Microbiology Student Placement (2026/27)
At Arxada, we combine technological innovation with world-class manufacturing and regulatory excellence. We are a leader in Microbial Control Solutions and chemical technologies used in various applications including hygiene, personal care and home care. Today, these solutions are more critical than ever to maintain the hygiene and safety of hospitals, homes, schools, and offices across the world. Our Specialty Chemical Services business provides composite materials for technically demanding industries and performance intermediates & chemicals. Our Custom development and manufacturing team has already brought more than 1,000 unique solutions to life for their customers.
We are a highly dynamic group of 3,000 employees in more than 25 countries around the world. For us, performance, collaboration, passion and care are fundamentals. Are YOU someone who CARES about finding unique solutions for customers, who is PASSIONATE about making a difference? We are looking for talent who embrace COLLABORATION and are motivated by a PERFORMANCE culture.
ARXADA is 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 proven annual student placement programme 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. The role will encompass industry standard efficacy testing and will incorporate 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 enhance the understanding of microorganisms and their interaction with biocides. The role would best suit an enthusiastic, versatile microbiology, biochemistry, biological undergraduate/postgraduate who is interested in experiencing an industrial microbiology role.
Key responsibilities:
Contribute to the characterisation and development of novel disinfection & preservative formulations within a fast-moving 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 execute 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; the Student will be introduced to the various functions and roles at Arxada.
Key requirements:
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
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.
GB08