Principal Microbiologist

Eurofins Food Testing Ireland Limited; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food testing laboratory in Belfast is seeking a Microbiologist to support laboratory operations and provide quality expertise. You will ensure compliance with relevant ISO standards and implement new methods while maintaining accurate records. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of laboratory quality systems and excellent IT skills. This is a full-time entry-level position, starting October 2025.

Qualifications

• Understanding of ISO 17025, UKAS, RSA, BEIC, audit procedures.
• Proven experience in achieving targets within the quality system.
• Experience working with a broad range of customers.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory by providing technical and quality expertise.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025:2017 and relevant legislation.
• Implement new methods into the lab and maintain records.

Skills

Understanding of ISO 17025

Proven experience in quality systems

Experience with internal and external customers

IT competence including LIMS

Experience in a UKAS accredited laboratory

Job description

Application Details

In order to work in Ireland a non-EEA National, unless they are exempted, must hold a valid employment permit. Please review the Eligibility and requirements for an employment permit if you are unsure of your eligibility to apply for this vacancy.

Job Description

This is a full time, fixed term contract starting October 2025 until October 2026. Working Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00. The purpose of the role is to support the food laboratory by providing technical and quality microbiological expertise in all areas and ensure ownership of and improvements in existing methodologies. Support the Team Leader in respective areas on a day-to-day basis and step up when absent, ensuring compliance with requirements of ISO 17025:2017, RSA, BEIC and relevant legislation (when required). To help with day-to-day operations in the pathogen department. Responsible for checking transfer of data relating to samples and results and issuing of test reports and confidentiality of information. To review and implement the technical performance of all aspects of the methods (registration to final reports) on a regular basis. Familiarisation with accreditation requirements for UKAS, DWTS and LCA. To be key in implementing new methods into the lab, owning method validations and method documentation preparation prior to issuing to quality for submission to UKAS. To maintain a comprehensive record of all modifications and improvements within the laboratory. To implement all technical changes as an outcome of audits/complaints etc in a robust manner ensuring all corrective actions are effective. To investigate customer complaints when required and support the team with completing complaint investigations and non-conforming work. To perform audits in line with the quality system. Represent the laboratory in external audits (regulatory/client audits etc.). Complete KPIs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. To ensure in conjunction with the laboratory management and the quality team, that all methods are validated and that EQA, IQC and DPC systems are maintained (sample handling, reporting and reviewing) and non-conformances are investigated. To maintain and review externally sourced method references. To maintain uncertainty of measurement for current methods. To ensure the Environmental monitoring programme is fit for purpose. To provide technical support to the Stock Controller/Team Leader when liaising with company suppliers. Support customer requirements and be a key link to ensure customer requirements are translated in the quality system. To attend and actively participate in the Group Technical Forums, implementing all improvement opportunities and group initiatives. To be a point of reference within Eurofins UK for internal clients for any issues arising regarding testing.

Qualifications

• Understanding of ISO 17025, UKAS, RSA, BEIC, key customer requirements, audit procedures, laboratory methods and quality management systems.
• Proven experience in working to and exceeding targets within the quality system.
• Experience of working with a broad range of internal and external customers.
• Competence in IT, including LIMS, spreadsheets and databases.
• Experience working in a relevant UKAS accredited laboratory.
• Sector:

Career Level

• Entry Level

Application Method

Please apply to this vacancy by the following means:

This programme is for jobseekers that are in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment and those transferring from a social welfare scheme. Full eligibility details are available here.

To register your interest, take note of the scheme reference number and contact an Employment Personal Advisor in your local Intreo Office.