Microbiologist I- 2nd shift

SUMMARY

Performs general administration duties, housekeeping and dishwashing of lab supplies, data collection, entry, and processing. Conducts routine microbiological testing, monitors micro laboratory operating conditions, and makes media according to company standards and cGMPs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

* Performs general lab housekeeping including but not limited to: washing of lab glassware, wiping benches, sweeping floors, decontamination and disposal of biohazard waste and putting away clean glassware.
* Prepares microbiological media for testing.
* Organizes all special requests samples and create database to keep track of all testing requests and schedule.
* Keeps inventory of supplies, order supplies when needed and puts supplies away.
* Discards expired materials in proper fashion.
* Conducts routine microbiological analyses under the guidance of the Lead Microbiologist and QC Physical & Micro Shift Supervisor.
* Tests materials based on priority listing provided by management.
* Records and evaluates data and documentation for completeness.
* Operates the following types of equipment - pH meter, autoclave, incubators, Soleris, colony counter, microscope.
* Independently sets up and tests products abiding to SOPs and product specifications.
* Monitors operating conditions of equipment and supplies essential to the laboratory function.
* Upward communication of possible testing delays, equipment issues, and supply needs to the lead and/or supervisor.
* Participates in creation and revision of SOPs.
* Complies with safety and GMP requirements.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and operations; follows all safety rules and procedures. Actively participates in the safety program by: engaging in training activities to learn what constitutes a safety hazard; reporting safety concerns to the supervisor; submitting safety suggestions; and correcting or reporting to the appropriate people when an employee sees a workplace health or safety hazard, until it is resolved. Assists with communicating safety information to new employees. Fulfills responsibilities as outlined in the company safety management plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, as a minimum. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a four-year college or technical school in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry or related field, and zero to two years hands-on microbiology lab experience. Candidates with an Associate's degree or near completion of a Bachelor's degree will be considered with a minimum of two years quality control experience. Familiarity with general laboratory procedures, instrumentation, and strong computer skills required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents common to laboratory and operational functions such as product specifications, departmental instructions, procedure manuals, Certificates of Analysis, and production records. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak, write, and communicate in person, email, and telephone effectively and efficiently.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations

REASONING ABILITY

Must have good problem solving skills, and the ability to interpret a variety of instructions and compare results to specifications to determine if results meet requirements.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work in quick-paced environment, multitasks, and change tasks frequently. Ability to learn quickly, operate independently, and to assume responsibility for new tasks is necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle product in various stages and forms (i.e.; raw materials, work in progress, and finished products in liquid, powdered, and tablet forms), in addition to equipment, tools, reagents and chemicals necessary to for testing an laboratory maintenance.

The employee is occasionally required to use his/her sense of taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to move from place to place within the facility, to reach, climb, balance, or stoop. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is frequently exposed to vapors and/or herbal aromas. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.