Scientist Microbiology

Microbiologist trained to perform complex microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process products and finished goods; prepares detailed reports with recommendations and performs routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment. The role supports incident management issues and routine troubleshooting.

The key responsibilities of this role will be to perform complex microbiological analysis of raw materials, in-process products and finished goods; prepares detailed reports with recommendations and performs routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment.

The candidate will be

• proficient in applying established standards in microbiology;
• able to train and instruct analysts/scientists
• problem solving of microbiology related issues for a production facility
• A Subject Matter Expert with knowledge base acquired in microbiology as applied to beverages, beverage processing, beverage technology or related foods.
• Works independently; may be required to coach other professionals.
• Knowledge and understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results.
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency.

• Ability to perform advanced, complex testing at a high level of throughput using the required methodology as required on ingredients, intermediates and finished products and report results.
• Demonstrates subject matter expertise in microbiology to evaluate data/information and make decisions, provide solutions to problems, and educated opinions on ingredients, syrups, beverages, concentrates or other substances to provide support to bottlers and customers.
• Advanced Field Specialty in microbiology: Expert ability to integrate advanced techniques and to apply the most appropriate techniques to a broad range of problems.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices; Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation, including instrumental theory, operation, maintenance and ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory methods; LIMS; Quality management systems.
• Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences; to produce report of results and recommendations that is clear and concise. Build technical relationships.

• Perform basic and complex testing of materials at a high level of throughput using the required microbiological, analytical and/ or sensorial methodology according to quality guidelines
• Interpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that ingredients/materials meet specifications. Record results & write technical reports.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibrating and repairing).
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency (e.g., prioritize sample analysis, assign tasks, preventative maintenance).
• Train and instruct Laboratory analysts/scientists.
• Work to and ensure self and team compliance to quality management system requirements through training, documentations, quality records and audits.
• Perform data audit in order to ensure accuracy of data and analytical processes. This may include database queries, statistical process control or correlation study.
• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment (sampling, monitoring, analytical procedures) in order to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results. This may include performing capability studies.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team to resolve troubleshooting issues; act as the business process owner

• Engage in daily contact with key laboratory personnel e.g. Lab manager, other team members, understand lab workload, priorities and other pertinent information.
• Communicate with relevant other stakeholders such as R&D, OU and other Technical Functions, and suppliers, providing information on testing, results, other facts. Gather information from R&D, OU, others to help understand needs from lab operation. Clarify questions regarding testing, rejections, and unusual results, referencing analytical methodologies, Co. policy and local regulatory requirements. Provide training to internal (e.g. OU, bottlers) and external (e.g. suppliers) stakeholders.
• Provide technical support in IMCR investigations.
• Support Legal with matters that require technical input in area of expertise.
• Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences; to produce report of results and recommendations that is clear and concise. Build technical relationships.
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language is required. Spanish fluency is a plus

• Be an expert with required testing within their dedicated area
• Evaluate information to determine compliance with specifications or standards
• Interpret results
• Work with Laboratory Manager to ensure proper use of resources
• Interpret of databases for specifications, methods, standards & advanced analytics
• Writes summaries and reports.

• Recommends new methods or instrumentation to address current and future needs of the laboratory.
• Applies Operational Excellence principles and processes to optimize lab operations.

• M.S. in Science preferably Microbiology, Food Science, or Food Technology
• with microbiology focus and a demonstrated aptitude to relate business and technical requirements.
• Masters or PhD in Microbiology (preferable)

• 8+ years relevant experience in a Laboratory in the food, pharmaceutical or chemical