Senior Technician- Microbiology

Microbiology

Campden BRI offer microbiology analytical testing and consultancy services, including: analytical testing, safety and spoilage, molecular and microbiology methods, emerging microbiology, brewing microbiology research, industrial heat process microbiology and quality laboratory audit.

Our Safety & Spoilage Team support shelf life testing
- Shelf life is defined as the time after production during which a product remains acceptable for consumption. The product must remain safe and retain acceptable sensory, microbiological and chemical characteristics.

Any product that can support the growth of pathogenic microorganisms must be assigned a 'use-by' date, after which the product must not be sold, and should not be consumed. The manufacturer is responsible for setting this date - and so must be aware of all the factors that could affect microorganism growth; knowledge may be limited when developing new products.

Help is on hand at Campden BRI with advice on how product formulation (including acidity, reducing salt or sugar levels, and the use of 'natural' preservatives to replace traditional chemicals) can affect shelf‑life, and how different organisms react in different ways; we can also advise on laboratory shelf‑life testing and challenging testing.

• Practical work on contract studies using a variety of methods
• Work on Campden funded research (CFR) and other member funded research projects to include practical work, data interpretation and report writing
• Calibration, monitoring and housekeeping tasks and day to day maintenance of the laboratorie
• Housekeeping tasks required in accordance with the quality system
• Other reasonable duties required by Team lead or Section lea
• Part of the weekend rota in Microbiology Analytical Services (MAS)- 1 weekend in 5

• Relevant science degree or equivalent qualifications and/or experience in a laboratory environment
• Competent in working within the requirements of recognised quality systems e.g. UKAS. IS09000
• Competent in working with spoilage organisms and food borne pathogens including knowledge of media, incubation times and temperature requirements
• Competent in data calculations and interpretation
• Competent in Excel, Word and Powerpoint
• Ability to carry out planned contract or research-based studies
• Troubleshoot and problem solve routine issues, seeking advice from senior staff as required
• Escalate any issues to Senior Microbiologist /Team or Section lead in a timely manner

• Reward platform with employee discounts and rewards
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
• Buy and sell holiday scheme
• A generous work save pension scheme, with employee contributions matched by the company up to 10%
• Culture focus around work/life balance (early finish Fridays)
• Subsidised onsite restaurant

Please note due to our rural location you will need your own transport and a valid UK driving license.