Microbiologist

Imagine...working for a company that knows that its people are the key to its success in the marketplace. A company in which achieving extraordinary results and having a stimulating work experience are part of the same process.

We cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture.

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team oriented environment, likes to be challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference.

General Summary:

The QA Microbiologist will maintain and perform the microbiology programs used to meet corporate and regulatory standards at the plant. This position will communicate results of microbiological testing and inspection results and support organizational corrective action if needed. This position also supports the general QA management activities in the plant.

Principal Accountabilities:

85% Microbiological (Soup Bacti Lab)

• Maintain the plant canned and plastic container set aside/incubation, monitor results, implement changes/improvements and sampling plans as needed. Coordinate activities with Warehouse reconditioning and product releases if incubation/micro testing is a condition for disposition.
• Complete weekly water sampling and surface swabbing programs, monitor results, implement changes/improvements and sampling plans as needed. Communicate results and make recommendations to appropriate team.
• Maintain yearly allergen cleaning validation swabbing
• Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, supplies and equipment.
• Support Sterilizer/Heat Distribution Testing as needed:
• All FMC Rotary Sterilizer tested monthly or as required by Process Safety
• Annual Hydrostatic and Rotomat Sterilizer testing
• Specific new product heat penetration testing as required by Process Safety
• Support Warehouse reconditioning, PD, Process Safety and QA on:
• Incubation and inoculated packs to qualify new products or thermal processes.
• Dispositions of quality/set-aside and/or thermal processing holds that require micro testing and/or container integrity evaluations and/or Process Safety disposition.
• Support Warehouse Reconditioning with periodic container evaluation training as needed.
• Support Aseptic Micro lab and Soup chemical lab as needed
• Coordinate the investigation and resolution of spoilage incidents using microbiological and container integrity testing procedures and equipment.
• Participate in WHQ Micro Check Samples

15% General QA Management

• Plan, perform, report and follow-up on quality system, sanitation and food safety audits assigned through DDS or the QA internal Audit program. Including HACCP, SSOP and GMP/housekeeping audits.
• QA representative for assigned area DDS team
• Perform Pre-shipment review of food safety and quality records, when assigned, for compliance to internal and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate product holds, perform dispositions and corrective actions as related to microbiological or DDS team holds. Troubleshoot quality, food safety problems and foreign material occurrences as related to DDS. Track Corrective actions as part of DDS team support.
• Assist on feasibility, new product trials & new equipment qualification as needed.
• Assist Operations group on maintaining USDA compliance and resolving issues.
• Process Irregularities: write ups reports, follow up on isolation and withheld product. Provide corrective action assistance where needed.
• Participate on Soup quality panels
• QA representative to the plant on scheduled weekend days.

Job Complexity

• This position will coordinate microbiological lab testing and results for the Soup micro lab.
• This position will back up soup chemical lab and Aseptic micro lab if needed
• This position will be responsible for investigating and determining root cause of any food safety issues, spoiled containers or failed line swabs

Job Specifications

• Minimum education required: Bachelor's degree required, preferred in microbiology, biology, food science or a related technical field
• Minimum Years of relevant experience: 0-3 years of experience.
• HACCP or PCQI is a plus.
• Microbiological Lab experience preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work with and lead a cross functional teams.
• Knowledge around can food regulations and working with onsite USDA Inspectors is a plus.

Work Conditions

• Microbiology Lab/Office/Meetings - computer work, sitting, repetitive motions
• Plant environment.
• Outdoor environment for sample collection, audits
• Travel is estimated at 5% or less.

ACR

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

In that regard, U.S. applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.