Principal Microbiologist
Principal Microbiologist

Principal Microbiologist

Belfast Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead microbiological expertise in a food lab, ensuring quality and compliance.
  • Company: Join Eurofins, a global leader in life sciences dedicated to safety and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy enhanced leave, free parking, healthcare plans, and worldwide career opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety while working in a diverse and innovative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with ISO standards and laboratory methods; strong attention to detail required.
  • Other info: Full-time fixed term role starting October 2025; no visa sponsorship available.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Company Description

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate.

Eurofins is dedicated to delivering testing services that contribute to the health and safety of society and the planet, and to its corporate responsibility to protect the environment and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire network of Eurofins companies.

We’re proud to be an armed forces-friendly place to work and welcome applications from reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), as well as cadet instructors, and military spouses and partners.

If you want to continue to help make our world a safer and healthier place, then apply for the role below and become a part of the extraordinary Eurofins network.

Job Description

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

Please note this is a full time, fixed term contract starting October 2025 until October 2026. Workin g Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00.

The purpose of the role is toSupport food laboratory by providing technical and quality microbiological expertise in all areas. To ensure ownership of and improvements in existing methodologies. To research and implement new technologies to improve the service to our customers. To work with and maintain the laboratory accreditation standard of ISO 17025 and other approval held by the laboratory.

  • Support Team Leader in respective areas on a day-to-day basis and step up when absent, ensuring compliance with requirements of ISO 17025: 2017, RSA, BEIC and relevant legislation (when required)
  • To help with day-to-day operations in pathogen department
  • Responsible for checking transfer of data relating to samples and results and issuing of test reports and confidentiality of information
  • To review and implement the technical performance of all aspects of the methods (registration to final reports) on a regular basis
  • Familiarisation with accreditation Requirements for UKAS, DWTS and LCA
  • To be key in implementing new methods into the lab, owning method validations and method documentation preparation prior to issuing to quality for submission to UKAS
  • To maintain a comprehensive record of all modifications and improvements within the laboratory
  • To implement all technical changes as an outcome of audits/complaints etc in a robust manner ensuring all corrective actions are effective
  • To investigate customer complaints when required and support the team with completing complaint investigations and non-conforming work
  • To perform audits in line with the quality system
  • Represent the laboratory in external audits (regulatory/client audits etc.)
  • Complete KPIs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis
  • To ensure in conjunction with the laboratory management and the quality team, that all methods are validated and that EQA, IQC and DPC systems are maintained (sample handling, reporting and reviewing) and non-conformances are investigated.
  • To maintain and review externally sourced method references
  • To maintain uncertainty of measurement for current methods
  • To ensure the Environmental monitoring programme is fit for purpose
  • To provide technical support to the Stock Controller/Team Leader when liaising with company suppliers
  • Support customer requirements and be a key-link to ensure customer requirements are translated in the quality system
  • To attend and actively participate in the Group Technical Forums, implementing all improvement opportunities and group initiatives
  • To be a point of reference within Eurofins UK for internal clients for any issues arising regarding testing
  • Responsible for promoting a professional image of the Company and for complying with the company\’s Equal Opportunities and Harassment Policies at all times, including work related events which take place outside normal working hours
  • Read and comply with company rules, procedures, agreements and any notices displayed by the Company.

Qualifications

  • Understanding of ISO 17025, UKAS, RSA, BEIC, key customer requirements, audit procedures, laboratory methods and quality management systems.
  • Proven experience in working to and exceeding targets within the quality system
  • Experience of working with a broad range of internal and external customers
  • Competence in IT, including LIMS, spreadsheets and databases
  • Experience working in a relevant UKAS accredited laboratory
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Full commitment to meeting customers expectation
  • Full commitment to lean management
  • Proven ability to develop team members
  • Great laboratory skills and practices as well as relevant methods/ techniques
  • Able to present complex information face to face, over TEAMs and on email

Additional Information

At Eurofins we are growing, innovating and always learning. We celebrate the achievements of our employees through annual long service awards, recognise our colleagues special life events, and we are committed to charitable causes through global fundraising activities.

