Quality Control Microbiologist

Job Overview

This permanent position involves performing daily microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and contamination control to maintain superior food safety and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine and specialized microbiological analyses on raw materials, intermediate samples, and finished goods, including tests for Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mold, Coliforms, and pathogen screening.
• Implement the Environmental Monitoring Program by conducting air sampling, surface swabbing of equipment, and microbial testing of water systems within the facility.
• Prepare and sterilize culture media and reagents, using strict aseptic methods to avoid contamination throughout sampling and testing procedures.
• Accurately document all laboratory data in real-time, review Certificates of Analysis, and ensure microbiological testing results meet both internal and regulatory criteria.
• Promptly identify and investigate any microbiological results that are out-of-specification, supporting root-cause analysis and contributing to corrective and preventive measures.
• Maintain laboratory instrumentation such as autoclaves, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and pH meters through cleaning, calibration, and upkeep. Handle biohazard waste safely and according to protocols.
• Manage inventory of lab consumables, dehydrated media, and testing kits to maintain smooth laboratory operations without interruption.
• Comply rigorously with Good Laboratory Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, biosafety guidelines, and organizational testing procedures.

Candidate Profile

• Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or an equivalent scientific field.
• Work Experience: At least 2 years in a laboratory environment within food, beverage, or a strictly regulated manufacturing setting, with proven skills in classical microbiological plating methods.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in aseptic techniques, preparing culture media, isolating cultures, and performing standard lab calculations like CFU per gram; proficient with MS Excel and Word.
• Regulatory Familiarity: Knowledgeable about food safety systems such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, along with GMP and GLP standards.
• Personal Attributes: Detail-oriented with strong analytical and independent working capabilities in a dynamic workplace.
• Communication Abilities: Effective verbal and written communication skills crucial for delivering microbiological data insights to interdisciplinary teams.