Job Title: Microbiology Analyst
Location: On-site in Kendal, Cumbria
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 am – 16:00 pm
About us:
Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing nutrition success stories.
Kendal Nutricare creates world-class nutrition for every stage of life — from Kendamil infant and toddler formula to Kendalife adult nutrition. We’re a family-owned, purpose-driven business with big global ambitions.
In 2025, we were ranked the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink company, with Kendamil now one of the fastest-growing baby brands in the world, the No. 1 Organic formula in both the UK and the USA, and available in 40+ countries (and counting).
As the only British infant formula manufacturer, we’re proud to produce our award-winning products here in the UK using British full-cream milk, with no palm oil or unnecessary additives — trusted by families worldwide.
We’re on an exciting path – join us!
The role:
The Micro Analyst (Infant Formula) is responsible for conducting microbiological testing and quality assurance activities on raw materials, in-process samples, finished infant formula products, and manufacturing environments. The role ensures compliance with food safety regulations and supports the production of safe, high-quality infant nutrition products.
What you’ll be doing:
- Perform routine and non-routine microbiological testing of infant formula products and ingredients
- · Detect and enumerate microorganisms including pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Cronobacter sakazakii
- Conduct environmental monitoring of production areas (air, water, surfaces, equipment)
- Prepare and maintain microbial cultures using aseptic laboratory techniques
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (incubators, autoclaves, PCR systems, biosafety cabinets)
- Record, analyse, and interpret microbiological data accurately in accordance with GMP standards
- Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results and support root cause analysis
- Support internal and external audits, including regulatory inspections
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 17025, and company quality systems
- Maintain accurate documentation and laboratory records in line with regulatory requirements
- · Good laboratory practice ensuring their own Health & Safety and those around them.
- · Complying with safety procedures including but not limited to: adopting safe working practices, wearing the required protective clothing and use of safety equipment appropriate to the role (PPE).
What you’ll need:
- Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biomedical Science, or related discipline
- Experience in a microbiology laboratory (food, pharmaceutical, or clinical preferred)
- Strong understanding of aseptic technique and microbial culturing methods
- Familiarity with food safety standards and quality systems (HACCP, GMP)
- High attention to detail and data integrity awareness
- Ability to work under strict procedural and regulatory frameworks
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Desirable Skills:
- Experience working with infant formula or dairy microbiology
- Knowledge of rapid microbiological methods (PCR, immunoassays)
What you’ll get from us:
The opportunity to work for the fastest growing infant milk brand in Europe, alongside a young talented team dedicated to serving thousands of passionate customers.
We offer to all our employees:
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
- A pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Assurance at 2 x basic salary*
- Free parking*
- Subsidised breakfast
- Free gym membership*
- Health Cash Plan
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £26,440.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Canteen
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Kendal LA9 6NL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- laboratory: 2 years (required)
- microbiology laboratory : 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
