Microbiology Lab Researcher

We are looking for a highly motivated Microbiology Lab Researcher to join one of ICL's innovation units.
This is a hands-on role focused on microbiological research, with an emphasis on biofilm studies and antimicrobial evaluation. 
In this role, you will turn microbiological questions into robust lab work, reliable data, and actionable insights that support product and application development.
You will work in a multidisciplinary R&D environment across microbiology, formulation, and innovation arenas. 
The role fits a strong M.Sc. or Ph.D. graduate with 2-3 years of relevant industry experience, who brings scientific independence, critical thinking, and a proactive approach.
The successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of innovative solutions with direct commercial and operational impact.

What will your responsibilities be?

-Design and run microbiology studies. Plan and execute biofilm, antimicrobial, and surface-related assays, including controls, method selection, and interpretation.
-Perform advanced wet-lab work. Culture microorganisms, prepare media, apply aseptic techniques and execute plating, CFU enumeration, OD measurements, and related microbiological methods.
-Develop and improve methods. Troubleshoot assays, refine protocols, and improve reproducibility, relevance, and scientific quality.
-Analyze results critically. Identify trends, question assumptions, spot inconsistencies, and translate findings into clear conclusions and next-step recommendations.
-Document work clearly. Maintain accurate lab records and prepare SOPs, reports, summaries, and presentations that support internal decision-making and knowledge transfer.
-Collaborate across functions. Work closely with cross-functional teams to support product development and industrial validation.

What are we looking for?

-Ph.D./ M.Sc. in Microbiology. Strong advantage to candidates who bring experience in Biofilm, antimicrobial testing, and methods development. 
-2-3 years of hands-on microbiology lab experience, including bacterial culturing, plating, media preparation, and standard aseptic techniques; strong academic research experience will also be considered.
-Ability to work independently, manage multiple experiments in parallel, and drive research forward with high ownership.
-Strong scientific skills, critical analysis of results, and a sharp eye for experimental quality, detail, and reproducibility.
-Proactive, self-driven, and intellectually curious, with the confidence to ask questions, challenge results, and suggest new directions.
-Ability to work independently and travel between different company sites to provide hands on training and guidance on the implementation of research methods
-Clear written and verbal communication skills in English.
-On-site with weekly travel to the Haifa site for training and implementation support.

Location: Bar-Ilan, Rehovot / Ness Ziona, Israel.