Microalgae R&D Lead

Location: London preferred (remote considered within UK/EU)
Type: Initially part-time / flexible hours, with potential to grow into a full-time role
Compensation: Employee stock options; salary to be added as funding milestones are reached

Who we are

FutureAlgae is a pre-seed funded start-up developing sustainable, cost-effective production of
microalgae-derived ingredients. Our mission is to unlock microalgae as a scalable and transparent
source of high-value natural compounds to replace unsustainable alternatives.
As a young start-up, we value collaboration, trust, and flexibility. We’re looking for someone who
thrives in a team setting and enjoys building together in a dynamic environment.

What will be your key responsibilities

● Oversee microalgae R&D: Act as the technical lead in shaping, directing, and managing all
algae-related scientific work, ensuring rigor, feasibility, and alignment with commercial goals.
● Lab capability: Able to set up and run in-house trials if required, but primarily responsible for
defining, designing, and directing experimental approaches—whether internally or with external
partners—covering cultivation conditions, system design, and downstream processing.
● Process development & optimisation: Provide expert input into cultivation technology, including
photobioreactor design, sensor integration, cultivation media, aeration, mixing and hydrodynamics,
and light distribution. Guide optimisation from lab-scale concepts to commercially viable systems.
● External engagement: Represent the company in collaborations with academic groups, suppliers,
and industry partners across the UK/EU microalgae ecosystem.
● Networking: Build and strengthen ties within the microalgae community to support both R&D
progress and commercial opportunities.

Who are we looking for

● PhD or MSc: in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, or related field, with
significant hands-on experience in microalgae.
● Demonstrated expertise: in microalgae cultivation (lab and pilot/commercial scale).
● Strong understanding: of extraction and downstream processing methods (natural
products/bioprocessing experience preferred).
● Experience: in process development or scale-up from lab to industry.
● Entrepreneurial mindset: self-starter, adaptable, resourceful, comfortable working in a lean start-up
environment.
● Collaborative: team-oriented, and open to direction—able to contribute constructively within a
small, agile team.
● Commercial awareness: with ability to evaluate processes not only technically but also for cost and
scalability.
● Plus, not essential: established network within the UK/EU algae research and industry
community—or the ability to proactively build and engage such a network.

What We Offer

● Employee stock options: in a pre-seed funded start-up.
● Flexibility: in location and hours, with scope to grow into a full-time salaried role.
● High autonomy: and the opportunity to directly shape the R&D path of a growing company.
● Mission-driven: impact-focused environment at the intersection of sustainability, science, and
entrepreneurship.

Tagged as: biochemistry, chemical engineering, microalgae, R&D