Senior Microbiologist

SUMMARY The Senior Microbiologist – Starter Culture Program Lead will own and advance the enterprise-level starter culture strategy, leading culture development, molecular characterization, protected propagation (black-box methods), activity testing, and fermentation science. This role collaborates with Operations, QA, Procurement, suppliers, and R&D to protect IP, optimize fermentation, and ensure strain continuity. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Starter Culture Program Leadership Leads the starter culture program including mapping, risk assessment, and contingency planning. Oversees clean-room operations for culture propagation and sterile handling. Develops rotational strategies to minimize phage risk and maintain reliability. Drives development of back‑up strains and continuity plans for high‑risk cheeses. Molecular Characterization & Strain Verification Performs molecular characterization (genotyping, phenotyping) of strains. Develops verification workflows for strain identity and performance. Creates analytical methods to monitor purity, genetics, and culture integrity. Activity Testing & Fermentation Science Develops starter culture activity assays and fermentation performance tools. Models acidification curves, fermentation behavior, and performance prediction. Investigates interactions between culture blends and milk/process conditions. Trade‑Secret / Black‑Box Culture Management Designs and manages black-box propagation systems to protect proprietary blends. Works with suppliers to formalize protected growth and blending processes. Oversees co‑manufacturing starter blend operations under confidentiality controls. New Starter Culture Recipe Development Creates new starter culture blends, formulations, and rotation strategies. Supports proprietary flavor and texture development initiatives. Collaborates with R&D to enable new cheese innovation. Internal & External Collaboration Partners with Operations and QA on culture handling, fermentation troubleshooting, and process improvements. Collaborates with Procurement on supplier management and continuity planning. Engages with university research partners for advanced microbiology and fermentation work. Documentation, IP Protection & Compliance Maintains confidential documentation for strains, processes, and batch records. Strengthens IP protection around blends, propagation, and trade‑secret processes. Supports GMP, HACCP, and clean-room compliance. DIRECT REPORTS This position is not responsible for leading others. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience Master’s or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field required. 7–12+ years of experience in dairy or industrial microbiology required. Experience with fermentation, starter cultures, and aseptic propagation required. Strong background in molecular methods and microbial characterization required. Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills required. Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values that reflect the company’s culture. Sartori’s core values are family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility. Organizational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage and navigate priorities while meeting deadlines, anticipating needs, and proactively resolving issues. Collaborative: Partners with team members to realize better results and make a positive impact; engages stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives and foster shared understanding. Accuracy: Ensures precision and attention to detail in all tasks, maintaining high standards for data integrity, documentation, and work output. Consistently produces error‑free work and carefully reviews information to prevent mistakes. Communicates effectively: Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate thoughts and express ideas to any audience and actively listen to understand. Learning agility & intellectual curiosity: Ability to quickly adapt to new challenges, acquire new skills, and apply knowledge in evolving environments. Proactively seeks opportunities to expand expertise, explore innovative solutions, and stay informed of industry trends and best practices. Decision quality: Makes sound and timely decisions, using a mixture of analysis of information, experience, and judgement, weighs risks and benefits. Resilience: Remains composed and effective under pressure, maintaining focus and productivity in evolving environments; recovers quickly from setbacks and persists in the face of challenges. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WORK LOCATION This is an onsite position based at our Joe’s Lab facility in Plymouth, WI. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Occasional travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated 10%). A valid driver’s license is required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. WORK SETTING / ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr