Food Microbiologist

Our client is seeking a Microbiologist to assist with the set up/day to day testing of their food and beverage microbiology lab.

MUST HAVE:

Lab Setup Experience – Expertise in setting up labs, selecting equipment, and creating SOPs while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Experience in lab startup/organization

Developed and validated lab methods/SOPs

Developed and validated lab equipment

Microbiology and Food Safety Expertise – Strong experience with microbiology, foodborne pathogens, and spoilage organisms, and food safety/quality control.

Experience working with pathogens

Regulatory Compliance Knowledge – Familiarity with FDA regulations, GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety standards to ensure product compliance.

Experience with Qualitative Tests – Hands-on experience with tests such as aerobic plate counts, coliform, yeast, mold, etc.

Experience with High Acid/Low pH Products – Familiarity with working on high acid and low pH products.

Problem-Solving Ability – Strong troubleshooting skills to address microbiological challenges and ensure consistent product quality.

Experience in problem solving, root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions.

Confidence in Their Field – Ability to communicate effectively and provide feedback to customers.

Production Environment Knowledge – Experience in teaching operators about findings and implementing solutions in a production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Role Overview: A skilled Microbiologist is needed to support the Food Safety and Quality team, ensuring alignment with company goals. The role involves collaboration with various departments to provide scientific expertise and innovative solutions for food safety and quality challenges.

Key Duties:

Inspecting, sampling, and testing raw materials, in-process, and finished products.

Submitting samples and summarizing data from internal and third-party testing.

Leading Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMP), training staff, and ensuring GMP compliance.

Conducting risk assessments and challenge studies.

Providing technical expertise to resolve food safety, sanitation, and quality issues.

Supporting product launches and designing scientific studies.

Developing training programs on food safety and microbiological methods.

Additional Responsibilities:

Developing and revising microbiological methods and policies.

Leading cross-functional teams and initiatives.

Promoting a culture of food safety through education and training.

Requirements:

Education: B.S. in Microbiology or Food Microbiology with 3+ years of experience, or M.S./Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience.

Expertise: Strong knowledge of food/beverage microbiology and laboratory skills.

Experience: Hands-on expertise with food safety for high-acid/low-acid beverages and thermal/chilled processing.

Skills: Project management, problem-solving, data interpretation, and effective communication.

Ideal Candidate: Someone who is resourceful, innovative, and passionate about maintaining and enhancing product quality through microbiological insights.

Experience Level

Intermediate Level