Microbiologist

Overview

We are seeking a skilled Microbiologist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Food and/or Environmental Microbiology research and laboratory work. Knowledge of UKAS regulations, ISO 17025 laboratory information management systems.

Normal Hours:

37.5h per week. Varying between the hours of 07:00 and 20:00 Monday to Sunday.

Reports to:

Laboratory Manager

Job Purpose:

• To provide efficient and timely analysis in the path laboratory.
• To perform, when required, the preparation and analysis of food, water and swab samples as instructed by the Microbiology Laboratory Manager or a senior member of the Microbiology Laboratory staff.
• To maintain and improve the quality of the laboratory.

Role Accountabilities and Main Duties

Main duties:

• To perform efficient and timely analysis in the plate reading and path lab areas of the Microbiology Laboratory.
• To perform quality checks for routine analysis and for the approval of laboratory results.
• To help less experienced members of the Laboratory with any problems that they encounter and to advise and provide training where necessary.
• To be familiar with all aspects of the Quality Manual and to comply at all times with the policies, procedures and associated documents, which are referred to within the manual in order to comply with the UKAS/ISO Accreditation Standard.
• To ensure that all equipment and instrumentation is in good working order and that all relevant certification and records are kept up-to-date.

Also required:

• To prepare samples for laboratory testing.
• To perform analysis of microbiology samples.
• To prepare microbiological media for the testing of laboratory samples, and to provide to the Logistics Department for client sampling.
• To ensure the general maintenance of the Laboratory and common areas of the building, including cleaning and maintaining the Microbiology Laboratory.
• To support the department in administrative duties, such as sample registration and sample disposal.
• To ensure that all audit actions that arise in the area of work are actioned within the time frame laid out by the Quality Manager.
• If audit actions cannot be actioned within the time frame, this must be reported to the Section Head and the Quality Manager.
• To ensure that all work areas are kept clean and tidy and laboratory consumables are maintained at the designated stock levels.
• To ensure that all waste products within the Microbiology Department are disposed of in the correct manner, ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practice.
• If applicable, to ensure that the relevant driving licence and other documentation are available for inspection by the Company if required.

Health & Safety:

• To ensure that all laboratory works are carried out to the standards laid out in the Quality Manual and Health & Safety Manual.
• To take responsibility for own Health & Safety whilst working within the microbiology Laboratory.
• To report any bad practises that may be witnessed to a supervisor or Quality Manager.

Training:

• To ensure own training records are kept up-to-date.
• To obtain details of any desired training course, and to speak to a Supervisor. Only training courses relevant to the role will be considered.
• If asked to carry out a training session with a junior member of staff, to ensure that training is carried-out under the direction of the Quality Manual, and an approved trainer in the Microbiology Department.
• These duties are by no means exhaustive and should not be interpreted as a complete definition of the role.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A-Level or equivalent in Science based subject.
• Applicable scientific background or extensive (>2 years) laboratory experience.
• Good oral and written communication.

Desirable:

• Degree level and/or appropriate professional qualification in Science based subject.
• Experience gained within same/similar business sector.
• Experience of either quality control systems, results analysis or the management of junior staff.