Microbiologist

Position Summary: The Microbiologist performs microbiological analysis of raw materials, packaging, and finished products according to requirements. This position also conducts microbiological monitoring to validate the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures and work as safe as possible at all times.
• Independently perform total count, yeast and mold, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and enterococci testing on water and other applicable samples using approved laboratory methods.
• Perform aseptic sample handling, membrane filtration, plating, incubation, colony counting, result calculations, quality control checks, and complete documentation.
• Recognize questionable or out-of-specification results and promptly notify QA management.
• Complete all microbiological testing per internal and customer requirements including microbiological plating and analytical microbiological testing.
• Notify management of trends or results that are out of specification.
• Assist as necessary during any microbiological qualification to determine RO contamination.
• Responsible for performing and maintaining product, ingredient, sanitation and environmental microbiology monitoring programs.
• Perform audits to ensure compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and sanitation standards.
• Conduct audits, analyze & report out microbiological results per internal and customer requirements.
• Comply with and enforce proper safety, sanitation and standard operating procedures.
• Work with all departments to meet departmental goals and Company objectives.
• Follow and enforce GMP’s, Food Safety and ISO certification guidelines throughout facility.
• Participate and contribute to The Quality Management System Programs including Food Safety.

• Calibrate analytical balances in the micro lab.
• Perform laboratory support activities such as ordering supplies, preparing and standardizing reagents.
• Provide methodology of sample collection training to employees who are responsible to collect micro samples.
• Provide training, as needed, to employees on micro plating, reading, documenting, filing & scanning microbiological sampling and results.
• Provide ideas and actively participate in initiatives for continuous improvement. Identifies problems and brings to the attention of plant management.
• Assist with State pH Control releases including sample preparation, documentation & working with the State pH Inspector for releases.
• Perform internal audits, as needed
• Assist with annual capability studies.

• General
  • Maintain a positive work atmosphere and interaction with customers, co-workers, and management.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Work scheduled shift, weekends, and extended hours as required.
  • Regular and punctual attendance.
• To perform this job successfully, must be able to perform each fundamental task listed above satisfactorily.