Lead Microbiologist

The Lead Microbiologist (x2) is responsible for the Pathogen and Microbiological monitoring program for finished product, raw material, and environmental samples.

The Lead Microbiologist (x2) will support the Laboratory Supervisor and Plant Quality Manager in the daily operations of the Microbiology Lab.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Create schedule for Micro lab analysts
• Training new employees on our policies and procedures
• Management of inventory system
• Calibrate programs and ensure preventative maintenance
• Implement new processes and procedures at lab and analytics validation
• Manage compliance of ISO 17025
• Method development and implementation
• Auditing for laboratory including pre and post audit
• Evaluate, develop, implement, and maintain microbiological testing procedures and programs; secure all appropriate documentation and/or follow-up as required; maintain internal control protocols by record keeping, troubleshooting, and escalation of known issues
• Facilitate proficiency testing
• Ensure all microbiological methods meet compliance requirements
• Perform microbiological testing in the laboratory and work to develop new microbiological assays for in-house testing
• Interpret microbiological data generated both internally and by third party testing facilities; report data and trends and initiate appropriate follow-up actions
• Troubleshoot all testing/sampling abnormalities to ensure proper results are reported; initiate proper guidelines for corrective/preventative action immediately
• Investigate product holds for microbiological reasons and make recommendations for appropriate actions based on scientific findings and/or company
• Perform daily plant/lab inspections and manage the facilities environmental testing program; analyze results to ensure a microbiologically sound environment for production

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Damon Wickmann at dwickmann@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  300.23DW
#LI-DM2

Technical Qualifications:

• **Experience in Micro Lab Environment in Food industry a MUST**
• ISO 17025 Laboratory Standards knowledge
• In Lab – Pipette calibration to ensure testing is precise and accurate
• In Lab – Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) temperature-step technique for detection of foodborne bacteria. PCR knowledge should also include interpretation of results and characteristics including curves and outliers using quantitative and qualitative principles
• In Lab – Testing for salmonella using PCR methods and expansion thinking to run new testing methods to detect and determine foodborne agents
• In Lab – Use of different plating techniques to sample cultures like yeast and mold
• In Lab – Working knowledge of micro testing equipment, calibration, and troubleshooting
• LIMS – Laboratory Information Management Systems
• GMP, GLP, and HACCP strongly preferred

**If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Damon Wickmann at dwickmann@cps4jobs.com.

JO:  300.23DW
#LI-DM2