About Green Bioactives

At Green Bioactives we are passionate about improving lives and making a positive impact on the world by developing and commercialising sustainable plant-derived natural products made using our innovative biomanufacturing platform.

Our proprietary Plant Cell Culture Technology has enabled us to revolutionise the way that plant-derived ingredients are produced, using sustainable methods of cultivation without the need to destroy trees or habitats. This means that, in a natural and sustainable way, we can reliably produce ingredients that may otherwise be challenging to obtain at the required volumes year-round.

Everyone at Green Bioactives is driven to do the right thing. We believe in a culture of honesty and transparency, where feedback is considered an opportunity for us to contribute to each other’s professional growth and development. We recognise the value of diversity and are an equal opportunity employer.

We are a highly collaborative team of scientists, technologists, industry experts and entrepreneurs, united by our mission to protect the environment and revolutionise plant biotechnology.

Position

The “Scientist I – Analytical Chemistry (Mass Spectrometry)” will work under the supervision of our Chemistry and Analysis Lead and will execute various laboratory processes involved in the production and analysis of metabolite extracts from our plant cell cultures. Tasks will include developing and validating LC-MS methods, preparing and analysing samples by LC-MS and other analytical methods, and operating and maintaining the LC-MS equipment. The role requires meticulous data collection and analysis along with collaboration with other members of the laboratory team and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Method Development: With guidance from the Chemistry and Analysis Lead and in collaboration with the wider laboratory team to develop, validate and optimise LC-MS and other analytical methods to identify and quantify target metabolites.
• Sample Analysis: Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing on a variety of samples using established protocols and instrumentation, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
• LC-MS Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure LC-MS equipment remains in good working order, liaising with external maintenance providers for more complex issues.
• Instrument Operation: Operate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, such as HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and other analytical tools.
• Solution and Sample Preparation: Perform routine biomolecule extraction and sample preparation from cultured plant cells using homogenisation, extraction, centrifugation, and filtration methodologies.  
• Data Collection: Record and document experimental procedures, observations, and results with precision and attention to detail.
• Data Analysis: Analyse and interpret analytical data, identify trends, and assist in drawing conclusions to support research projects and quality control processes.
• LC-MS Data Interpretation: Identify and structurally elucidate unknown metabolites through interpretation of LC-MS chromatograms and their associated spectra.
• Quality Control: Ensure that all testing procedures meet agreed quality standards and report any deviations or anomalies.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed records of experiments, procedures, and results using the company’s electronic laboratory notebook in accordance with company standards.
• Laboratory Safety: Adhere to and promote a culture of laboratory safety, following established safety protocols and guidelines and actively contributing to health and safety risk assessments.
• Inventory Management: Assist in maintaining laboratory supplies, reagents, and chemicals, and ensure their proper storage and organisation.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support ongoing research projects, troubleshoot issues, and share insights and findings.
• Training and Development: Participate in training sessions and seek continuous learning opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in analytical chemistry

Qualifications and Skills

Essential Criteria:

• BSc in Chemistry (or a related field) and 2+ years’ relevant experience.
• 2+ years’ experience with LC-MS method development (including hands-on operation of LC-MS equipment) and associated data analysis.
• Experience with structural elucidation from LC-MS.
• Strong foundation in fundamental analytical chemistry principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of analytical chemistry techniques including HPLC and other chromatography methods, UV-Vis spectroscopy and wet chemistry methods.
• Experience accurately weighing materials.
• Practical experience in extracting organic material from aqueous phase using liquid-liquid extractions.
• The ability to accurately follow protocols and procedures.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Computer literate.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and best practice.
• Right to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working under a quality management system (e.g., GLP).
• Practical experience conducting bioassays.
• Experience in statistical analysis and experimental design.
• Experience with an Orbitrap.
• Familiarity with analytical software and data analysis tools including Chromeleon, OpenLab software.
• Experience using electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) or electronic laboratory information management system (eLIMS) software (ideally Labguru).
• Understanding of regulatory requirements in the chemical industries.

Additional Information

• Job Title: Scientist I – Analytical Chemistry (Mass Spectrometry)
• Job Location: Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh, UK
• Job Type: Permanent, full-time
• Hours of Work: A minimum of 40 hours per week worked Monday to Friday, including a paid lunch break of up to 1 hour per day. Flexibility around the core working hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Salary: £35,000 - £41,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Benefits: 33 days’ holiday (pro-rated, inclusive of 8 public holidays), pension scheme.
• References: To be made available upon request.

At Green Bioactives, we value diversity and are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination. We offer support and make reasonable adjustments to facilitate full participation in the recruitment process. Please inform us of any requirements you may have, and we will consider reasonable adjustments.

Application submission guidance

For your application to be considered, please ensure that you submit it directly to Green Bioactives using the link provided. Any applications submitted by other means, such as email, post or via recruitment agencies may not be considered.

Recruitment agencies

Please note that we are not working with any recruitment agencies for this position. In the absence of a formal written agreement covering this vacancy, any CVs or candidate information submitted to us by a recruitment agency will be deemed to have been provided on a non-confidential basis. We reserve the right to contact, interview, and engage candidates submitted in this manner without any obligation to pay any fees or charges to the agency concerned.

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