Microbiologist

Job Summary

Job Summary
:
This role involves performing microbiological testing on dietary supplement products, troubleshooting lab equipment, and ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and cGMP standards. Responsibilities include data integrity, method validation, and supporting continuous improvement projects in a BSL-3 environment. Candidates should have a bachelor’s in microbiology or related field, 2–5 years QC lab experience, and strong technical and documentation skills.

• Perform routine and non-routine microbiological analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished dietary supplement products, including:
  Total aerobic count, yeast/mold, coliforms/E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria (as applicable to product risk); indicator organisms and pathogen screens using AOAC-validated methods and lab SOPs.

• Execute sample preparation, serial dilutions, plating, incubation, enumeration/identification, and confirmation.

• Operate and maintain rapid microbiology platforms, primarily Soleris (Neogen), including assay setup, calibration checks, control verification, and result interpretation.

• Diagnose and resolve issues with Soleris instruments, incubators, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, balances, and pipettes.

• Perform routine preventive maintenance, calibrations/verifications, and coordinate vendor service when needed.

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for out-of-trend results or equipment deviations; implement CAPA and document impact assessments.

• Follow and improve SOPs, test method validations/verifications, and uncertainty of measurement where applicable.

• Ensure complete traceability, chain of custody, and method adherence in alignment with the laboratory s ISO/IEC 17025 scope.

• Author and review test reports, method validations, and nonconformance and deviation records.

• Participate in internal audits, proficiency testing/interlaboratory comparisons, and support external assessments.

• Record data contemporaneously and accurately.

• Review and approve results, calculations, and certificates of analysis (CoAs).

• Plan and execute minor R&D projects (e.g., method optimizations, alternative rapid methods, media studies).

• Design small-scale experiments, write protocols, analyze data, and present findings to stakeholders.

• Pilot process improvements to reduce turnaround time, improve robustness, and enhance throughput while maintaining compliance.

• Comply with Biosafety Level 3 practices, chemical hygiene, and waste management.

• Support 21 CFR Part 111 (cGMP for dietary supplements) interfaces as relevant to QC testing and release decisions.

• Participate in training and help maintain a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Required

• Bachelor s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field.

• 2–5 years of microbiology experience in a QC or regulated lab.

• Hands-on experience with AOAC methods and routine microbiology workflows.

• Ability to troubleshoot microbiology instruments and laboratory equipment.

• Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements (method validation/verification, traceability, document control).

• Excellent documentation skills; proficiency with Excel and MS Office.

Preferred

• Experience in dietary supplement or food testing laboratories; familiarity with 21 CFR Part 111.

• Prior involvement in probiotic enumeration, method verification, and proficiency testing.

• Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience; exposure to CAPA/RCA.

• Technical Rigor:
  Applies validated methods accurately; recognizes anomalies and acts decisively.

• Problem Solving:
  Systematic troubleshooting; implements sustainable fixes.

• Quality Mindset:
  Champions data integrity, traceability, and compliance.

• Communication:
  Clear, concise reporting; effective cross-functional collaboration.

• Project Ownership:
  Plans, executes, and closes minor R&D/CI projects on time.

• Safety First:
  Consistently follows BSL-3 and chemical hygiene protocols.

• On-site laboratory work; exposure to biological materials, chemicals, and pressurized equipment (autoclaves).

• Frequent standing, pipetting, lifting up to ~50 lbs (media, consumables).

• PPE required: lab coat, gloves, safety glasses; additional PPE as procedures require.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

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Salary Range: $72,352 – $90,440