About 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. Also, the candidadte will be responsible to ensuring the proper cleaning, sanitisation, sterilisation, and storage of laboratory materials, equipment, and lab installations.
You will be a valuable member of the ISS R&D team of an up-and-coming marine biotech startup 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.
Where you fit in
You will be part of ISS’s R&D Team. You will actively contribute to the maintenance of R&D operations by keeping the lab essentials in the most organised order. Your input will be essential to assure our quality standards.
What is the role?
- Perform extraction protocols (food/cosmetic-grade methods).
- Conduct routine quality control analyses, including microbiological and biochemical assays (pH, moisture content, protein/polysaccharide/phenolic quantification, as well as antioxidant capacity determination), as well as 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 stocks, including inventory, requisition, and replenishment of supplies and reagents;
- Collaborate with the R&D team in troubleshooting and process optimization.
What we need from you?
To succeed in this role, you will have the following:
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 Good Manufacturing Practices, 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 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 of senior and executive level experts, where every member raises the team’s EQ.
- Competitive salary and benefits vs. similar startups and SMEs.
- On-site work.
- A high-performing young startup that relies on a healthy culture, starting with the people we hire and how they interact.
- To have a team of people who like each other, are happy with their work, are committed and motivated, and communicate well, we believe that working together, shoulder to shoulder in the office, is essential.
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 email address and telephone.
