Molecular Microbiology Scientific Officer

Molecular Microbiology Scientific Officer

To support the delivery of applied food microbiology and molecular surveillance projects within the ZERO2

FIVE Food Industry Centre, we’re looking for a Molecular Microbiology Scientific Officer with expertise in food and molecular microbiology. Working with colleagues and food‑industry partners, you’ll undertake microbiological and genomic investigations of food manufacturing environments, with a particular focus on Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species. Your work will help businesses strengthen environmental monitoring, investigate potential sources of contamination and develop effective, evidence-based control strategies.

You will play a key role in:

• Planning and undertaking environmental and food-related sampling within food manufacturing environments.
• Recovering and characterising Listeria isolates using culture-based microbiological methods.
• Undertaking molecular microbiology workflows, including DNA extraction, Illumina MiSeq whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.
• Analysing microbiological and genomic data to investigate strain relatedness, persistence, virulence and stress‑tolerance characteristics.
• Translating complex scientific findings into clear technical reports and evidence-based recommendations for food‑industry partners.
• Contributing to collaborative research and contract projects, funding proposals, scientific publications and the supervision of BSc and MSc student projects.

With strong practical experience in microbiology and molecular analysis, you’ll be confident working across environmental sampling, laboratory investigation, sequencing and data interpretation. You’ll be able to analyse complex scientific findings and communicate them clearly to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences, including food businesses, academic colleagues and project partners.

You’ll be organised and able to manage day‑to‑day laboratory, fieldwork, project and administrative responsibilities independently, while also working collaboratively as part of a wider scientific and technical team.

Additionally, you’ll:

• Hold an MSc or higher qualification in microbiology, molecular microbiology, food microbiology or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Have practical experience of molecular microbiology techniques, including DNA extraction, Illumina MiSeq whole‑genome sequencing and data interpretation.
• Demonstrate good knowledge of food microbiology, environmental sampling and culture‑based microbiological methods.
• Have experience of using bioinformatics tools or workflows to analyse microbial whole‑genome sequencing data.
• Be able to translate microbiological and genomic data into clear reports, conclusions and practical recommendations.
• Possess excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, students and external partners.
• Knowledge of Listeria monocytogenes, food hygiene and contamination control within food manufacturing environments would be advantageous.
• Experience of working with industry partners and contributing to applied research, technical reports, publications or conference presentations would also be desirable.

We are a values‑based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you’ll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to…