Laboratory Technician

Direct message the job poster from ISS - Ínclita Seaweed Solutions

ISS is an innovative and sustainable Portuguese marine biotech startup, dedicated to the discovery, development, production and commercialisation of sustainable and innovative ingredients derived from seaweeds, tailored to the needs of customers in cosmetics, nutraceuticals and pet care. ISS is a spin‑off from CIIMAR and is well funded and supported by a lead investor which is a sizeable independent VC firm in Portugal with proven experience in successfully propelling Iberian startups into international markets.

Role Summary

We are seeking a motivated Lab Technician to join our R&D and Production team. The candidate will be responsible for executing extraction procedures from seaweeds and conducting quality control analyses on raw, intermediate and final products. The role involves performing microbiological, biochemical, and organoleptic tests to ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements. The candidate will also be responsible for ensuring the proper cleaning, sanitisation, sterilisation and storage of laboratory materials, equipment, and lab installations.

As a valuable member of the ISS R&D team based in Portugal, you will work closely with the Extraction Department Lead and/or the R&D Manager, as well as formulation teams, supporting both ingredient development and product validation.

What is the role?

• Perform extraction protocols (food/cosmetic‑grade methods).
• Conduct routine quality control analyses, including microbiological and biochemical assays (p
  H, moisture content, protein/polysaccharide/phenolic quantification, antioxidant capacity determination) and organoleptic evaluation methods in raw, intermediate and final products.
• Accurately record, process, and report experimental and quality control data.
• Support sample preparation, labelling, and storage.
• Ensure the proper cleaning, sanitisation, sterilisation and storage of laboratory materials, equipment, and lab installations.
• Support laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with SOPs, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Assist in the receipt, identification, and storage of materials, supplies, and reagents, ensuring compliance with safety and traceability standards.
• Support the management and control of stock, including inventory, requisition, and replenishment of supplies and reagents.
• Collaborate with the R&D team in troubleshooting and process optimisation.

What we need from you

Skills:

• Technical/academic background: BSc or Technical Diploma in Biology, Biotechnology, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques (pipetting, weighing, solution preparation).
• Familiarity with microbiological methods (plating, counting, aseptic technique).
• Knowledge of biochemical assays, namely spectrophotometric analysis.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain accurate lab records.
• Strong attention to detail, organisation, and data reliability.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Nice to have

• Prior experience as a lab technician in an industrial environment.
• Hands‑on work experience with natural‑derived materials.
• Knowledge of ISO standards for cosmetics and/or food (e. g. ISO 21149, ISO 17516).
• Experience with analytical techniques.
• Basic understanding of regulatory requirements (cosmetic GMP, nutraceutical guidelines).
• Interest in sustainable biotechnology and marine bioresources.

Character

You are a team player with a nice personality that focuses on actions and results, and you are:

• Reliable and trustworthy: respects protocols and maintains data integrity.
• Curious and proactive: interested in learning new methods and improving processes.
• Hands‑on and practical: enjoys routine lab work and takes pride in precision.
• Collaborative: works well within a team, communicates clearly, and supports colleagues.
• Resilient under routine: comfortable with repetitive tasks but maintains consistency and care.
• Aligned with sustainability values: motivated by working with natural and marine‑derived products.
• Keen to get things done.
• Committed to joining a long‑term effort to build a global, market‑leading company (it may take 3‑5 years).

What you can expect

• A well‑funded startup supported by an independent VC firm in Portugal as lead investor.
• Founders and senior executives who encourage a high‑EQ culture.
• Competitive salary and benefits comparable to similar startups and SMEs.
• On‑site work in Portugal.
• A high‑performing young startup that relies on a healthy culture, starting with the people we hire and how they interact.

Location

– Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal.

Application Process

– Applications must be formalised by e‑mail to info@inclitaseaweedsolutions.com and must explicitly state the announcement reference: ISS – Lab Technician.

– Application must include a curriculum vitae, detailed and structured, announcement identification, full name, and contact address, including e‑mail address and telephone.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology