Senior Laboratory Technician (Microbiology & Molecular Biology)

P.Happi® / B.Y.M. Technologies

Location: West London, Lab-Based Day to Day

Salary: £160–£200/day (depending on experience)

Start Date: Target start date April/May

Contract: 12-month fixed-term (potential to become permanent)

Working: Full-time, lab-based (in person)

ABOUT P.HAPPI®

P.Happi is a London-based biotech start-up focused on women’s intimate health. Founded in 2020 by Dr Chiara Board (Imperial College), the company develops innovative microbiome-based solutions using Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus - a natural bacterial predator that targets harmful Gram-negative bacteria while preserving beneficial lactobacilli.

Following the successful launch of our first product in 2024, P.Happi is now available online, in Boots, Pharmacy2U, and across the EU.

As we enter our next phase of growth, we are focused on scaling production to reach more women across the UK and beyond. This role will play a critical part in ensuring reliable day-to-day lab operations, meeting production targets, and supporting the optimisation and scale-up of our processes.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are looking for a highly practical, hands-on Senior Laboratory Technician or Lab Manager to take ownership of lab operations, production, and process optimisation.

This is not an academic role. We are seeking someone who enjoys executing, organising, and improving real-world lab processes, and is motivated by being actively involved in day-to-day lab work and production. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced start-up environment and takes pride in keeping systems running smoothly and efficiently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production & Scale-Up

-         Execute and optimise production of live bacterial (Bdellovibrio) powder

-         Coordinate with manufacturing partners

-         Manage batch planning and timelines

Lab Operations

-         Run day-to-day lab activities independently

-         Maintain organisation, workflows, and protocols

-         Troubleshoot issues efficiently

Inventory & Equipment

-         Manage stock levels of media, consumables, and reagents, including optimising purchasing, supplier selection, and cost efficiency

-         Ensure the lab is fully stocked, organised, and ready for use at all times

-         Maintain, service, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation

Quality Control

-         Monitor quality and activity of biological material

-         Maintain documentation and safety standards

Team Support

-         Support staff and contribute to a collaborative environment

Reporting & Communication

-         Document lab activities and production outcomes

-         Support internal updates and external communications

Process Improvement

-         Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements

-         Support scaling from lab to production

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

-         3–7+ years hands-on lab experience in microbiology or molecular biology

-         Strong practical lab skills and independent working ability

-         Experience managing lab operations or workflows

-         Highly organised and detail-oriented

Desirable

-         Experience with bacterial culture, fermentation, or similar biological systems

-         Experience in production, scale-up, or process-driven lab environments

-         Exposure to quality control or regulated environments

Personal Traits

-         Highly practical and solution-oriented, with a strong hands-on approach

-         Proactive, reliable, and takes ownership of day-to-day responsibilities

-         Interested in building a long-term role within a growing company, rather than a short-term academic step

-         Comfortable working in a fast-moving start-up environment

-         Strong communicator with the ability to work across teams

Note:

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds. A PhD or Postdoc is not required for this role - we place greater value on years of hands-on experience, practical skills, and the ability to run and improve lab processes independently and stay with us long-term.

What We Offer

-         Real responsibility and ownership from day one

-         Opportunity to transition into a permanent role as the company grows

-         Work on cutting-edge microbiome science in a women’s health start-up, contributing to solutions that make a meaningful difference

-         Direct exposure to the start-up environment and close collaboration with the leadership team

-         Based in a modern, dynamic lab space in West London