Scientist I – Entry-Level R&D in Guildford

Hygiena provides rapid microbiology diagnostic tests and solutions for mission-critical, time-sensitive processes around the world.

Hygiena’s proprietary diagnostic technologies enable customers to; prevent illness and save lives, comply with regulations, protect products and brands, run businesses more effectively.

Solutions are sold in a wide range of industries globally, but the core focus is food safety.

Headquartered in Camarillo, California and with offices around the world, we are actively looking for talented individuals to help grow the business!

Who we are

We create innovative diagnostics for a healthier world.

As representatives of the One Health approach, we are convinced that the health of humans, animals and the common environment are interconnected.

Specializing in food safety throughout the value chain, we develop, distribute, and improve rapid molecular tests and analysis tools.

Our solutions are reliable, easy to use and correct – to make the world a safer place.

General description

We’re looking for an early-career scientist to join our R&D team in Guildford and help develop practical diagnostic solutions used in food safety, environmental monitoring and hygiene testing.

This is an entry-level role, ideal for someone with a scientific degree and some hands-on laboratory experience who wants to build confidence in applied microbiology, assay development and product innovation.

At Hygiena, our work supports rapid detection, identification and monitoring technologies across areas such as microbiology, ATP testing, bioluminescence, and other diagnostic platforms.

You’ll contribute to defined experiments, generate reliable data and learn how R&D ideas become products that help customers protect quality, safety and public health.

Responsibilities

• Run defined laboratory studies to support new product development, product improvement, method development and application testing.
• Use core microbiology techniques such as aseptic technique, media preparation, dilutions, cultures, plating and routine sample handling.
• Work with Hygiena products, methods and technologies, including areas linked to rapid microbial detection and bioluminescence-based testing.
• Record observations accurately, organise results in Excel and communicate findings clearly to the project team.
• Maintain safe, tidy and well-documented laboratory work in line with SOPs, quality expectations and good laboratory practice.
• Build your scientific judgement by interpreting results with guidance and contributing practical observations or suggested next steps.

Qualifications

This role is designed for someone at the start of their scientific career.

You do not need years of industry experience, but you should be curious, careful at the bench and ready to learn in a collaborative R&D environment.

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• Some relevant lab experience from university, placement work, internships or early career roles.
• Comfort with routine laboratory techniques and an interest in applied microbiology or diagnostics.
• Good attention to detail, reliable documentation and a willingness to follow established methods.
• Basic Excel skills and an interest in turning experimental results into clear, useful data.
• A positive, organised approach and the confidence to ask questions when guidance is needed.

Why this role is exciting

• You’ll gain hands-on experience in product-focused R&D rather than routine testing alone.
• You’ll work on technologies that help customers make faster, better decisions about hygiene, contamination and product safety.
• You’ll learn from experienced scientists while taking ownership of defined experiments and laboratory tasks.
• You’ll be part of a team developing practical solutions for food and beverage, healthcare, environmental and industrial applications.
• You’ll build a strong foundation in microbiology, assay development, data handling and diagnostic product development.

We can only accept application documents in ENGLISH .