JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
REPORTS TO:
AGREED BY:
BUSINESS UNIT:
LOCATION:
DATE:
1.
Senior Biochemist
Principal Bioscientist
Sustainable Processing
Wilton Centre, Redcar
August 2013
PURPOSE
Reporting to the Principal Bioscientist of the Sustainable Processing Platform, the
jobholder will provide technical leadership and practical biochemical skills on a
Research and Technological Development project involving the degradation of the
biogenic component of municipal solid waste. The jobholder will help to define
experimental programs and take a lead role in their execution and delivery.
The post requires a biochemist with a deep knowledge of enzymes, ability to work in
both laboratory and pilot plant environments and an adaptable approach to problem
solving. The role would be particularly suited to a Postdoctoral Scientist or graduate
biochemist with experience in the application of enzymes in industrial processes.
2.
DIMENSIONS
Technical - Competency in a broad range of techniques required for lab-scale and
pilot plant scale enzyme reactions. Experience in enzyme assays and all standard
protein analysis methods.
Good customer personnel skills, the ability to understand requirements and deliver
the results.
3.
ORGANISATION CHART
Principal Development
Technologist
Principal
Microbiologist
Senior
Microbiologist
431_Senior Biochemist
September 2013
Principal
Bioscientist
Senior
Microbiologist
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Fermentation
Scientist
Senior
Biochemist
4.
5.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

To carry out all activities to agreed SHE and quality standards, taking a clear
position in order to identify and implement actions for improvement. Deputising
for the Principal Bioscientist in their absence.

To support the technical leaders and project management in scoping and
defining experimental work programmes. Working within a broad based
instruction but with a fixed time framework, the job holder must organise the
work efficiently to deliver accurate and timely results.

To ensure all results, conclusions and recommendations are captured using the
appropriate IT based monitoring and archive system to enable the storage,
retrieval and use of the data, including recommendations for IPR value
development.

To maintain all the equipment such that it operates in a safe and efficient
manner and is available to fulfil project needs.

To deliver presentations and provide reports as required for the project

To collaborate closely with the scale up operations team to ensure excellent
technical transfer of processes. To provide flexible and efficient organization of
work and ongoing development of skills.

To maintain an up-to-date knowledge of developments within their area of
expertise.

To contribute to the training and development of less experienced colleagues.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The jobholder will hold a PhD in biochemistry or be a graduate with relevant industrial
experience with strong skills in enzymology and biotech plant processes. The ability
to develop enzyme reaction processes and to transfer process development learned
from the laboratory to the plant is also an important aspect of the position.
Specific experience or knowledge of biomass degradation processes or the
application of cellulases and related enzymes would be a distinct advantage.
The jobholder has to operate in a multicultural and multifunctional environment and
be able to work effectively with teams. The jobholder will be expected to effectively
plan and execute experimental programmes and must be capable of independent
work without supervision.
Excellent communication skills across functions and at all levels within the
organisation are essential to co-ordinate the detailed experimental programmes of
work with the needs of the various personnel involved in the delivery of projects.
Key personal skills required to effectively fulfill the job role include independence,
initiative, analytical thinking, a strong attention to detail and self-motivation coupled
with good interpersonal skills.
431_Senior Biochemist
September 2013
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Experience of operating and implementing safe systems of work, COSHH
regulations, good microbiological practice and other Health & Safety procedures will
be mandatory.
431_Senior Biochemist
September 2013
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