Junior Microbiologist in Luton

Manpower is currently looking for a Junior Microbiologist to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Magnum, Carte d’Or, Cornetto, and Walls. The position is based at our client's Research & Development facility at Colworth Science Park, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car. This is a full-time temporary role, Maternity Cover for 12 months requiring 37.50 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £43,000 pro rata, depending upon experience. The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Ensuring that The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) products are safe to consume is of paramount importance for the business. The Global Scientific Affairs function, which is part of RD&I, brings together Food Safety, Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition expertise to ensure that TMICC products are safe-by-design and compliant with relevant regulations & nutrition requirements. One of such functions is the Global RD&I Microbiology team.

Global RD&I Microbiology is an agile team of enthusiastic world-class scientists who deliver business relevant microbiological solutions underpinning brand innovation programmes, based on scientific and technological capabilities across RD&I and Supply Chain (SC). The strength of the team lies in the integration of microbiological and processing knowledge for RD&I to develop safe/stable formulation & process designs to deliver winning products.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Microbiological Clearance testing of ice cream products prepared at Colworth site.
• Preparing cultures of microorganisms required for experiments and for the maintenance of the Culture Collection.
• Identify and apply microbiological laboratory experiments to ensure correct and reliable data are provided for microbiological risk assessment and incident support.
• Ensure end-to-end quality in microbiology science-based data support, from design of experiments, followed by execution, basic (statistical) data analysis and visualisation, presentation, and reporting to relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct science-based literature search from a variety of sources contributing to safety, shelf-life stability and security across our R&D innovation portfolio and business operations.
• Team work in maintaining a high-quality laboratory environment and efficient working practices.

ALL ABOUT YOU:

• Ability to learn and adapt to different tasks, demonstrating problem-solving skills where necessary.
• Background (minimum BSc) in Microbiology, Applied Biology, or a closely related science area.
• Basic knowledge and experience of using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Data analysis and visualisation skills (e.g. Excel, PowerBI).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral to present in multidisciplinary teams and to various stakeholders.
• Good working knowledge and practical experience with microbiological procedures, including aseptic techniques, preparation of basic laboratory reagents/culture media and associated safe handling.
• Previous experience working in a Microbiology laboratory.
• Team player with flexible “we can” attitude, yet ability to work agile and independently.

Colworth Science Park working environment:

• 9 miles from Bedford
• 18 miles from M1
• Modern working environment in a beautiful, listed building
• Large green outdoor spaces
• Shuttle bus is provided from Bedfordshire area to Site.