Laboratory Technician- Plant Cell Cultures

About Novella

Novella is a plant cell technology company specializing in precision botanicals for nutraceuticals and functional foods. By cultivating selected plant cells in sterile bioreactors instead of using field-grown crops, Novella optimizes conditions to produce valuable bioactives. Our platform integrates plant tissue culture, bioprocess engineering, and downstream processing to create sustainable and scalable plant-derived ingredients.

We operate in a rigorous scientific environment and are building a team of technically strong professionals who are comfortable working with sterile systems, controlled processes, and complex laboratory infrastructure.

Position Overview

We are seeking a technically strong Laboratory Technician with proven experience in sterile biological work and hands-on operation of laboratory systems.

This role is centered on routine maintenance and expansion of plant cell cultures (semi-solid and liquid), daily operation of bioreactors, and strict adherence to SOP-driven workflows. The position requires precision, technical confidence, and the ability to independently manage laboratory processes with minimal supervision.

The Laboratory Technician reports directly to the Head of Biology and works closely with the biology and bioprocess teams.

This is a hands-on role in a dynamic startup environment. It is not an academic research position.

Key Responsibilities

• Routine work with plant cell cultures in both semi-solid and liquid media
• Subculturing, expansion, monitoring, and maintenance of cell lines
• Preparation, sterilization, and renewal of growth media
• Operation of benchtop and pilot-scale bioreactor systems
• Setup, calibration, cleaning, and routine maintenance of bioreactors
• Monitoring and recording of process parameters (DO, pH, temperature, agitation, aeration)
• Sterilization of laboratory tools, glassware, and materials (autoclaves and other systems)
• Accurate execution of protocols and strict adherence to SOPs
• Documentation of all laboratory activities in physical and digital systems
• Basic troubleshooting of equipment and process deviations
• Coordination with vendors and service providers for equipment installation and maintenance
• Support for experimental runs under direction of the biology/bioprocess team
• Assistance in procurement and inventory management of laboratory supplies

Mandatory Requirements

• Proven experience as a laboratory technician in biotechnology, food-tech, pharma, or related industry
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in sterile laboratory work
• Strong technical orientation and ability to operate laboratory systems
• Experience working under structured protocols and documentation standards
• High level of precision and reliability
• Full-time on-site availability in Modi'in with reliable transportation

Significant Advantage

• Experience with plant cell cultures and/or mammalian cell cultures
• Direct experience operating bioreactors
• Experience with process monitoring systems and sensors
• Equipment troubleshooting and preventive maintenance experience
• Experience in startup or fast-paced production environments

Personal Profile

• Ability to work under time contraints
• Responsible, detail-oriented, and process-driven
• Team player with excellent communication skills
• Independent learner with a proactive mindset