Microbiologist

Normec Group; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Enhanced parental leave

22 days holiday plus bank holidays

Job summary

Normec i2 FAST is a scientifically founded and led laboratory within Normec Group. Based in Hemel, the role supports microbiology testing, sample preparation, and adherence to strict quality standards.

The successful candidate will perform analyses, assist with QA checks, and train junior staff, while maintaining lab safety and documentation. With a strong emphasis on quality and compliance, you will work in a collaborative environment that values growth and professional development within a

Qualifications

• A-Level or equivalent in Science is required.
• Extensive (over 2 years) laboratory experience is required.
• Good oral and written communication is essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform efficient and timely analysis in the plate reading and path lab areas of the Microbiology Laboratory.
• Perform quality checks for routine analysis and for the approval of laboratory results.
• Assist and train less experienced team members as needed; provide guidance.
• Comply with the Quality Manual and UKAS/ISO accreditation standards at all times.
• Ensure all equipment and instrumentation are in good working order and records are up to date.
• Prepare samples for laboratory testing and perform microbiology analyses.
• Prepare microbiological media and provide to Logistics for client sampling.
• Maintain the laboratory and common areas, including cleaning and stock management.
• Support administrative duties such as sample registration and disposal; ensure audit actions are completed timely.

Skills

Science background

Laboratory experience

Communication

Education

A-Level in Science

Degree or professional qualification

Job description

Job type Permanent Posted 2026-10-13T00:00:00 4 days ago

Who we are

At Normec, we share one ambition: making the world safer, healthier and more sustainable.
Our culture is shaped by trust, respect, and a commitment to doing meaningful work together. We believe growth isn’t defined by size. It’s defined by people.
Founded in 2016, Normec has grown into a leading European partner in testing, inspection, certification and compliance. Through dozens of acquisitions and collaborations, we combine local expertise with international scale.
Entrepreneurship is in our DNA. From lab analyses to inspections on major infrastructure projects, our diversity shapes both our work and our culture.

Window of Opportunities

Today, we have over 5,000 motivated employees working to improve our clients' organisations every day. We are the proud employer of professionals with years of experience in and knowledge of the industry in which they operate.

Knowledgeable. Enterprising. Ambitious. Diligent. Traits that are recognizable among the more than 5,000 Normec employees. We have a love of science and legislation but also always recognize a window of opportunities. Opportunities for our clients and our employees

We have a love of science and legislation but also always recognize a window of opportunities. Opportunities for our clients and our employees

Step Into the Role

Are you interested in Science and keen to pursue a career where you can make a meaningful impact?

• To perform efficient and timely analysis in the plate reading and path lab areas of the Microbiology Laboratory.
• To perform quality checks for routine analysis and for the approval of laboratory results.
• To help less experienced members of the Laboratory with any problems that they encounter and to advise and provide training where necessary.
• To be familiar with all aspects of the Quality Manual and to comply at all times with the policies, procedures and associated documents, which are referred to within the manual in order to comply with the UKAS/ISO Accreditation Standard.
• To ensure that all equipment and instrumentation is in good working order and that all relevant certification and records are kept up-to-date.

Also required

• To prepare samples for laboratory testing.
• To perform analysis of microbiology samples.
• To prepare microbiological media for the testing of laboratory samples, and to provide to the Logistics Department for client sampling.
• To ensure the general maintenance of the Laboratory and common areas of the building, including cleaning and maintaining the Microbiology Laboratory.
• To support the department in administrative duties, such as sample registration and sample disposal.
• To ensure that all audit actions that arise in the area of work are actioned within the time frame laid out by the Quality Manager.
• If audit actions cannot be actioned within the time frame, this must be reported to the Section Head and the Quality Manager.
• To ensure that all work areas are kept clean and tidy and laboratory consumables are maintained at the designated stock levels.
• To ensure that all waste products within the Microbiology Department are disposed of in the correct manner, ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practice.
• If applicable, to ensure that the relevant driving licence and other documentation are available for inspection by the Company if required.

Health & Safety

• To ensure that all laboratory works are carried out to the standards laid out in the Quality Manual and Health & Safety Manual.
• To take responsibility for own Health & Safety whilst working within the microbiology Laboratory.
• To report any bad practises that may be witnessed to a supervisor or Quality Manager.

Training

• To ensure own training records are kept up-to-date.
• To obtain details of any desired training course, and to speak to a Supervisor. Only training courses relevant to the role will be considered.
• If asked to carry out a training session with a junior member of staff, to ensure that training is carried-out under the direction of the Quality Manual, and an approved trainer in the Microbiology Department.

These duties are by no means exhaustive and should not be interpreted as a complete definition of the role.

Our Offer

Hemel (free onsite parking)

37.5 hours (5 days per week)

Company benefits

• Pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• 22 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro-rata’d for part time)

Your profile

Essential:

• A-Level or equivalent in Science based subject.
• Applicable scientific background or extensive (>2 years) laboratory experience.
• Good oral and written communication.

Desirable:

• Degree level and/or appropriate professional qualification in Science based subject.
• Experience gained within same/similar business sector.
• Experience of either quality control systems, results analysis or the management of junior staff.

Your New Workplace

Normec i2 FAST is a scientifically founded and led laboratory. Launched in 2019, Normec i2 FAST provides pesticides, microbiology, contaminants, and nutritional testing for the food and allied industries. The Normec i2 FAST food testing laboratory is conceived by experienced chemists and microbiologists. The laboratory realises ultra-efficient process flow and utilises newest technologies to satisfy demanding food industry requirements and comply with changing food legislation. A similarly smart custom-programmed Data Management System delivers streamlined samples processing and data management.

About Normec

I2 Fast is part of Normec, a leading organization in the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) industry. Our expertise covers essential areas such as water, air, and soil quality, fire safety, and food safety, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety across various sectors. Founded in 2016, Normec is an ambitious, independent, and fast-growing organization with approximately 6,500 colleagues. We offer our colleagues the opportunity to actively contribute to our mission while simultaneously developing their own careers within a dynamic and rapidly growing organization. Together, we work on impactful solutions for our clients and on a sustainable future. The culture within Normec is informal, open, energetic, and entrepreneurial, and is anchored in our GROWTH principles. Through our The Normec Fit program, which brings these principles to life, we ensure that not only our company grows, but also everyone who is part of it.