Placement Student (Microbiology)

Arxada is a global specialty chemicals business that’s committed to solving the world’s toughest preservation challenges through better science. [With a proud history of innovation dating back more than a century], we aim to help our customers develop more sustainable solutions that protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of people and extend the life of vital infrastructure while working to reduce our and our customers’ ecological footprint.

Sustainable preservation is one of our top priorities. We are making significant strategic investments that will not only decrease our own environmental footprint, but also help customers adapt to long-term environmental and social change through the development of cleaner, greener solutions.

We are looking for a Placement Student (Microbiology) supporting our Microbiology Team based at Arxada’s R&D hub in Manchester, Blackley. This 13-month fixed-term contract is part of our annual student placement program that provides an insight into a career within industrial microbiology. This laboratory-based role supports Arxada's active Hygiene & Preservation programs through the microbial testing of disinfectant and preservation technologies. In this role you will conduct industry standard efficacy testing and product development work on active innovation projects, with training and supervision provided by full-time expert staff. The role will provide experience of an industrial R&D environment and include the opportunity to contribute to business-critical short-term deliverables and to conduct research to improve the understanding of microorganisms and their interaction with biocides. The role would best suit a hardworking, versatile microbiology, biochemistry, biological undergraduate/postgraduate who is interested in experiencing an industrial microbiology role.  

Essential responsibilities:
 

• Contribute to the characterization and development of novel disinfection and preservative formulations within a fast-paced innovation project framework. Generate efficacy testing data of active substances and formulated products and to support or lead protocol development to refine testing methodologies
• Help to define and implement an original program of practical scientific research to build deeper fundamental understanding of one or more aspects of Hygiene & preservation formulations. This can include assessing test variables to identify what impact is has on the product performance and to hypothesis the science driving this.
• Keep up to date record keeping, monthly report of work and write-up summary of findings during placement. Participate in team meetings and stakeholder presentations as required and be prepared to present and discuss own program of work
• Exposure to research in industry and you will be introduced to the various functions and roles at Arxada

Essential qualifications:

• Studying for a B.Sc or M.Sc. in Biological Sciences / Microbiology
• Strong A-level result in Biology and preferably Chemistry. Preferred area of study: Microbiology 
• Knowledge of Biological sciences
• Ideally knowledge or background in microbiology, aseptic techniques and safe handling of microorganisms. Strong focus/background in handling and drawing conclusions from experimental data
• Ability to draw own conclusions from data and make recommendations for next steps
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Confidence to present own work to a varied audience, ranging from scientific experts to non-scientists

A major part of the heritage of Arxada is being able to deliver unique solutions to our customers.  Being the driving force behind this approach – listening, asking, understanding to match the right elements in a new way has been an inherent part of our day-to-day business. Always with the goal to enable a competitive advantage for each customer with a specific product, package or solution.  What makes YOU different?
 
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.

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