Overview
Join to apply for the Principal Microbiologist role at Eurofins Food & Water Testing UK & IE.
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company providing analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. Eurofins laboratories work with leading companies to ensure products are safe, ingredients are authentic, and labelling is accurate. Eurofins is committed to protecting the environment and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion across the network. This is an armed-forces-friendly workplace. This is a full-time, fixed-term contract starting October 2025 until October 2026, Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00. Visa sponsorship is not offered for this role.
Role purpose: to support the food laboratory by providing technical and quality microbiological expertise in all areas, owning and improving existing methodologies, researching and implementing new technologies, and maintaining ISO 17025 and other accreditations held by the laboratory.
Responsibilities
* Support the Team Leader on a day-to-day basis and step in when absent, ensuring compliance with ISO 17025:2017, RSA, BEIC and relevant legislation (when required).
* Assist with day-to-day operations in the pathogen department.
* Check transfer of data relating to samples and results, issue test reports, and maintain confidentiality of information.
* Review and implement technical performance of all aspects of methods (registration to final reports).
* Familiarise with accreditation requirements for UKAS, DWTS and LCA.
* Lead the implementation of new methods, own method validations and documentation prior to submission to quality for UKAS.
* Maintain comprehensive records of all modifications and improvements within the laboratory.
* Implement technical changes from audits/complaints robustly; ensure corrective actions are effective.
* Investigate customer complaints as required and support complaint investigations and non-conforming work.
* Perform audits in line with the quality system; represent the laboratory in external audits.
* Complete KPIs daily, weekly and monthly; ensure methods are validated and EQA, IQC and DPC systems are maintained with non-conformances investigated.
* Maintain and review externally sourced method references and uncertainty of measurement for current methods.
* Ensure Environmental Monitoring Programme is fit for purpose.
* Provide technical support to Stock Controller/Team Leader when liaising with suppliers; translate customer requirements into the quality system.
* Attend Group Technical Forums and drive improvement opportunities; act as a reference point within Eurofins UK for testing issues.
* Promote a professional image and comply with Equal Opportunities and Harassment Policies, including events outside normal hours.
Qualifications
* Understanding of ISO 17025, UKAS, RSA, BEIC, key customer requirements, audit procedures, laboratory methods and quality management systems.
* Proven experience exceeding targets within the quality system; experience working with diverse customers.
* Competence in IT (LIMS, spreadsheets, databases); experience in a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
* Excellent attention to detail; strong written and verbal communication skills; commitment to meeting customer expectations and lean management.
* Proven ability to develop team members; strong laboratory skills and relevant methods/techniques; ability to present complex information in person, via Teams and email.
Benefits and Additional Information
* Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement; Annual Leave Sellback Scheme; additional annual leave at service dates.
* Free Parking; Company Pension Plan; Life Assurance (4x annual salary); Healthcare Cash Plan (6+ months service).
* Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity schemes; Employee Assistance Programme 24/7; Health and Wellbeing programmes.
* Worldwide career opportunities; recognition rewards for service and achievements.
What Happens Next
Assessment centre or staged interview process to meet the team and showcase key skills and strengths.
Your data – The company collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and is transparent about how it uses that data, in compliance with data protection obligations.
Closing Date
The company reserves the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Apply early. If you do not hear within 4 weeks of the vacancy expiry date, your application may be unsuccessful.
Equal Opportunity and Sustainability
Eurofins embraces diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The network prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, race, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and other characteristics. We are committed to sustainability and carbon-reduction initiatives. Find out more on our career page.
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