Laboratory Assistant in Sharnbrook

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Laboratory Assistant, to work with our global FMCG client The Magnum Ice Cream Company, renowned for brands such as Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Cornetto and Wall's, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client's Research & Development facility, at Colworth Science Park, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car or shuttle bus from Bedford train station.

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

This is a full-time temporary role to run for 12 months, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying between 25,000 - 30,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The EU Ice Cream RD&I team is the driving force behind the creation and delivery of benefit-led, innovative ice cream products across some of the world's most loved brands, including Magnum, Cornetto, Carte d'Or, Wall's, Ben & Jerry's and many regional favourites. Working closely with markets across Europe, the team combines consumer insight, technical expertise and agile innovation to bring exciting new products from idea to reality.

As a Laboratory Assistant, you will play a vital role in enabling the practical delivery of product development activities. You will support the organisation and execution of laboratory experiments, pilot trials and product prototyping, helping ensure that our teams have everything they need to develop and evaluate new concepts efficiently.

This is a highly collaborative, hands-on role where no two days are the same. From managing ingredient and packaging orders, coordinating shipments and sample logistics, maintaining laboratory materials and supporting prototype preparation, you will be at the heart of the product development process. Your contribution will help keep activities running smoothly, improve team productivity and enable faster delivery of innovation projects.

The role offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to the end-to-end innovation process within a global FMCG business. You will develop a strong understanding of product development, laboratory operations, trial planning and stakeholder coordination while working alongside experts from multiple RD&I disciplines. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys organisation, problem solving and working in a fast-paced environment, while learning how new products are brought from concept to consumer. Full training and coaching from experienced team members will be provided.

Key Accountabilities

• Prepare and produce ice cream mixes in the laboratory according to specifications provided by Technical Project Leaders (TPLs), ensuring accuracy, quality and timely delivery of samples.
• Support the planning and execution of ice cream pilot trials by working closely with Technical Project Leaders, Product Developers and Process Engineers to ensure all trial activities are completed efficiently and safely.
• Coordinate the ordering, receipt, storage and organisation of raw materials and packaging materials required for laboratory work and pilot trials.
• Maintain safe, compliant and well-organised storage areas for ingredients, packaging and experimental materials, ensuring good laboratory and housekeeping practices are followed at all times.
• Prepare materials, ingredients and packaging components for laboratory experiments, product prototyping and pilot plant activities.
• Record and organise experimental and trial data accurately to support product development decisions and project documentation.
• Manage the shipment of ingredients, prototypes and samples to internal teams, manufacturing sites and external partners, ensuring products arrive in the required condition and within agreed timelines.
• Conduct routine laboratory assessments and testing, including physical property measurements and stability evaluations, supporting the quality and performance assessment of new products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory workflows, organisation and ways of working to enhance team productivity and enable faster delivery of innovation projects.

Key Requirements

• The role involves regular manual handling activities and requires spending significant periods standing and walking in laboratory, pilot plant and storage environments. Duties include preparing ingredients, producing mixes, moving materials, organising storage areas, packing shipments and supporting trial execution. The successful candidate must be able to carry out these essential duties, with reasonable adjustments considered where appropriate.
• Education at A levels, BTEC level 3 or higher or equivalent apprenticeship
• Previous experience in a food manufacturing, laboratory or technical environment is desirable
• Good understanding of food hygiene, food safety and laboratory good practices
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word)
• Strong organisational, planning and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple activities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and proactive approach to teamwork.
• High attention to detail, particularly when conducting experiments and recording data accurately. Interest in food, ingredients and product development, with a curiosity to learn new technologies and processes.
• Ability to identify, assess and manage risks to ensure safe and successful delivery of laboratory and trial activities.
• Strong data recording and analytical skills, with a focus on accuracy and quality.
• A practical, hands-on mindset and willingness to support a wide variety of team activities
• Fluent in English

Additional Information

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