Biomedical Material Science jobs

Job Title: Microbiology Analyst

Location: On-site in Kendal, Cumbria

Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 am – 16:00 pm

About us:

Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing nutrition success stories.

Kendal Nutricare creates world-class nutrition for every stage of life — from Kendamil infant and toddler formula to Kendalife adult nutrition. We’re a family-owned, purpose-driven business with big global ambitions.

In 2025, we were ranked the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink company, with Kendamil now one of the fastest-growing baby brands in the world, the No. 1 Organic formula in both the UK and the USA, and available in 40+ countries (and counting).

As the only British infant formula manufacturer, we’re proud to produce our award-winning products here in the UK using British full-cream milk, with no palm oil or unnecessary additives — trusted by families worldwide.

We’re on an exciting path – join us!

The role:

The Micro Analyst (Infant Formula) is responsible for conducting microbiological testing and quality assurance activities on raw materials, in-process samples, finished infant formula products, and manufacturing environments. The role ensures compliance with food safety regulations and supports the production of safe, high-quality infant nutrition products.

What you’ll be doing:

• Perform routine and non-routine microbiological testing of infant formula products and ingredients
• · Detect and enumerate microorganisms including pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Cronobacter sakazakii
• Conduct environmental monitoring of production areas (air, water, surfaces, equipment)
• Prepare and maintain microbial cultures using aseptic laboratory techniques
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (incubators, autoclaves, PCR systems, biosafety cabinets)
• Record, analyse, and interpret microbiological data accurately in accordance with GMP standards
• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results and support root cause analysis
• Support internal and external audits, including regulatory inspections
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 17025, and company quality systems
• Maintain accurate documentation and laboratory records in line with regulatory requirements
• · Good laboratory practice ensuring their own Health & Safety and those around them.
• · Complying with safety procedures including but not limited to: adopting safe working practices, wearing the required protective clothing and use of safety equipment appropriate to the role (PPE).

What you’ll need:

• Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biomedical Science, or related discipline
• Experience in a microbiology laboratory (food, pharmaceutical, or clinical preferred)
• Strong understanding of aseptic technique and microbial culturing methods
• Familiarity with food safety standards and quality systems (HACCP, GMP)
• High attention to detail and data integrity awareness
• Ability to work under strict procedural and regulatory frameworks
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working with infant formula or dairy microbiology
• Knowledge of rapid microbiological methods (PCR, immunoassays)

What you’ll get from us:

The opportunity to work for the fastest growing infant milk brand in Europe, alongside a young talented team dedicated to serving thousands of passionate customers.

We offer to all our employees:

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• A pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance at 2 x basic salary*
• Free parking*
• Subsidised breakfast
• Free gym membership*
• Health Cash Plan

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £26,440.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Canteen
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kendal LA9 6NL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• laboratory: 2 years (required)
• microbiology laboratory : 2 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person