Plant Microbiologist

- Hold a degree in Microbiology or a related scientific discipline, with a solid understanding of microbiological principles and laboratory techniques

- Demonstrable background of working within a microbiology laboratory environment, ideally supporting manufacturing or production operation

- Experience of microbiological testing, analysis, reporting and problem-solving, with the ability to provide clear recommendations based on technical findings

- Present excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities independently while working collaboratively across multiple functions

- Ideally bring knowledge of quality systems, fermentation processes and the use of laboratory-scale fermenters

- A passion for healthy, sustainable products which are better for our consumers and the planet - you don't have to be a vegetarian to work for Quorn!

- A Competitive Salary + Shift Allowance
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year!)
- Matched pension scheme & life assurance Cover
- Employee Assistance Programmes (we're a GroceryAid sponsor and run a range of annual initiatives to support colleague wellbeing)
- Access to other wellbeing schemes - discounted gym memberships, Digital GP services, eye tests, mortgage advice, and salary finance
- Free Quorn products on-site to take home and share with your friends and family!

To apply for this vacancy, please apply below. We look forward to receiving your application.

Applicants must have the Right to Work permanently in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.

Quorn Foods are delighted to be recruiting for a Plant Microbiologist to join our Technical team at our Billingham manufacturing site.

As a key member of the Belasis technical group, you will provide specialist microbiological and analytical expertise to support the safe, efficient, and compliant production of Quorn's mycoprotein products. Working closely with Production, Quality and Technical teams, you will be responsible for managing microbiological and analytical testing required to release product, ensuring regulatory, food safety and business requirements are consistently met.

A significant aspect of the role involves managing the inoculum process, which is a critical part of our production process. You will oversee culture collections, stock validation and storage, inoculum preparation, and laboratory-scale fermentation activities, whilst ensuring laboratory equipment remains maintained and available for use. You will also provide expert advice on fermenter purity, morphological changes and contamination issues, supporting operational decision-making and helping to minimise product risk.

Alongside daily laboratory activities, you will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, technical trials, environmental monitoring activities, procedure development, and training colleagues across the business. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will play an important role in maintaining microbiological standards across a 24/7 manufacturing operation.

This role works Monday - Friday, however the shift pattern includes periodic weekend cover (1 in 6). Following weekend cover, lieu days are given.