Molecular Biology Laboratory Specialist (Maternity Leave Substitution)

About the Role:

We are happy to share that we are currently looking for a talented Molecular Biology Lab Specialist to join our FSQ Central Laboratory – Microbiology Unit in Alba for a maternity leave substitution! 

You will become part of a highly technical, hands-on and collaborative laboratory environment, working closely with the Molecular Biology & Allergen Lab Responsible and a team of skilled analysts. In this role, you will focus on supporting analytical workflows related to pathogen and allergen detection, contributing to the reliability of laboratory results and to the quality and safety standards applied to raw materials, semifinished and finished products. 

Main Responsibilities:

In this position, you perform accurate DNA based and ELISA analyses on finished products, raw materials and environmental samples, ensuring that all activities comply with the laboratory’s quality standards and ISO17025 requirements. You take part in the final analytical phase of pathogen and allergen testing, applying molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR and related methods, together with immunoassay-based approaches specifically designed for food applications. 

You also ensure that laboratory systems – including environmental monitoring, temperature control, and equipment checks – are functioning properly. Accurate documentation, calculation, and reporting of analytical results contribute to internal quality compliance and support external accreditation standards. 

As part of your daily tasks, you analyze inbound materials, semifinished and finished goods, providing alerts in case of anomalies. You prepare samples and calibration standards, monitor method and instrument performance, and take care of the operation, maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment. You coordinate testing activities, process analytical data and deliver results that support material release and production schedules. 

In addition, you help optimize molecular and allergentesting protocols, contributing to the continuous improvement of analytical workflows and staying aligned with best practices in the field. Collaboration with other FSQ laboratories and with partners in Quality, R&D and Operations ensures effective alignment across analytical activities and reinforces the broader quality and safety objectives of the organization. 

About You:

You hold a Master’s Degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, Biomolecular Sciences or a related field, and you ideally bring hands-on experience in molecular laboratory activities, preferably within the food sector. You have direct exposure to DNAbased techniques, and you are familiar with ELISA and other immunoassay approaches for allergen detection.  

You approach established protocols with care, accuracy and a strong willingness to learn and improve. Fluency in English and good digital skills complete your technical profile 

You bring a collaborative mindset, a structured approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple analytical tasks in a dynamic laboratory environment. You enjoy working hands-on, learning new techniques, and contributing to continuous improvement activities within the team. 

Your curiosity, precision and commitment to quality will support your contribution to the analytical activities of the FSQ Central Laboratory. 

Our Benefits & Perks:

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About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.

Find out more here.