Microbiologist

JOB SUMMARY

The function of this job is to perform advanced analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmentals. The position consistently exercises independent judgment and discretion in performing the application and evaluation of approved microbiological techniques and methodologies used in analytical testing, and the interpretation of test results. This role has training and supervisory responsibilities as needed.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accurately perform and read test results and notify Laboratory Management of deviations
• Prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemistries
• Apply aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily workload
• Apply independent judgement in the interpretation of qualitative test results
• Conduct additional testing as needed based upon independent review of test results
• Accurately perform final determination of special micros and complete final results disposition
• Communicate results including pathogenic confirmations and maintain a positive relationship with clients
• Report inventory and expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements
• Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily cleaning, sanitizing, trash disposal, and equipment quality control
• Assist in quality control duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.
• Assist with training and research assignments including troubleshooting
• Independently pursue an assigned series of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures and customer requirements
• Assisting in developing and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends
• Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner
• Share information in an open and timely manner
• Assist with managing priorities and schedule
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area
• Responsible for the completion of required training
• Travel is required and at the discretion of management

OTHER DUTIES

• Perform other duties as assigned
• As needed from time to time, assist in performing Login Technician, Media Technician, and/or Micro Technician.
• If assigned, conduct responsibilities of Branch Safety Coordinator outlined in the corporate safety manual and report to the Corporate Safety Officer for assigned duties

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This job has no regularly assigned supervisory responsibilities, although the position is expected to train others, and step in to perform supervisory responsibilities when the Sr. Microbiologist, Lead or the Supervisor is not available.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Life Science or related field, microbiology preferred
• Two or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing or analytical laboratory
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of aseptic sampling technique, automated lab equipment, and acceptable methods and procedures
• Familiar with GLP, OSHA guidelines, FDA, BAM, APHA, ISO, and USP methods and procedures
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory
• Ability to travel when necessary

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:

• Computer - Proficient in standard business office software, LIMS, and internet search tools.
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Verbal & Written Communication; Language Skills - Clarity of speech, remaining calm and focused, being polite and making effective presentations to diverse groups. Edits work for correct data, spelling, and grammar. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; Ability to perform financial calculations, compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Analytical, Problem Solving, & Organizational Skills - Gathers and analyzes information skillfully and can efficiently execute on plans/ideas. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Interprets data and test results.
• Independent Judgement and Discretion - Proficient and confident in exercising independent judgement and discretion on a consistent basis throughout the day in performing the testing, analytical and interpretive responsibilities of the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. FSNS complies with its reasonable accommodation obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law.

• Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, use hands and arms, talk and hear
• Lift up to 25 pounds
• Color vision and depth perception

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud
• Temperature varies from hot to cold
• Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks

Safety:

• Required to wear appropriate protective clothing
• Required to use appropriate protective equipment
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area

PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this role will be evaluated after 90 calendar days from date of hire and annually thereafter based on the following proficiencies:

• In addition to the responsibilities of this position, maintain competency in duties performed by technicians in other departments (Log-In, Media, Main) to provide assistance when needed
• Exercise of sound independent judgment and discretion
• Knowledge of all qualitative, quantitative testing, and confirmations performed
• Resource for all technicians in Main Lab
• Proficient in the passing and first approval process and may complete second approvals
• Excellent aseptic technique and use of the biological hood
• Understand client specifications
• Ability to assume the responsibilities and make decisions of the Sr. Microbiologist, Lead, or Supervisor, when they are not available
• Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation and QC are complete
• Help resolve technical issues with machines
• Proficiency in testing for all path lab analyses on A2LA Scope (<2 Z-Score)
• Versed in GLP, FDA, USDA, AOAC, and other method reference sources
• Manage workload and ensure TAT is met by delegation of work to self and others
• Assist Technical Manager, as needed

All FSNS employees must be proficient in the following:

• Ability to multitask and quickly move from one task to the next
• Ability to complete tasks with accuracy
• General knowledge of all FSNS safety protocols & general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines
• Working knowledge of ISO 17025 Quality procedures general to their primary job and area of responsibility
• Ability to perform laboratory opening and closing procedures