Laboratory Technician (Microbiology)

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.

This role is well suited to someone in their second industry role, or who has around 1 years of hands‑on laboratory experience and is now looking to build depth and confidence in a manufacturing‑based microbiology function. The position is fully site‑based in Harlow, Essex, Monday to Friday, and is therefore aimed at candidates able to commute daily.

The Role

This is a hands‑on, routine laboratory role within a supportive microbiology team. You will spend the majority of your time carrying out established testing and support activities, working to defined procedures rather than owning projects or leading workstreams.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform routine microbiological testing on raw materials, in‑process samples and finished products

• Support biocide efficacy testing using established methods

• Prepare media and assist with maintaining culture collections

• Accurately log samples and results using the LIMS system

• Assist with plant hygiene checks and audits to help identify contamination risks

• Provide day‑to‑day laboratory support to quality, operations and technical teams

• Follow standard operating procedures and work instructions closely

Laboratory & Site Support Activities

• Help maintain laboratory equipment and ensure good housekeeping standards

• Support stock control and ordering via SAP (with approvals)

• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement activities

• Actively follow and promote health, safety and laboratory best practice

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Microbiology, Biology or a related life science

• Typically 1 years’ experience in a microbiology laboratory (industry or relevant placement)

• Some exposure to GLP and/or GMP environments

• Comfortable carrying out routine and repeatable lab work to a high standard

Synthomer Strategy Video: Michael Willome Synthomer Strategy

“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