Microbiology Laboratory Technician

About the company

Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited is the second-largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The organisation operates a sophisticated and large-scale business built around a milk pool of 2 billion litres sourced from more than 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.

With modern manufacturing sites in six locations on a cross-border basis, the group serves a wide range of customers, including major global dairy, foodservice, and consumer brands across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and international markets. The business exports around 240 products to more than 100 countries. Its Agribusiness Division, Lakeland Agri, also runs an advanced animal feed manufacturing facility and supplies high-quality feed and farm inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers throughout the north and south of Ireland.

Role overview

As a Microbiology Laboratory Technician, you will handle microbiological sampling, testing, analysis, and result logging across the production cycle. Your work will help make sure products comply with legal, internal, and customer requirements. You will also assist with internal and external audits and support continuous improvement activities.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare culture media and keep laboratory records accurate and up to date.
• Carry out microbiological testing on powder, butter, cream, and environmental samples.
• Prepare samples for pathogen testing, send them onward, and process requisitions in SAP.
• Complete daily water testing and environmental monitoring tasks.
• Calibrate and check product testing instruments to ensure accuracy.
• Perform quality control checks and shelf-life assessments.
• Help maintain and improve LIMS (Micro) systems.
• Take part in proficiency testing and validation of laboratory methods.
• Assist with internal audits and prepare for regulatory and customer audits.
• Follow GLP, health and safety, and data protection requirements at all times.
• Keep the lab clean, organised, and ready for audit inspection.
• Participate in training and professional development activities.

Qualifications and experience

A third-level qualification in a science-related discipline is required. Prior experience with SAP and LIMS would be beneficial, though not essential. Candidates should be detail-oriented, quality-focused, able to work alone or with others, and capable of communicating and organising tasks effectively.

Inclusive recruitment

The company is committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. If you need adjustments during the hiring process or have accessibility-related questions, you can contact the recruitment team by phone at 049 4364200 or by email at careers@lakelanddairies.com.