Quorn Foods are delighted to be recruiting for a Plant Microbiologist to join our Technical team at our Billingham manufacturing site.
What You'll Be Responsible For
As a key member of the Belasis technical group, you will provide specialist microbiological and analytical expertise to support the safe, efficient, and compliant production of Quorn’s mycoprotein products. Working closely with Production, Quality and Technical teams, you will be responsible for managing microbiological and analytical testing required to release product, ensuring regulatory, food safety and business requirements are consistently met.
A significant aspect of the role involves managing the inoculum process, which is a critical part of our production process. You will oversee culture collections, stock validation and storage, inoculum preparation, and laboratory-scale fermentation activities, whilst ensuring laboratory equipment remains maintained and available for use. You will also provide expert advice on fermenter purity, morphological changes and contamination issues, supporting operational decision-making and helping to minimise product risk.
Alongside daily laboratory activities, you will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, technical trials, environmental monitoring activities, procedure development, and training colleagues across the business. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will play an important role in maintaining microbiological standards across a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
This role works Monday - Friday, however the shift pattern includes periodic weekend cover (1 in 6). Following weekend cover, lieu days are given.
What Experience You'll Need To Have
Hold a degree in Microbiology or a related scientific discipline, with a solid understanding of microbiological principles and laboratory techniques
Demonstrable background of working within a microbiology laboratory environment, ideally supporting manufacturing or production operation
Experience of microbiological testing, analysis, reporting and problem-solving, with the ability to provide clear recommendations based on technical findings
Present excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities independently while working collaboratively across multiple functions
Ideally bring knowledge of quality systems, fermentation processes and the use of laboratory-scale fermenters
A passion for healthy, sustainable products which are better for our consumers and the planet – you don’t have to be a vegetarian to work for Quorn!
The Recruitment Process
Every applicant will receive a response, whether successful or not. We aim to reply to everyone as quickly as possible, though at busy times this may take a little longer. For transparency, if you are shortlisted, the recruitment process will look like this:
If you have any questions regarding any of the above or the application process, please feel free to reach out to our Resourcing Partner Jacob Senior.
What You'll Get In Return
A Competitive Salary + Shift Allowance
25 days annual leave + bank holidays (plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year!)
Matched pension scheme & life assurance Cover
Employee Assistance Programmes (we're a GroceryAid sponsor and run a range of annual initiatives to support colleague wellbeing)
Access to other wellbeing schemes – discounted gym memberships, Digital GP services, eye tests, mortgage advice, and salary finance
Free Quorn products on-site to take home and share with your friends and family!
To apply for this vacancy, please apply below. We look forward to receiving your application.
About Us
Delicious food shouldn’t cost the earth. At Quorn, we know there is a sustainable way to enjoy great-tasting food.
Quorn is a global company led by a clear purpose: to supply healthy food for people and the planet, with an ambition to become a net positive business by 2030 - making a positive impact on people, the planet, and food systems overall.
We create delicious products that are great for you and your family, as well as for the planet and future generations. Our collective differences make Quorn special. As pioneers of meat-free food, we embrace a different path that sets us apart. Our four core values define who we are: Stronger Together, Make Lives Better, Think Big & Act With Courage, and Strive To Be The Best.
We are committed to promoting diversity across our workforce and dedicated to attracting and developing talent through an inclusive culture.
Your background, experiences, and ideas are all valued here - it’s our differences that make us Stronger Together.
All suitably qualified applicants will be considered regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, religion, or age.
Recruitment Agencies
Please note that we manage our recruitment directly and will not engage with any agencies on this or any other vacancies. On the occasion that we do require external support, we will engage our preferred suppliers who have an excellent prior track record in supporting the business when needed.
We do not accept speculative CV's and any communication from non-PSL agencies will be ignored and forwarded to our Resourcing Partner.
