Manpower is currently looking for a Laboratory Assistant 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, for 3 months requiring 37.50 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £27,200 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.
In TMICC, we design holistic experiences with consumer obsession and high expertise. We don’t just design products, we create memories.
The Experience Design & Innovation Team brings together experts in consumer technical insights, culinary innovation, and design. It’s a dedicated and ambitious creative team focused on the development of market‑making innovations shaping ice cream’s future. Team members are strong and passionate thinkers and doers who are constantly seeking to improve purpose in terms of brand, people, sustainability, technology & business growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Lab Assistant you will work closely with a Technical Project Leader to create lab and pilot‑scale products.
Key responsibilities include:
* Mix making and prototyping at lab scale under guidance from the Technical Project Leader
* Supporting formulation development by accurately weighing and preparing, recipes during lab and pilot trials
* Operates pilot plant and lab equipment safely and confidently (e.g. freezers, mixers), escalating issues and supporting basic troubleshooting under guidance from the Technical Project Leader
* Setting up, cleaning, and maintaining lab and pilot equipment in line with site procedures
* Supporting small‑scale pilot plant trials under guidance from the Technical Project Leader
* Accurately records formulations, process conditions, and observations
* Inventory management and ordering of materials
* Organising shipments and trials under guidance from the Technical Project Leader
* Works to high standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety in lab and pilot environments, following site procedures
* Works collaboratively with pilot plant colleagues to support successful trials
SKILLS, COMPETENCIES & BEHAVIOURS
The right candidate should demonstrate the following skills:
* Willing to take responsibility for assigned workstreams with growing independence, while collaborating as a team player when necessary
* Working knowledge of Microsoft tools, including Excel
* Clear written and verbal communication
* Approaches tasks in a rigorous, organised, and methodical way
* Is able to follow verbal and written instructions closely
EXPERIENCE
* Prior experience in a food manufacturing, lab, pilot plant, or product development environment would be beneficial but not essential
* Exposure to food, ice cream, or frozen dessert processes is an advantage but not essential
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Must Have
* Basic knowledge and experience of using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
* Basic understanding of prototyping
* Experience of working with regulatory information and food background would be highly beneficial.
* Inventory Management
Nice to Have
* 3-5 years of experience in the food industry, preferably in product development, processing, and/or project management. Experience with SAP PLM/Minerva, specification creation and approval process, demonstrated knowledge/experience in Cooking Aids technology, and good understanding of Supply Chain.