Microbiologist

Job Responsibilities:

• Follow, update, and review quality control lab documentation.
• Perform necessary sampling of the facilities and lab areas following established QC protocols.
• Perform microbiology testing of raw materials, intermediate and final products for re-lease to production in a timely and accurate manner.
• Release product through the SAP Quality Management module utilizing internal and external results.
• Interpret results of microbiological testing and accurately document results in a timely manner.
• Perform necessary troubleshooting QC testing for non-conforming product.
• Communication of information about quality control testing results will be required to be reported to plant staff and management team.
• Assist Operations or Engineering Teams by being responsive to any requests relative to QC testing quickly and efficiently prioritizing as necessary.
• Participation in team meetings to help outline scheduling and priorities.
• Understand and follow Good Manufacturing Practices for the care, handling, and storage of food products; and report any known or observed violations to management.
• Utilize HACCP philosophy and procedures in everyday work routine.
• Understand and follow Good Documentation Practices
• Understand and follow Good Lab Practices along with Aseptic techniques.
• Act in compliance with all company policies including, but not limited to: Quality, Safety, Food/Feed Safety, Environmental, GMPs, Dietary Supplements, and HACCP-HARPC
• Responsible for adherence to all quality systems including ISO 22000 Food Safety, FAMI-QS and NSF Dietary Supplements with an understanding of IFF Corporate Quality policies and procedures.
• Responsible to complete training and perform qualified individual tasks according to site’s Food/Feed Safety Plan.

Skills:

• Ability to determine the specific tests to be performed on each raw material or product as it is received in the lab.
• Ability to prepare, culture, and examination of samples for microbiological testing.
• Ability to the interpret results of microbiological testing & accurate documentation of those results.
• Proficient in current microbiological test methods.
• Competent In microbial identifications.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices and lab compliance with applicable regulations and procedures.
• Experience performing serial dilutions and microbiological plating techniques.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively prioritize, organize, and plan responsibilities to meet customers’ needs.
• Experience with lab documentation and work instructions.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills to work with a very interactive and self-directed work team

Education/Experience:

• Minimum of associate degree in biology, biotechnology, microbiology (or equivalent) or at least 1-2 years related work experience (preferred).