Microbiologist - Industrial Chemicals

Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products. At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and execute microbiology work programmes independently
• Lead straightforward technical projects with supervision
• Apply microbiology expertise to resolve customer and quality issues
• Perform microbiological testing of raw materials, in‐process samples and finished goods
• Conduct biocide efficacy testing to support the business
• Develop and maintain culture collections
• Support microbial safety and quality activities across the site
• Investigate customer complaints and non‐conformances in a timely manner
• Carry out plant hygiene audits to identify contamination risks
• Plan and deliver project work to build application knowledge
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to communicate service activity
• Maintain technical awareness in relevant microbiology fields
• Provide technical support to operations, R&D, sales, quality and regulatory teams
• Log samples and report results using the LIMS system

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation
• Order goods and services via SAP (with appropriate approvals)
• Participate in the Microbiology 5S and continuous improvement programme
• Proactively support and improve health, safety and laboratory best practice

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or a related discipline (Biology, Biochemistry)
• At least 1 year’s experience in a Class II microbiology laboratory
• Industry experience within chemical, pharmaceutical or food environments desirable
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• A proactive, detail‐focused mindset with strong communication skills

You’ll be part of a collaborative technical team where your microbiology expertise directly supports safe products, satisfied customers and continuous improvement. At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business.

Global Benefits Overview

• Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• Discretionary global bonus scheme
• Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
• Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
• Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
• Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes