MICROBIOLOGIST

Job Duties Performs microbial analyses on a variety of samples of meat, poultry and egg products. Performs microbial examinations of meat or poultry products and their ingredients to determine presence, numbers, and species of bacteria, Salmonella, Listeria, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Campylobacter. Prepares and maintains reagents. Performs lot acceptance on commercially acquired test kits and reagents. Operates and maintains a variety of analytical instruments. Maintains quality control on instrumentation necessary to perform assigned analyses. Maintains quality assurance records to serve as documentation for ISO 17025 accreditation, the Microbiological Laboratory Guidebook, and the Quality Assurance Plan of the laboratory. Interprets and evaluates the results of the analyses according to FSIS and OPHS laboratory policy. Develops and writes laboratory and section work instructions, spreadsheets, and forms for adoption into the laboratory quality system. Accurately reflects work performed daily by recording on prescribed documents and within the electronic Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Maintains quality assurance records in such a manner that they serve as documentation for ISO criteria for the USDA Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook and the Quality Assurance Plan of the Laboratory Guidebook. Presents findings in a transparent and accurate manner. USDA