Become one of our operator in microalgae production


General information

Location: Hemiksem, Belgium

Contract: Permanent, full-time, day shift

Language requirement: Dutch (very good)

Driving license: Category B

Education: Secondary education or equivalent through experience

Experience: Minimum 5 years

 

About axabio

axabio is an innovative biotech scale-up that produces natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus microalgae. We use self-developed, closed photobioreactors equipped with smart sensors and automation. Our products meet the highest quality standards for the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. At Axabio, you will join a small, multidisciplinary team where your ideas can truly make a difference.

 

Your Role

As an Operator in Microalgae Production, you will be responsible for the entire production process of microalgae — from cultivation to post-processing and technical maintenance. Your main responsibilities include:

  • Operating and monitoring production installations for the cultivation and processing of microalgae.

  • Performing quality checks on raw materials and finished products in line with GMP standards.

  • Detecting, investigating, and resolving technical malfunctions or deviations.

  • Actively contributing to technical improvements and implementing them with the team.

  • Independently determining the necessary materials, techniques, and tools for efficient execution of tasks.

  • Participating in the construction, maintenance, and improvement of production installations.

  • Ensuring a safe, hygienic, and orderly work environment while following all safety guidelines.

  • Accurately documenting production data and reporting results.

 

Your Profile

We are looking for someone who is proactive, independent, and solution-oriented. You:

  • Are technically minded and enjoy practical, hands-on work.

  • Can take responsibility for a task, plan it, and carry it through to completion.

  • Have strong problem-solving skills and think pragmatically and creatively.

  • Preferably hold training as a process operator, in food or biotechnology, or in a technical discipline such as electromechanics or maintenance technology. Equivalent practical experience in a production environment is equally valuable.

  • Possess basic knowledge of production equipment and preventive maintenance.

  • Work accurately, safely, and communicate clearly with colleagues.

 

Professional Skills

  • Sampling substances or products, labeling them, and preparing them for analysis.

  • Recording production follow-up data and communicating results to the relevant parties.

  • Inspecting and maintaining cleanliness of installations and measuring equipment (reactors, distillation columns, pH meters, etc.).

  • Monitoring whether installations operate correctly and safely.

  • Checking packaging and labeling (airtightness, weight, expiration date) or performing manual packaging.

  • Controlling the availability, conformity, and quantity of raw and reactive materials (sodium, acids, chlorine, silicon, etc.).

  • Monitoring machine and equipment parameters (temperature, pressure, flow, etc.).

  • Identifying and correcting deviations in production.

  • Overseeing or controlling production phases such as cell culture, viral culture, filling, and packaging.

  • Providing technical assistance to other operators.

  • Preparing reports on production and incidents.

  • Controlling products or analysis results.

  • Mounting and dismantling machine parts and equipment.

  • Performing preventive or corrective basic maintenance on machines or equipment.

  • Producing measurement overviews (humidity, temperature, etc.).

  • Analyzing and adjusting production data of installations.

 

Personal Skills

  • Communication

  • Responsibility

  • Empathy

  • Reliability

  • Digital mindset

  • Precision

  • Independence

  • Critical thinking

  • Flexibility

  • Teamwork

  • Analytical skills

  • Result orientation

 

What We Offer

  • A challenging full-time position in an innovative and growing sector.

  • A stable day job with regular working hours.

  • A small, dedicated team with short communication lines and space for your initiative.

  • Competitive salary with additional benefits.

  • Opportunities for training and professional development.

 

An inclusive and respectful workplace: axabio applies an equal opportunity policy. Decisions regarding hiring, promotion, training, and employment conditions are made without distinction of origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, philosophical or religious belief, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an environment where every employee has equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

 

How to Apply

Send your CV and motivation letter to Maarten Muys

📧 maarten.muys@axabio.com

📍 Nieuwe Dreef 2, 2620 Hemiksem, Belgium