Junior Microbiology Lab Assistant in Middleton

Junior Microbiology Lab Assistant

Location: Middleton

Pay Rate: £13.21 per hour

MON-FRI Office hours (40h a week)

Contract: Temporary ongoing contract

Job Purpose

To support the Senior Site Microbiologist in providing timely and accurate micro test data to the business, allowing the effective operation of the Quality management system and conformance to required standards

Key Activities

• Conduct microbiological testing of finished products and relevant associated samples, ensuring they comply with the required specification and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
• Collect environmental samples from around the factory, including water, swabbing and air plates.
• Complete Challenge Testing against various samples, working to strict deadlines.
• Ensure the laboratory is maintained to appropriate stock levels and hygiene standards.
• Maintain testing equipment and reagents, ensuring all equipment is kept to the appropriate standard.
• Complete organism identification under the direction of the Senior Microbiologist.
• Manage all duties of the day using own initiative and work independently, whilst escalating necessary information to the Senior Microbiologist.
• Conduct data analysis and evaluation of existing processes to identify areas for improvement.
• Lead by example regarding attitudes towards product quality and hygiene.
• Complete all associated administration duties, including spreadsheets, filing, distribution of batch status reports and responding to specific email queries.

Skills & Experience Required

• Qualification in a Science subject (Biology-related), preferably to 'A' Level standard/equivalent or above.
• Minimum of 1 year's experience working in a microbiology laboratory or equivalent microbiology practical skills.
• Experience of interpreting and evaluating microbiological results would be a distinct advantage.
• Computer literate (Excel, Word and Outlook).
• Experience of internal auditing would be an advantage.