Associate Principal Scientist, Microbiologist

Mondelēz International

. Act as the scientific authority for food microbiology across the MEU region.

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeBirmingham • United KingdomJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Food Microbiology, including risk assessment, thermal process validation, and laboratory management. Capable of translating complex scientific concepts into actionable strategies and training for operational excellence.

Highest-signal resume keywords

MSc Food Safety And ControlFood Microbiology PhDISO17025 Laboratory ManagementThermal Process ValidationScientific Leadership And Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Pathogen TestingChallenge Test Design And InterpretationPCR KnowledgeFood Industry ProcessingRisk Management Skills

Soft Skills

Influence And Coaching SkillsStrong Communication Skills

Tools & Technologies

ISO Microbiology MethodsLaboratory Auditing

Industry Keywords

Food SafetyMicrobiological Risk AssessmentInnovationQuality By DesignEU Regulation And Legislation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as the scientific authority for food microbiology across the MEU region.
Own execution of the global scientific strategy, technical frameworks and decision models for the microbiology laboratory network, microbiological Food Safety risk assessment, thermal process validation, and innovation and Test & Learn microbiological risk management.
Translate emerging science, external expertise and internal learnings into practical standards, tools and learning experiences.
Assess pathogen presence, survival, growth and inactivation across product, process, packaging, storage and shelf-life factors.
Lead and document Food Safety Special Situation risk assessments and provide the scientific basis for product disposition and risk-management decisions.
Ensure consistency of risk-assessment decisions across sites and business units.
Translate complex microbiological science into recommendations for Operations and business leaders.
Map and prioritize thermal validation needs across sites, categories and technologies.
Design and deploy thermal process validation studies and support manufacturing sites with validation and interpretation of results.
Define requirements for temperature measurement, data acquisition, sensor positioning, calibration and data quality.
Provide scientific oversight of validation studies; review and approve protocols, data and reports.
Conduct or support on-site validation when complexity or risk requires it.
Ensure validated conditions are translated into manufacturing controls and verification requirements.
Train FSS members on validation principles, critical process parameters and data interpretation.
Deploy and maintain the laboratory network strategy, including laboratory mapping, primary/backup laboratories and contingency plans.
Anticipate network vulnerabilities and establish mitigation plans.
Approve and re-approve laboratories, including strategic backups.
Drive analytical method optimization and innovation and deploy new technology methods.
Lead technical escalation and corrective-action expectations when laboratory performance does not meet required standards.
Engage early in innovation and novel projects to identify microbiological hazards and define Food Safety requirements.
Perform rapid risk assessments where standard requirements or complete evidence are unavailable.
Define interim mitigation measures, boundaries and stop criteria and document the scientific rationale.
Define controls proportionate to scale, consumer exposure, distribution, duration and hazard.
Design, lead and interpret challenge test results for food pathogens and spoilage.
Maintain networks of external experts, laboratories, scientific organizations and industry networks.
Design and deliver masterclasses, workshops and technical forums.
Convert significant incidents into organizational learning and identify systemic gaps.
Participate in microbiology Communities of Practice and expert networks.

Requirements

What you’ll need

MSc Food Safety and control
BSc Life Sciences or Food Technology
Food microbiology PhD
Experience in ISO17025 Laboratory management or equivalent accreditation bodies e.g. CLAS, DKKAS etc.
Laboratory Assessor to audit microbiology laboratory
Familiar with ISO microbiology methods including pathogen testing e.g. Salmonella.
Familiar with food industry processing and pathogen/spoilage risks management skills
Influence and coaching skills to work with different departments for innovation projects and provide "Quality by Design" approach
Strong communication skills to deal with Regional/Global Micro. SMEs
Familiar with EU regulation and legislation requirements
PCR knowledge
Ability to audit laboratories
Thermal Process Validation
Challenge test design & interpretation
Innovation & Experimental Evidence
Scientific Leadership & Communication
Capability Building

Benefits

Comp & perks

Opportunities to learn and develop
Performance Related Bonus scheme
Contributory pension (between 8% to 11% employer contribution)
Life assurance
Medical insurance (self)
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
A flexible benefits programme (Gym discounts, private health insurance, restaurant discounts, etc).