Microbiologist

Driven by Purpose. Guided by Principle. And we need bright, talented minds to join our journey.

We are an inclusive, interdisciplinary team drawn from around the world, dedicated to the sustainable production of materials, chemicals, and ingredients.

Our purpose is to accelerate the transition to Bio Alternatives by delivering the benefits of biomanufacturing, today.

Our principles guide our journey and drive our commitment to ethical practices, scientific excellence, and innovation.

If you share our values and our passion,
come join us.

See our open positions.

Microbiologist, Augusta, Georgia, Full-time

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to Bio Alternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of biotechnology today.

Manus is seeking a Microbiologist embedded within the Quality Control (QC) function at our Augusta, GA manufacturing plant. This hands‑on role owns routine and investigative microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process streams, finished food ingredients, water and utilities, and the manufacturing environment. Working closely with QC, QA, production, and sanitation teams, the Microbiologist executes and continuously improves the plant’s microbiological testing and environmental monitoring programs, drives trending and root‑cause investigations, and ensures results support the safe, compliant release of product.

• Opportunity – For motivated, results‑oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
• Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
• Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that comes with working on the cutting edge.

• Routine testing – Perform routine micro testing – aerobic / total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms /
  
  E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and other indicator organisms.
• Pathogen testing – Conduct pathogen screening and confirmation (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria) per validated methods.
• Media & technique – Prepare and QC culture media, reagents, and controls; maintain strict aseptic technique and sterility.
• Lab instrumentation – Operate and maintain micro lab equipment – incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinet, and plate‑reading or rapid‑detection systems.
• Method support – Support method verification / validation and the onboarding of rapid microbiological methods.

• Environmental monitoring – Execute the environmental monitoring program (EMP): zone‑based swabbing and sampling, ATP, and air, water, and utility monitoring.
• Sanitation verification – Verify sanitation effectiveness (post‑CIP / COP, hygienic zoning) and support the plant hygiene and sanitation program.
• Trending – Trend EMP and verification data to identify hot spots and emerging microbiological risks.

• Investigations – Investigate out‑of‑specification (OOS) and atypical results; lead micro root‑cause analysis and support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Data & reporting – Record and trend data in LIMS and generate periodic microbiological reports and dashboards.
• Documentation – Maintain GLP / GMP documentation, sample chain‑of‑custody, and retains with full data integrity.
• Audit support – Support GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and GFSI (SQF / BRC) audits and customer and regulatory requests.
• Standards – Contribute to microbiological specifications, sampling plans, and SOPs.

• B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of microbiology experience in a food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or related manufacturing…