Supervisor - Microbiology

Job Description

The Supervisor - Microbiology is responsible for the day-to-day execution and performance of the Microbiology team. This role ensures microbiological testing is conducted accurately, on time, and in compliance with established methods, aseptic practices, and regulatory requirements.


The Supervisor provides direct leadership for the team, coordinates daily workflow, maintains strict process control, and ensures consistent execution of microbiological testing workflows. This role sits at the intersection of frontline people leadership and hands-on technical oversight - translating priorities from the Director - Analytical into daily execution while upholding the aseptic discipline and timing precision that microbiological testing demands.


We are looking for someone who combines genuine technical credibility in microbiology with the leadership presence to run a structured, process-driven team - someone who keeps the lab organized and on schedule, enforces compliance without creating friction, and communicates clearly in both directions without being chased.

Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Daily Direction

• Lead, coach, and support microbiologists and technicians within the Microbiology team.
• Provide clear daily direction on priorities, sample schedules, and workload distribution.
• Monitor productivity, performance, and attendance; address issues in real time with guidance from the Director - Analytical.
• Support onboarding and training to ensure proper technique, consistency, and adherence to protocols.

2. Daily Workflow & Process Coordination

• Coordinate daily microbiology workflow, including sample intake, plating, incubation, and reading schedules.
• Ensure time-sensitive processes - including incubation windows, hold times, and test timelines - are strictly followed.
• Assign work to maintain consistent flow and prevent delays or missed timepoints.
• Monitor backlog and turnaround time (TAT), making real-time adjustments to maintain schedule integrity.
• Identify, address, and communicate any immediate issues or bottlenecks to the Director - Analytical.

3. Quality & Compliance Execution

• Ensure adherence to SOPs, validated methods, and regulatory requirements across all microbial testing.
• Review QC results to confirm run validity and data integrity.
• Make and support defensible data disposition decisions (release, qualify, or hold), with proper documentation of deviations, root cause, and CAPA.
• Partner with Quality and Data Review to escalate issues appropriately and resolve deviations while reinforcing strong documentation and LIMS practices.

Secondary Roles & Responsibilities
1. Technical Support & Oversight

• Maintain working knowledge of microbiological methods, media preparation, and environmental controls.
• Provide support in diagnosing and resolving issues related to methods, media, environmental monitoring, and/or data abnormalities.
• Partner with technical experts or leadership to resolve complex challenges.
• Step in on the bench only when necessary for coverage, training, or urgent support.

2. Communication & Coordination

• Communicate daily status, issues, and risks to the Director - Analytical.
• Coordinate with sample prep and bench teams to ensure readiness and smooth handoff into microbiological testing.
• Partner with Data Review and Client Services to ensure timely progression of results.

3. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as the role evolves or as directed by the Director - Analytical or laboratory management.


#LI-CB1

Qualifications

• B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a closely related science discipline; or equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on microbiological testing experience in a regulated or contract laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity - directing daily workflow, supporting team members, and holding people accountable to performance and quality expectations.
• Solid working knowledge of microbiological methods, aseptic technique, media preparation, plating, and incubation workflows.
• Familiarity with SOP-driven workflows, LIMS systems, and good laboratory practices (GLP) in an analytical environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical status clearly to both bench staff and laboratory leadership.

Preferred

• Experience in a contract laboratory or regulated testing environment, particularly dietary supplements, food and beverage, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical testing.
• Familiarity with compendial microbiological methods (USP, AOAC, BAM, ISO, or equivalent) and an understanding of method verification requirements.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements or experience working within an accredited laboratory.
• Experience with environmental monitoring programs, including air, surface, and personnel sampling in controlled lab spaces.
• Formal supervisory or people management training.
• Familiarity with NSF standards or dietary supplement testing requirements (e.g., USP <61> , <62> , <2021> , <2022> , or equivalent) and the compliance expectations they impose.

About Us

With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.

Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.

NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

About the Team

From farm to fork, NSF is the go-to partner for the food, nutrition and wellness industries - ensuring the highest level of product safety, quality, integrity and sustainability. Across the globe, we continue to lead the way in certification, testing and compliance services, empowering our clients to deliver safer, higher-quality products to consumers while meeting the demands of an ever-changing regulatory environment.