Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and motivated microbiologist to join our growing laboratory team as a Microbiology Laboratory Technician.

This is far more than a routine laboratory position. It is a unique opportunity to join a newly established microbiology laboratory that is in the final stages of achieving ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Who are we?

The Oxford Health Company is an award-winning contract manufacturing business specialising in the food supplement market. Since our incorporation in 2013, we’ve been recognised as one of the Times Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in 2023, with an impressive 58% average annual growth over the past three years. Our commitment to excellence has earned us numerous industry-specific accolades, including recent 2024 wins at the Oxfordshire Business Awards in both the Large Business and Green Award categories.

We are a dynamic, entrepreneurial team driven by a mission to become the UK’s leading Food Supplement Manufacturer, both in turnover and service quality. Our success is built on offering expert service and the industry’s shortest lead times to new and medium-sized brands with high-value propositions.

Our headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Bicester, with a second storage warehouse nearby. Since fitting out our state-of-the-art clean rooms and manufacturing facility in 2019, we have continued to invest in our infrastructure to better serve our customers and enhance operational efficiency.

Alongside our manufacturing facility, we have recently established HAB Labs, our dedicated microbiology and chemistry testing laboratory. HAB Labs provides high-quality microbiological and chemical testing for our own brand, Oxford Vitality, and for TOHC’s clients.

Your future with us

This is more than just a job. You’ll receive structured training from our experienced Laboratory Manager and gradually take ownership of the laboratory as your knowledge and confidence grow, developing into specialist areas such as:

• Microbiological Testing - Carry out routine microbiological analysis of food supplements, raw materials and environmental samples, including Aerobic Plate Count, yeasts and moulds, Escherichia coli and Salmonella, alongside environmental monitoring, media preparation and quality control.

• Laboratory Operations - Prepare samples for microbiological analysis, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, keep accurate laboratory records, monitor consumables and reagents, support the investigation of laboratory deviations and maintain high standards of housekeeping and laboratory organisation.

• ISO/IEC 17025 Quality System - Work within our quality management system by following laboratory procedures and work instructions, completing records accurately, participating in method verification and validation, supporting internal audits and continuous improvement, and helping to maintain UKAS accreditation requirements.

• Molecular Biology - Where appropriate, assist with PCR-based testing and the identification of microorganisms.

• Career Progression & Future Leadership - Take on progressively greater responsibility, with the opportunity to develop into the future Laboratory Manager: leading and mentoring the laboratory team, planning and organising the daily workload, maintaining the ISO/IEC 17025 quality management system, planning and conducting internal audits, playing a leading role during UKAS assessments and customer audits, developing and implementing new microbiological and molecular testing methods, managing laboratory equipment and inventory, supporting client projects and driving continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For:

• An MSc in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline.

• 1+ years’ laboratory experience in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited microbiology laboratory, including performing routine microbiological testing.

• Good practical knowledge of microbiology laboratory equipment, including incubators, autoclaves, pipettes, analytical balances and biological safety cabinets.

• A good understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, together with strong organisational and documentation skills and excellent attention to detail.

• The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

• Hands-on experience of Aerobic Plate Count, yeasts and moulds, E. coli and Salmonella testing is desirable but not essential, as is experience of PCR techniques, laboratory investigations and quality systems, or of supporting and training junior laboratory staff.

• Enthusiasm for health, wellness, and using science to make a positive impact.

Why Join Us?

• A Unique Career Opportunity
  Join a brand-new microbiology laboratory at an exciting stage of its development, with genuine opportunities for career progression.

• Structured Training
  Receive extensive one-to-one training from our experienced Laboratory Manager before gradually taking on increased responsibility.

• Professional Development
  Develop your technical expertise while progressing towards a future laboratory leadership position.

• Competitive Package
  We offer a competitive salary, pension, healthcare benefits and excellent opportunities for long-term career development.

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter to our People & Operations team at people@tohc.co.uk. If you have any questions about the position, we’d be delighted to hear from you.