QA Microbiologist

Position Summary:

Ensures microbiological analysis of raw materials and finished products is occurring in a timely, efficient manner and following all corporate and industry accepted methods.  Maintain microbiological records to ensure that audit records meet or exceed regulatory and customer's requirement. Review, monitor and report findings from  records, (i.e. Pathogen Environmental Monitoring). Provide support to micro events when occur at plant level. May be Responsible for microbiological lab functions including vendor management, calibration, verification, and maintenance of equipment, supply management, and support of customer and or third party audits. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and manage microbiological analysis on finished products, raw ingredients and customer complaints determine their compliance with specifications. May lead root cause analysis investigation for out of spec results related to finished goods, customer complaints, and raw materials. 
• Support sanitation program which may include but not limited to  pre-operational inspections, micro swabbing ATP testing, visual inspections to assess the sanitary state of the processing area and equipment.  Monitor cleaning and sanitation activities of the sanitation crew to assure compliance with established procedures. Support Quality Assurance Leader and sanitation team in commissioning new equipment and or construction activities. 
• Attend monthly meetings lead by HQ Principle Microbiologist which may includes presenting plant learnings, implementing new testing methodologies and sharing with all applicable parties.  
• Prepare  environmental swabs submission.  Support PEM investigations when experiencing a presumptive and or confirmed positive pathogen result.  Follow escalation model as written in Corporate Pathogen Environmental Monitoring policy to ensure information is reported in timely fashion and to the appropriate personnel.  Review and update the plants Pathogen Environmental Monitoring site list in conjunction with HQ Principle Microbiologist.
• Ensure HQ QA micro policies comply with audit standards for regulatory customer, and internal requirements.   
• Support effectiveness of Food Safety Plans as directed by Quality Assurance Leader.  
• Participate in compliance of corporate cross check procedure for microbiological testing with plant Quality Assurance Leader and follow corrective action and escalation guidelines.  
• Perform other duties as assigned by Quality Assurance Leader and /or Sr. Microbiologist.
• Maintain micro lab in a clean atmosphere by ordering supplies,  equipment (calibration/verifications).

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Microbiology/Biology/Food Science or related scientific discipline highly preferred.  
• 1 year or more experience in a related position highly preferred.
• Demonstrated increasing responsibility in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in the food or related industry.  

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English; utilize time in an efficient manner and be able to work with minimal supervision.  
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Suite.  
• Understanding of basic math and statistics.
• Knowledge of laboratory safe practices for handling equipment, chemicals and glassware.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of Microbiology highly preferred.
• Knowledge  of HACCP/FSMA/GFSI/CFIA highly preferred.
• Related certifications are a plus.