Job Description
Microbiologist
Posting Start Date:
6/10/26
Division:
QSE
Location Type:
On-Site
Pay Min:
100,000.00 USD
Pay Max:
110,000.00 USD
Job Location:
Pennsauken, NJ, USA, 08110
Req Id:
664
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Microbiological Testing & Laboratory Support:
- Perform microbiological testing of finished products and raw materials as needed.
- Conduct testing for indicator organisms (APC, yeast/mold, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, etc.)
- Prepare media, reagents, and lab supplies according to approved methods and procedures.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (incubators, autoclaves, PCR systems, pipettes, etc.).
- Ensure accurate documentation of results in laboratory systems.
- Perform microbiological testing as needed in support of investigations, process and packaging validations, equipment validations, or other internal studies.
Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP):
- Execute and support the facility Environmental Monitoring Program, including Zone 1–4 sampling.
- Trend environmental results and identify recurring contamination risks.
- Support corrective actions and verification activities following positive results.
- Ensure proper sample collection techniques, handling, storage, and chain-of-custody practices.
Data Trending, Reporting & Documentation:
- Trend microbiological data and generate weekly/monthly reports for QA & QC leadership.
- Support product release decisions by ensuring all microbiological criteria are met.
- Identify abnormal trends and escalate concerns to management.
- Maintain laboratory documentation in compliance with GMPs and audit standards.
- Ensure testing methods and records meet SQF, customer, and regulatory requirements
WHAT YOU WILL DO Con't
Investigations & Corrective Actions:
- Lead or support investigations related to microbiological failures, presumptive positives, and environmental hits.
- Support root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA development, and effectiveness checks.
- Assist with sanitation validation and verification activities, including ATP correlation and swab studies.
- Support hold/release decisions and risk assessments when microbiological deviations occur.
Regulatory and Audit Support:
- Ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulations.
- Support internal audits, third-party audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Maintain readiness of microbiology-related documentation for inspection and audit review.
- Assist with validation documentation and verification records related to microbial control programs.
Continuous Improvement
- Recommend improvements to lab methods, sample plans, and environmental monitoring strategies.
- Participate in cross-functional teams supporting sanitation improvements and preventive controls.
- Support training for operators and sanitation teams on contamination control and hygienic practices.
Leadership & Development
- Serve as the primary technical microbiology resource for the QC Laboratory, providing hands-on training in aseptic technique, rapid method operation (Mérieux BacT), and the nuances of low-acid/high-acid microbiology.
- Design and execute annual proficiency testing and "shadowing" sessions to verify laboratory personnel’s techniques, ensuring they meet SQF training requirements and prevent false-positive results during testing and environmental swabbing.
- Train and supervise the microbiology laboratory to ensure all laboratory activities are performed with absolute consistency, maintaining a "Gold Standard" that can be replicated across other facility locations.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or Biology is required.
- Minimum four (4) years microbiology experience in food manufacturing or a regulated laboratory environment.
- Strong understanding of microbiological testing methods and aseptic sampling practices.
- Knowledge of food safety programs including GMPs, HACCP, preventive controls, sanitation, and EMP.
- Ability to interpret and trend microbiological data to support risk-based decisions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in high-risk food environments (ready-to-eat, dairy, beverages, aseptic/ESL, refrigerated foods).
- Familiarity with SAP or other ERP platforms.
