Microbiology/Biology Undergraduate Placement (12-15 months)

Campden BRI’s mission is to help food and drink businesses succeed through science, technology and consultancy services, our microbiology department focus on two major areas of concern: microbiological food spoilage and food poisoning. Preventing food poisoning and reducing or delaying spoilage are priorities for all manufacturers and retailers.

At Campden BRI, we offer microbiology testing, routine microbiological analysis to determine levels of microorganisms in foods, we can identify what the organisms are, and whether they will affect the shelf-life of the food, as well as investigating the source of any contamination problems. We can evaluate real factory scenarios in our newly commissioned Microbiology Process Hall and can also offer advice if our members/clients have a problem with virus contamination.

We also have expertise in the response of microorganisms to food processing regimes (e.g. washing, heating, high pressure), and can advise on how changes to ingredients, packaging, and processing as part of product development might affect microbial shelf-life - identifying the hazards and risks of each situation.

We are looking to offer a 12–15-month internship (starting Summer 2024), for a Biology/Microbiology undergraduate to help them gain laboratory experience and widen their knowledge of food & drink microbiology.

• Practical microbiology laboratory work on research and contract studies.
• Microbiology sample receipt, sample analysis, plate counting and results calculation.
• Laboratory quality tasks, such as calibration, housekeeping, and monitoring.
• Contribution to client facing tasks such as answering enquiries, sending interim reports, and contributing to proposals.
• Working with a team of experienced Technicians and Microbiologists.
• Ensuring effective management of assigned workloads, integrity of analytical data generated and timely/accurate provision of results. 
• Growing and developing expertise in microbiology techniques, methods and broadening your knowledge.

• An undergraduate in Biology or Microbiology.
• Effective time management skills relating to effective delivery and business practices.
• A keen interest in the food industry
• Self-driven and motivated 
• Naturally inquisitive and passionate about technical excellence  
• Can work with a level of autonomy, as well as within a team 
• Pro-active and ready to take on new responsibilities  
• Able to build strong relationships  
• Good working knowledge of MS Office
• Full UK/EU driving licence and own transport
• Able to travel (if required) 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstratable skills in report writing and data analysis.

We regret we can not offer visa sponsorship and can only consider candidates who hold right to work in the UK.