Hybrid Junior Microbiologist – Ice Cream R&D in Sharnbrook

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. It also houses our client's global centre of excellence in safety and sustainability sciences.

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.

ABOUT THE COMPANY: Life Tastes Better with Ice Cream. The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC) is the largest global Ice Cream Company in the world, with over 100 years of experience delivering a diverse range of indulgent, yet responsible, craft food experiences and treats delighting consumers. Committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability, we have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), loved in 76 countries, generating annual revenue of over $8 billion. With 19,000 experts in ice cream globally, all brands are driven to transform moments into memories through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products.

OUR TEAM: 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. The Scientific Affairs function is also key to unlocking innovations to enable business growth. One of such functions is the Global RD&I Microbiology team.

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
• Shuttle bus is provided from Bedfordshire area to Site.