Research Lead

at  Holiferm

ABOUT US

Holiferm is facilitating the transition of the $42 billion surfactant market away from harmful, fossil fuel-based chemicals to biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. We are spearheading research and production into this innovative technology and, as such, are offering the opportunity to make an impact towards a more sustainable future. Our patented fermentation process with integrated gravity separation technology enables us to produce competitively priced biosurfactants at a commercial scale.
At Holiferm, you will have the platform to broaden your skills by working with field leaders within a dynamic, collaborative and inclusive working environment. Whether you are based in our research and development laboratory in Manchester or our commercial plant in Wallasey, you will have the freedom and autonomy to drive innovation and change.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Holiferm is looking for experienced research project lead(s) to lead a team driving down manufacturing costs, improving sustainability and bringing new molecules through from ideation to market as part of a technology team. The applicant(s) will be responsible for working with the team to set priorities and goals, then ensuring the team delivers against them, as well as working with the CTO and leadership to set the technology strategy for the company. The applicant should expect to have a broad picture perspective, with substantial collaborations with both internal and external partners both inside and outside of the applicant’s field of knowledge.

WHAT YOU’LL DO AT HOLIFERM

Setting priorities and goals

• Understand the key company drivers and priorities, calculating the potential impacts of different changes on ROI, profitability and LCA
• Work with the team and the CTO to set the project goals

Leading the team

• Ensure the team are focused and motivated to tackle the goals with the easiest approach prioritised, playing to the team’s strengths.
• Remove bottlenecks for the team; be prepared to get your hands dirty across a variety of areas such as BD, supply chain, finances as well as technical.

Working with partners

• Work with other departments in Holiferm to support commercialisation - e.g. commercial team for initial market feedback, projects team for implantation of new cost-saving technology on plant, operations for operational scale up.
• Seek out and lead relationships with external partners on JDAs and grants.

WHAT YOU’VE DONE BEFORE

• Demonstrated ability to bring a technology from the lab to commercialisation and/or drive down manufacturing costs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team delivering EBIT improvement or cost saving. We would expect this to range from £Ms to £10Ms depending on the applicant’s experience.
• Demonstrated ability to understand manufacturing costs, LCAs and prioritisation from a high level.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with external partners and find win-win solutions and secure £Ms in JDAs or grants.
  Note- there is no need to have done these in the fermentation industry.