As a Eurofins employee you will benefit from:

  • Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement
  • Annual Leave Sellback Scheme
  • Additional Annual Leave at Employees set service dates
  • Free Parking
  • Company Pension Plan
  • Life Assurance Scheme (4 times annual salary)
  • Healthcare Cash Plan (6+ months service)
  • Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity Schemes
  • Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential
  • Health and Wellbeing Programmes
  • Worldwide career opportunities
  • We also have in place rewards recognising the great work ouremployees deliver, their dedicated service and celebrating special life events.

What Happens Next
Our people are the backbone of what we do, so it\’s incredibly important we find the right individuals to join us. As a potential new recruit you\’ll be invited to meet the team in the form of an assessment centre or a staged interview process dependent on the role and it\’s requirements, this will give you the opportunity to see what working for Eurofins is really like and enable us to get you know your key skills and strengths.

Your data
As part of any recruitment process, the company collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. The company is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.

Closing Date

We reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Therefore we would urge candidates to submit an application as early as possible.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive please be aware that if you do not receive a response within 4 weeks of the vacancy expiry date unfortunately, on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.

We support your development!Do you feel you don’t match 100% of the requirements? Don’t hesitate to apply anyway! Eurofins companies are committed to supporting your career development.

Weembracediversity!Eurofins network of companies believe in strength and innovation through diversity, being anEqual Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination against employees or applications based on gender identity and/or expression, race, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and everything else that makes employees of Eurofins companies unique.

Sustainability matters to us!We encourage our laboratory leaders to make sustainable changes at their local level, and in addition to their initiatives we also count on our dedicated carbon reduction team to help us to achieve this goal!

Find out more in our career page:https://careers.eurofins.com/

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Principal Microbiologist employer: Eurofins

Eurofins Scientific is an exceptional employer that prioritises the health and safety of society while fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Eurofins offers extensive benefits including enhanced annual leave, a comprehensive healthcare cash plan, and worldwide career opportunities, all within a supportive culture that celebrates achievements and encourages innovation. Located in a vibrant area, this role as Principal Microbiologist not only allows you to contribute to meaningful work but also provides a platform for professional development and collaboration with industry leaders.
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Contact Detail:

Eurofins Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Microbiologist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with ISO 17025 and other relevant accreditation standards. Understanding these will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to quality management, which is crucial for the Principal Microbiologist role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the microbiology field, especially those who have experience in UKAS accredited laboratories. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals within Eurofins.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with implementing new methodologies and handling audits. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to improve laboratory processes.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your commitment to sustainability and diversity during the interview. Eurofins values these principles, so discussing how you've contributed to similar initiatives in the past can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Microbiologist

Microbiological Expertise
ISO 17025 Knowledge
Laboratory Accreditation Standards
Technical Method Validation
Quality Management Systems
Data Analysis and Reporting
Attention to Detail
Excellent Written and Communication Skills
Customer Relationship Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Audit Procedures Experience
IT Competence (LIMS, Spreadsheets, Databases)
Team Leadership and Development
Environmental Monitoring Programme Management
Lean Management Principles

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Principal Microbiologist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these requirements.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with ISO 17025, UKAS, and laboratory methods. Provide specific examples of how you've contributed to quality management systems and met customer expectations in previous roles.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also demonstrate your understanding of Eurofins' mission and values. Mention how you can contribute to their goal of making the world safer and healthier.

Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your application is free from grammatical errors and typos. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in microbiology. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it before submission.

How to prepare for a job interview at Eurofins

✨Understand ISO Standards

Familiarise yourself with ISO 17025 and other relevant standards before the interview. Being able to discuss how these standards apply to your work will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to quality.

✨Showcase Your Laboratory Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in a UKAS accredited laboratory. Highlight specific methodologies you've worked with and any improvements you've implemented, as this will show your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

✨Communicate Clearly

Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining complex microbiological concepts in simple terms. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.

✨Demonstrate Team Leadership

Be ready to share examples of how you've supported or led teams in past roles. Discuss how you’ve contributed to team success and how you can step up in the absence of a leader, aligning with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Principal Microbiologist
Eurofins
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  • Principal Microbiologist

    Belfast
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-25

  • E

    Eurofins

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