Senior Scientist - Microbiology

ConvaTec; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Convatec is seeking a Senior Scientist, Microbiology to join the Applied Research team within Biomedical Sciences in the UK. You will design and execute microbiology research programs, with a strong hands-on emphasis on antimicrobial testing, method development, and in‑vitro models.

You will collaborate cross‑functionally across R&D, Regulatory, Clinical, Operations and Global Laboratory Services, driving scientific discovery and ensuring high standards of data integrity and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of industry microbiology experience in regulated environments.
• Hands-on laboratory work is essential, not solely project management.
• Proficiency in aseptic processing, culturing, growth monitoring and in‑vitro testing.
• Experience designing and interpreting microbiology studies including antimicrobial assays and biofilm models.
• Strong scientific communication for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, FDA, GMP and lab best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute microbiology research programs for antimicrobial technologies and related fields.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory work: sample prep, experiments, troubleshooting, data analysis, interpretation.
• Develop and optimize microbiological methods, assays, and protocols.
• Generate evidence to support antimicrobial product claims across Convatec's portfolio.
• Communicate findings via presentations and technical reports to scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
• Collaborate with Applied Research, R&D, Regulatory, Clinical, Operations, and GLOBAL Lab Services to drive outcomes.
• Support growth of microbiology capabilities through continuous improvement and new technologies.

Skills

Hands-on lab skills

Microbiology techniques

Study design & interpretation

Scientific communication

Regulatory awareness

multitask & prioritize

Education

PhD/MSc in Microbiology

Job description

About the role:

We're looking for a Senior Scientist, Microbiology to join Convatec's Applied Research team within Biomedical Sciences . This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in advancing microbiology research that supports products across Convatec's diverse portfolio, including Wound Care, Ostomy Care, and other business units.

As a Senior Scientist, you will apply your microbiology expertise to design, develop, and execute research programs that generate meaningful scientific insights and support product claims, innovation, and business growth. You'll work on a variety of projects, with a particular focus on antimicrobial testing, microbiological method development, and in‑vitro research models, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Clinical, Regulatory, Operations, and Global Laboratory Services.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a research environment and enjoys being hands‑on. More than 70% of your time will be spent in the laboratory, designing experiments, running assays, interpreting data, troubleshooting challenges, and driving scientific discovery.

You'll join a highly collaborative team where you'll have the freedom to work independently while contributing to projects that have a real impact on patients' lives.

An exciting future in Manchester

Convatec has announced a major milestone in our R&D journey and commitment to our vision of pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch. We have unveiled plans to relocate the majority of our UK‑based research and development (R&D) activities from Deeside to Manchester from late 2027/early 2028, alongside a significant expansion of our facilities in Boston.

The new, planned Manchester facility has the potential to be a major R&D hub in our global network which will initially function as the company’s global testing laboratories, with cutting‑edge analytical R&D capabilities including quality control and materials, regulatory functions, and health innovation, positioning Convatec at the forefront of medical technology development. Our new state‑of‑the‑art facilities will also strengthen our collaboration with Manchester’s vibrant life sciences ecosystem, which includes leading universities, hospitals, and research institutions.

Your key duties and responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and execute microbiology research programs focused on areas such as antimicrobial technologies, infection mechanisms, microbiome interactions, biofilms, and related scientific fields.

• Conduct hands‑on laboratory research, including sample preparation, experimental execution, troubleshooting, data analysis, and interpretation of results.

• Develop and optimize microbiological methods, assays, and research protocols to support current and future innovation projects.

• Generate scientific evidence to support antimicrobial and antibacterial product claims across Convatec's portfolio.

• Communicate technical findings and recommendations through presentations, reports, and technical documentation for both scientific and non‑scientific audiences.

• Partner with colleagues across Applied Research, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Operations, Project Management, and Global Laboratory Services to deliver successful project outcomes.

• Support the growth of Convatec's microbiology capabilities through continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and recommendations for new technologies, equipment, and laboratory practices.

• Champion high standards of scientific rigor, laboratory safety, data integrity, and compliance.

Skills & Experience:

• At least 5 years of industry experience in microbiology within a medical device, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or other highly regulated environment. Purely academic experience alone is unlikely to provide the breadth of experience required for this role.

• Strong hands‑on laboratory experience and a genuine passion for experimental research. This role is best suited to someone who enjoys being actively involved in laboratory work rather than primarily managing projects or reviewing reports.

• Expertise in microbiological techniques including aseptic processing, microbial culturing, microbial growth monitoring, and in‑vitro microbiology testing.

• Experience designing, executing, and interpreting microbiology studies, including antimicrobial assays, biofilm models, or related research methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments, solve complex scientific problems, and independently drive research activities forward.

• Strong scientific communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.

• Familiarity with relevant regulatory and quality standards, including ISO 13485, FDA regulations, GMP principles, and laboratory best practices.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving research needs.

Qualifications/Education:

• PhD/MSc in Microbiology or a closely related scientific discipline.

Travel Requirements:

• This role may require occasional travel (<10%) within the UK, Europe, and Americas. Most trips will include overnight travel.

Working Conditions:

• This role requires that most of the time is spent on‑site as hands‑on laboratory work is a key requirement. There may be occasional opportunities to work from home as Convatec maintains a flexible approach to office work, however, expect up to 5 days per week working onsite.

Special Factors

• This role requires working in a microbiology laboratory environment with exposure to biological agents (hazard groups 1 and 2) with exposure to chemicals and reagents.

• This role will be based initially at Convatec in Deeside, UK. This role will later be based at Convatec in Manchester, UK once Convatec completes its transition to the new R&D Hub in late 2027/early 2028.

Ready to join us?

At Convatec, we’re pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch.

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Equal opportunities

Convatec provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Convatec is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Convatec employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Convatec. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

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About Convatec

Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch:

Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care, and Infusion Care. With over 10,000 colleagues, we provide products and services in around 90 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring. Our solutions provide a range of benefits, from infection prevention, treatment for hard to heal wounds, at‑risk skin and ulcerated tissue to supporting debilitating conditions, improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Convatec's revenues in 2025 were over $2 billion. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (LSE:CTEC). To learn more please visit: http://www.convatecgroup.com.