Quality Assurance Microbiologist

The Plant Microbiologist applies knowledge and technical skills needed to ensure finished meals are properly produced under safe food conditions within the plant setting. The Plant Microbiologist is responsible to lead, develop, and execute microbiological solutions to maintain compliance to food safety and to drive performance improvements through enhancement of microbiological programs and techniques. This position reports directly to the Director of Food Safety and Quality, Kitchens.

At this time, we are NOT considering applicants that require immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc.

• PTO, holiday pay and holiday of choice
• 401(k) match
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Maternity/paternity leave
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Flex spending accounts (FSA) – health and dependent

• Manage and develop an effective environmental monitoring program and provide recommendations for quality improvement within the facility; act as expert for all sites as needed
• Conduct sampling for the environmental monitoring program and finished products as necessary following strong aseptic techniques
• Perform the investigations of any out-of-specification lab results and reporting the results to Quality management in a timely manner
• Function as primary contact for the plant Pathogen Monitoring Program (PMP) including development, implementation, adaptation and training
• Investigate and resolve microbiology and environmental monitoring-related issues and deviations and leads implementation of corrective actions
• Review and approve microbiology and environmental monitoring test results and reports
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance laboratory and environmental monitoring operations in all sites as needed
• Conduct thorough statistical data analysis for large data sets; develop and communicate trend analysis for the environmental testing program. Reviews all site data as required
• Act as the key Microbiological Subject Matter Expert (SME) for in plant Production and Quality
• Act as key Microbiological SME to consult on complex microbiological events and act as liaison with outside Microbiological Consultants as necessary
• Lead production process validations for continuous improvement activities for production techniques such as heating/chilling, freezing, modified atmosphere packaging, etc.
• Identify Microbiological environmental hazards/risks in a production environment and provide the recommendations to the manufacturing sites; update and develop EMP procedures as required for environmental programs
• Provide Microbiological expertise to respond to regulatory changes or external inquiries
• Participate in regulatory and internal inspections/audits when necessary
• Assist with risk assessments for microbiological hazard analysis for ingredients including involvement in plant Seek and Destroy Teams
• Recommend and make changes to documents (i.e. SOP’s, policies, SSOPs, Testing Standard, methods, specifications) and ensure that these documents are aligned with the GMP practices
• Provide cleaning standard recommendations and reinforce best cleaning practices in the facility
• Work with sanitation personnel to investigate microbiological concerns
• Work with production personnel regarding sanitary equipment design standards as it relates to microbiology concerns for new equipment
• Ability to lead and initiate the development of microbiological laboratories within the plant and have the ability to align and collaborate with other plant laboratory personnel as necessary
• Drive continuous improvement in area of expertise
• Communicate with external laboratories regarding micro results, test methods, and concerns
• Work with R&D personnel as needed for new product development initiatives to assist in the enhancement of product stability and food safety

• Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or other similar disciplines
• BS +5 years; combination of laboratory and food manufacturing…