Main Lab Lead

Certified Group is a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services. Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, Labstat International Inc., Advanced Botanical Consulting & Testing (ABC Testing Inc.), Microconsult Inc., and Micro Quality Labs Inc. Certified Group provides laboratory testing and regulatory consulting services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, hemp, and other industries.

We are currently looking for a Microbiology Lead to join our growing team!

JOB SUMMARY

Prepare samples for analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients and environmental sponges/swabs. The position performs the application of approved microbiological techniques and methodologies used in analytical testing. This role may have supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemistries as well as apply aseptic techniques in daily workload
• Maintain media and reagents as needed for daily microbiological testing
• Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements
• Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily cleaning, sanitizing, and trash disposal
• Assist in quality control monitoring by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls etc., and other laboratory quality control procedures
• Independently pursue an assigned series of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with Certified Group policies/procedures, customer requirements and all SOP operations manuals
• Share information in an open, and timely manner and serve as a resource to answer questions for technicians in Main Lab, media, and login
• Lead Responsibilities include: managing employee schedules, organizing workflow and processes, ensure team is consistently delivering on expectations and meeting quality requirements, set appropriate example to ensure a high level of confidence, facilitate team collaboration, problem solving, and customer communication
• Maintain laboratory condition, to include equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures
• Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner
• Assisting with managing priorities and schedule such that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved with encouraged participation in the Certified Group Team
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area
• Responsible for the completion of required training

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BS degree in Life Science or related field preferred
• Associate degree in Life Science or two years of laboratory experience
• Minimum of 2 year of laboratory experience
• Training in general laboratory practices
• Minimum of 1 year customer service experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of aseptic sampling technique, automated lab equipment, and acceptable methods and procedures
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory
• Experience with GLP, GLP, OSHA guidelines, FDA, BAM, APHA, and Compendium methods and procedure
• Some experience in supervising people and processes preferred

SUPERVISION

• Leads two or more employees in the Main Lab department
• Responsibilities may include training, directing work activities and monitoring performance.
• Assists with hiring, performance evaluation and coaching of Main Lab technicians

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other communications/computer components
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud
• Temperature varies from hot to cold
• Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Color vision and depth perception

Benefits:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off
• Many positions which qualify for the company bonus program

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.