties within the microalgae community to support both R&D progress and commercial opportunities

• PhD or MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or related field, with significant hands-on experience in microalgae
• Demonstrated expertise in microalgae cultivation (lab and pilot/commercial scale)
• Strong understanding of extraction and downstream processing methods (natural products/bioprocessing experience preferred)
• Experience in process development or scale-up from lab to industry
• Entrepreneurial mindset: self-starter, adaptable, resourceful, comfortable working in a lean start-up environment
• Collaborative: team-oriented, and open to direction—able to contribute constructively within a small, agile team
• Commercial awareness: with ability to evaluate processes not only technically but also for cost and scalability

established network within the UK/EU algae research and industry community—or the ability to proactively build and engage such a network

• Employee stock options: in a pre-seed funded start-up
• Flexibility: in location and hours, with scope to grow into a full-time salaried role
• High autonomy: and the opportunity to directly shape the R&D path of a growing company
• Mission-driven: impact-focused environment at the intersection of sustainability, science, and entrepreneurship