Junior Microbiologist

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, Walls, 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. 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
(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. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.
We turn the ordinary into the extraordinary by designing unique and innovative Ice Cream experiences that make life taste better, creating joyful experiences. In our Ice Cream business, we're crafting the future through innovation and imaginative minds, creating unique products. We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As Ice Cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products.
The role is based in Colworth Science Park (Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK), a site that has a strong track record of building and contributing to a number of brands including Lipton, Magnum, Cornetto, Ponds and Dove. It is the Global RD&I (Research, Design & Innovation) Centre for TMICC.

OUR TEAM:
Ensuring that (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. As well as protecting the business, 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.
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