Research Microbiologist

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

As a Research Microbiologist based at Arxada’s R&D hub in Manchester, Blackley, you will play a vital role in advancing innovation within our Professional Hygiene business. Working in a collaborative and laboratory-based environment, you will support the identification, validation and application of new antimicrobial actives and product performance solutions for our European portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity for a microbiology professional who enjoys combining scientific expertise with hands-on experimentation. You will partner closely with colleagues across Formulation, Analytical, Regulatory, Marketing and Technical teams, helping bring innovative and compliant solutions to market. If you are passionate about microbiological science, thrive in a fast-paced research environment and are motivated to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design, perform and report microbiological efficacy testing to support new product development and expansion of existing Professional Hygiene applications.

• Act as a subject matter expert in microbiological efficacy testing, providing clear scientific guidance and proposing compliant testing strategies.

• Contribute to laboratory quality standards and accreditation activities, supporting the achievement, maintenance and expansion of microbiology laboratory and broader R&D accreditations.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Formulation, Analytical, Technical Regulatory, Marketing and Regulatory colleagues to deliver successful project outcomes.

• Lead or support capability development initiatives by proposing innovative concepts, generating proof-of-concept data and validating new methods.

• Promote a safe, compliant and efficient laboratory environment through proactive support of EHS standards, equipment readiness, laboratory housekeeping and troubleshooting activities.

• Maintain awareness of competitor technologies, emerging science and market developments, translating external insights into opportunities for current and future programmes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Microbiology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working within a microbiology laboratory environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in performing and interpreting EN standard biocidal efficacy testing.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Proactive, resilient and solutions-focused mindset with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

• Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams and functions.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

• Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

• Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.