Functional Expert Consultant - Microbiologist

Cognizance Technologies, LLC | Full time

Silver Spring, United States | Posted on 09/15/2026

The purpose of this task order is to identify candidates with demonstrated expertise in dietary supplement technical and regulatory science spanning identity assessment, safety assessment, labeling review, and manufacturing evaluation. Statement of Work covers two functional areas:

• Functional Expert Consultant I – Dietary Supplement Identity & Safety Assessment:
  Three (3) contractors – two (2) with a Ph.D. in toxicology or a related discipline, and one (1) with an M.S. or Ph.D. in Microbiology.
• Functional Expert Consultant I – Dietary Supplement Labeling & Manufacturing Reviewer:
  One (1) contractor with an M.S. or Ph.D. in nutrition or a closely related discipline, possessing demonstrated expertise in dietary supplement labeling and manufacturing evaluation.

All contractors shall work independently and demonstrate subject matter expertise in assessment methods, data evaluation, regulatory science applications and dietary supplement regulatory requirements. At a minimum, contractors shall possess demonstrated competencies or transferable skills in the areas relevant to their discipline, as outlined below.

Microbiology/Identity:

• Traditional microbiological methods such as sampling and sample preparation, aerobic microbial counts, yeast/mold
• Advanced microbiological techniques such as sequencing/genetic methods, antimicrobial resistance evaluation, spore (and toxin) detection
• Performing comprehensive searches (e.g., peer reviewed publications; marketing evaluation)
• Literature review and data quality evaluation
• Scientific communication and report preparation

Identity & Safety Assessment:
Use scientific expertise and principles to complete and aid in identity and safety assessments of dietary ingredients and supplements; review work will include assessment of pre-market and post-market data on single ingredients, complex mixtures, and/or finished dietary supplement products. The candidate for Toxicology will be expected to use risk assessment principles (including dose-response analysis and risk characterization and shall apply different assessment approaches based on ingredient complexity and available data as needed) and integrate data from multiple sources to reach a scientific conclusion.

For Microbiology, the candidate will be expected to use knowledge in microbiological characterization and testing to evaluate the identity of microbials and assist in exposure assessments and risk assessments for microbiological organisms in and as dietary ingredients. The candidate will not be asked to comment on or contribute to policy decisions related to dietary ingredients and supplements.

Labeling & Manufacturing Review:
Evaluation of product labels, labeling claims, and manufacturing processes to determine compliance with applicable regulations and policies.

• PPO/HMO Health Plan (includes medical, dental, and vision)