Tech industry jobs in NorwichCreate job alerts

NO RECRUITERS Location: Norwich Research Park, NR4 7UH Expected start date: July 2026 Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent, with standard 6-month probation Salary: £38,000 - £50,000 annually (based on experience) + pension, benefits, and generous share options Company Overview BugBiome is developing bioinsecticides derived from the crop microbiome. We isolate and characterise beneficial microbes, screening them for natural insecticidal properties using phenotypic screening of insect behaviour. Role Summary We're looking for a product-focused microbiologist to lead the product development of microbial insecticides from early efficacy through to scalable, field-ready products. This is a hands-on role for someone with a strong foundation in fermentation and microbial development, who is excited to take ownership of product pipelines rather than single workstreams. You will act as the bridge between screening, and external partners leading on fermentation and formulation to translate promising microbial strains into robust, commercially viable products aligned with defined Target Product Profiles (TPPs). This role is ideal for someone who enjoys lab based R+D alongside end-to-end product ownership, combining technical depth with strategic thinking and collaboration to develop good products that can be used to protect crops from interesting hits. Key Responsibilities Product Development & Pipeline Ownership • Lead the progression of microbial assets from initial efficacy → formulation → product characterisation → field readiness, • Drive development against defined Target Product Profiles (TPPs) across multiple products with support of senior management in defining TPPs, • Lead fermentation strategy and optimisation, • Translate strains into scalable, stable production processes, • Optimise for yield, robustness, and cost of goods (COGs), • Oversee strain performance optimisation and development workflows, • Define and implement analytical methods and QC inputs/outputs e.g. LC-MS, • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on formulation development, • Guide product stability, storage, and shelf-life strategy, • Act as the interface between screening, process development, and external collaborators, • Confidently hand off and take ownership of workstreams across disciplines, • Develop and maintain SOPs and development frameworks to support scaling and reproducibility, • Contribute to mentoring junior scientists and shaping the product development function as the company grows Required Skills and Experience Education & Background • MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, or related field, • Strong experience in microbial scale-up, and characterisation (essential), • Experience translating microbial strains into scalable processes or products, • Background in molecular biology, synthetic biology or genetic engineering (desirable), • Experience working across R&D to product development and in early-stage research, • Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stage development projects, • Strong experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, • Experience with SOP development and process documentation, • Experience developing biopesticides or crop protection products, • Experience working with Bacillus, EPFs, or other microbial biocontrol agents, • Experience collaborating or managing external partners (e.g. CROs, formulation or manufacturing partners), • Ownership: Lead product development from discovery to real-world impact, • Culture: Hands-on startup environment with a diverse, driven team, • Facilities: Greenhouse facilities and labs within Norwich Research Park, • Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays), flexible hours, pension, share options, and monthly team socials Diversity Statement BugBiome is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process. Let us know if you have any special requirements. Location: Norwich, UK. Must have UK work authorization; unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas. Application Process To apply, please email the following documents to and with the subject line: "Application for Product Development Microbiologist Role" • Cover Letter: Summarise your suitability for the role and explain why you're excited to join BugBiome., • CV: A maximum of 2 pages outlining your relevant experience and education. NO RECRUITERS