Sr. Microbiologist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

 

Under the direct supervision of the Quality Control Supervisor this position will be responsible for the microbiological testing of raw material and finished products according to established procedures or approved protocols. The incumbent should be able to work in accordance with current procedures and should demonstrate a strong understanding of proper laboratory safety and housekeeping practices. Perform Microbial limit test for dietary supplements according to regulatory guidelines including USP/AOAC /ISO following cGMP/GDPs.

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

• Evaluate current microbial testing methods and update/improve or adapt to new microbial testing methodologies.
• Manage output of 400+ raw materials and finished goods tested for micro per month. Re-adjust the output to changing business needs. Routinely report test output per week to QC Supervisor and Quality Manger.
• Perform routine microbial/probiotic testing and data review of raw materials, intermediates and final products (total plate count, total yeast and mold count, coliform, E.coli, staphylococcus aureus, salmonella spp., Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics, etc.)
• Participate in validation/audit activities as required to support product testing.
• Utilize written procedures to accurately perform routine testing.
• Work during off/extended shifts as needed to accommodate testing/shipping requirements.
• Conduct environmental monitoring testing of production areas and support actions based on the test results.
• Perform testing on water samples according to company’s Standard Operating Procedure.
• Prepare Microbiological media and performs QC analysis on prepared media, including positive / negative controls (and pH if necessary).
• Document work and maintain laboratory records.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work environment.
• Conduct non-conformance and OOS investigations under supervision of the QC Supervisor.
• Fully understand aseptic technique and is capable of applying such techniques while performing microbiological testing, including pour plates, streaks, spread plates, etc.
• Understands and practices cGMP's and safety policies.
• Performs laboratory equipment cleaning tasks as required and assures that the laboratory is neat and organized at all times.
• Ensure that the lab equipment remains calibrated throughout use cycle. Schedule periodic maintenance when needed, and perform troubleshooting as required.
• Maintain microbiology lab equipment in good working order, keeping the lab stocked with all required supplies.
• Other work assigned by QC Supervisor/Quality Manger as needed.

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Quality Control Supervisor
• Quality Manager

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Master’s Degree in Microbiology (or Biological Sciences) with minimum 1-3 years of related experience working in a microbiology lab

·         Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology (or Biological Sciences) with minimum 3-5 years of related experience working in a microbiology lab

·         Previous experience in Petrifilm based microbiology testing is desirable

 

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds, must be able to stand, bend, and stretch
• Must be able to stand for extended time intervals during the work shift
• Must be able to read, understand, implement and interpret written or verbal instructions and QC Standard Operating Procedures
• Possess basic mathematical and problem-solving skills
• Must have good oral and written communication skills to be able to complete work tasks as instructed 
• Must be able to work in a Good Manufacturing environment as directed
• Must have prior working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Company Description

Reliance Vitamin is a high growth consumer products company in the very “on trend” natural and organic space, and is comprised of three divisions:

· Private Labeling of premium branded and private label products for various companies/retailers using 450 stock products and differentiating with over 50
Patented and Trademarked raw materials.

· Contract Manufacturing of premium powders, tablets and capsules differentiating with over 50 patented and trademarked raw materials, specializing in probiotics
and plant proteins. Customer base is branded, domestic and international companies.

With over 30+ years in business, Reliance provides expertise and resources to deliver nutritional innovation that truly makes a difference in consumer’s lives. The Company is in the process of transforming to maximize its entrepreneurial culture and heritage while building enterprise practices to achieve sustainable performance.

Company Description

Reliance Vitamin is a high growth consumer products company in the very “on trend” natural and organic space, and is comprised of three divisions:\r\n\r\n· Private Labeling of premium branded and private label products for various companies/retailers using 450 stock products and differentiating with over 50 \r\n Patented and Trademarked raw materials.\r\n\r\n· Contract Manufacturing of premium powders, tablets and capsules differentiating with over 50 patented and trademarked raw materials, specializing in probiotics \r\n and plant proteins. Customer base is branded, domestic and international companies. \r\n\r\nWith over 30+ years in business, Reliance provides expertise and resources to deliver nutritional innovation that truly makes a difference in consumer’s lives. The Company is in the process of transforming to maximize its entrepreneurial culture and heritage while building enterprise practices to achieve sustainable performance.