Preservation & Applied Microbiology Scientist

We are currently seeking an interim Preservation & Applied Microbiology Scientist, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client's scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a full-time temporary role to run until September 2026, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £29,719 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Role Summary:

The requirement for this role is to support the HC business in ensuring products of today and the future are microbiologically safe by design. The successful candidate would also support with gathering external insights on product preservation, microbial incidents and internal laboratory management.

• Works on projects and activities for HC products preservation.
• Member of the Global Preservation and Applied microbiology Skill Base.
• Trial and delivers experimental data to support insights, techniques and technologies for improvements in R&D microbiology ways of working.
• Execution of practical work/tests/trials at laboratory scale.
• Work on projects for Preservation 2.0 strategic programme.

Main Accountabilities:

• Perform practical work to evaluate preservative efficacy and ad hoc testing for HC products.
• Data capture - ensure all data is generated and logged using the latest Digital tools available for HC products.
• Coordinate the evaluation of existing and new preservation technologies across HC to ensure products are safe by design from a formulation/preservation and processing perspective, working as part of multi-disciplinary project team
• Sample administration, Data review & knowledge gathering HC products.
• Microbiological analysis of HC products through third party or by performing testing.
• Performing laboratory testing for microbiology methods like Challenge test, TVC, Gram staining.
• Contribute to the practical aspects of the scientific component of the Microbiology skill-base.
• Perform external landscape assessment on FMCG product preservation and share insights.
• Perform external landscape assessment on FMCG product microbial contamination incidents and share insights.
• Perform required laboratory testing for internal urgent microbial incidents.
• Provide internal laboratory testing and management support for HC activities.

Experiences and Skills required:

• General Microbiology/Bioscience
• Microbiology methods
• Experimental design capability
• Basic Microbiology and Laboratory Techniques
• Previous roles in biosciences, microbiology. Degree level or equivalent academic background in Life science/biological is optimal.

Standards of Leadership:

Accountability & Ownership

Team Player

Agility

Personal mastery

Port Sunlight working environment:

• Free onsite parking
• Staff shop discounted products
• Working in state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities
• Free parking onsite
• 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester
• 20-minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30-minutes drive from Chester
• Disabled parking
• In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village
• There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.
• The sites have three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.
• In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.