Microbiology Technician

At Premier Foods, our purpose is to create the food our nation loves most for modern life. And we’ve been doing it for a long time - many of our much-loved brands have been part of UK life for more than a century.

Microbiology Technician                

Full time, permanent 

Based in High Wycombe

ROLE PURPOSE

• To work as part of a team carrying out microbiological challenge testing studies in support of NPD and troubleshooting.
• To support the business with microbial food safety and quality issues as appropriate.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To perform challenge testing of products including:
  • Culture preparation
  • Sample preparation
  • Inoculation
  • Microbiological analysis
  • Plate counting
  • Data review
• To perform product profiling - pH and water activity analysis for microbiological risk assessment.
• To partake in appropriate, timely and effective response to any microbial food safety issues.
• To perform all duties in accordance with ISO 17025 principles.
• To perform all necessary housekeeping functions and other general duties as required.
• To work within the company H&S requirements.

EXPERIENCE /COMPETENCIES:

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 year experience in a UKAS accredited Food/Water Microbiology laboratory, operating at least to a Technician level and will have a working knowledge of all functions including:

• LIMS and sample log in
• Sample preparation and dilution
• Media plating
• Plate reading and reporting
• Product profiling - pH and water activity analysis
• Confirmation tests and pathogen detection tests
• Media preparation
• Culture maintenance and preparation
• Challenge testing including culture/sample preparation and inoculation techniques

However, consideration will be given to candidates with less experience, as full on job training will be provided.