Microbiologist

Cure Talent; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cure Talent is partnering with a fast-growing biotechnology start-up in Birmingham to recruit a hands-on Microbiologist for a lab-based role. You will design and perform experiments to develop antimicrobial wound dressings, conducting MIC/MBC work and broader microbiology testing, with detailed data analysis and documentation.

You will work closely with formulation, product development, quality and regulatory teams, maintaining GLP standards and producing clear technical reports.

Qualifications

• A degree in Microbiology or related field is required.
• Hands-on experience in a microbiology lab.
• Experience with MIC/MBC testing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform and document microbiological experiments for antimicrobial wound care products.
• Carry out antimicrobial efficacy testing (MIC, MBC, modified AATCC 100).
• Culture and maintain bacterial and fungal strains (MRSA, Pseudomonas, E. coli, Candida, Aspergillus).
• Develop, validate microbiological methods, analyze data, and prepare technical reports.
• Maintain GLP-compliant records and support lab processes and improvements.

Skills

Hands-on microbiology

GLP knowledge

Data analysis

Documentation

Communication

Education

BSc/MSc Microbiology

Job description

Cure Talent are delighted to be partnering with a fast-growing biotechnology start-up developing proprietary antimicrobial technology for wound care and infection control. Based in Birmingham, the business is building innovative, commercially viable solutions to help tackle the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes.

This is a full-time, laboratory-based role reporting to the Head of Research & Development. As Microbiologist, you will play a pivotal part in the design and development of new antimicrobial wound dressings, helping to turn ideas into practical products through hands‑on experimentation, method development and clear documentation.

The role centres on antimicrobial efficacy testing, including MIC and MBC work, alongside broader microbiological experimentation, data analysis and reporting. You will work closely with colleagues across formulation, product development, quality and regulatory to support the progression of new technologies from the bench towards commercial application.

You are a hands‑on microbiologist who enjoys being at the bench and contributing directly to product development. You are methodical, analytical and comfortable working to GLP standards, with strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Ideally, you are looking for a role where you can stay close to the science and make a direct impact in a growing start‑up environment.

Role Responsibilities

• Design, perform and document microbiological experiments supporting the development of antimicrobial wound care products.
• Carry out antimicrobial efficacy testing, including MIC, MBC and modified AATCC 100 methods.
• Culture and maintain relevant bacterial and fungal strains, including MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis.
• Develop, optimise and validate microbiological methods, then analyse data and prepare clear technical reports.
• Maintain accurate GLP-compliant records, support work instructions, and contribute to equipment, consumables and continuous improvement in the laboratory.

Key requirements / What we look for

• BSc or Master’s in Microbiology, or a related discipline.
• Proven Microbiology laboratory experience.
• Strong hands‑on antimicrobial testing experience, ideally including MIC, MBC and modified AATCC 100.
• Good understanding of GLP, documentation and data analysis.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail and confident communication.