Senior Scientist, Microbiology & Food Safety

• Ensure all relevant policies and requirements related to microbiology are followed during the development process

• Support the end-to-end micro risk assessments for innovation and business continuity projects. This includes:

• Ingredient risk assessments

• Planning and execution of challenge studies during development phase

• Review, categorize and sign-off of Micro Risk Assessment (MRAs)

• Creation of micro testing protocol, management of micro testing and establishment of release criteria for consumer study

• Provide SME support for the development of manufacturing process requirements

• Develop protocols for food service equipment validation

• Design and optimize micro testing processes including potential automation

• Provide SME support for Pilot Plant registrations, certifications, and process qualifications

• Support Food Safety training programs for R&D

• Define and implement the monitoring and control of the microbiology and Food Safety program for our Pilot Plant and Applications laboratories operation, including internal and external micro tests.

• Document all our internal procedures and controls associated with our internal Food Safety program to capture our knowledge and improve our operations.

• Support the Development and implementation of training programs to increase our Food Safety capabilities among the GDI NA team.

• Support micro global team projects associated with our innovation needs.

• Conduct microbiological analysis and testing as needed within internal labs

• Monitor emerging microbiological agents/incidents and build out mitigation strategies and corrective actions for the product portfolio.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree. Post-graduate degree preferred

• Bachelor’s/ M.Sc Degree in Microbiology, Food Safety, Food Science & Technology or equivalent fields

• Experience in microbiology testing and coordination of laboratory activities

• Advanced knowledge and experience in Food Microbiology > 5 (3) years of experience

• Experience in beverage or food industry. Beverage industry preferred >3 years

• Strong knowledge in formulation and processing factors influencing the microbial stability of beverages.

• Experience or knowledge in thermal processes for low acid products.

• Development of technical training programs.

• Strong knowledge in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP and North American (FDA, CFIA etc.) regulatory requirements for juices, low-acid and acidified foods/beverages

• Experience designing, conducting and interpreting robust experiments; microbial challenge testing, validation of alternative methods.

• Experience documenting procedures and controls.

• Experience in statistical methods and data analyses

• Experience performing and setting microbiology testing methods for food industry.

Foundational Skills Required

• Building Technical Relationships: Ability to apply technical knowledge and establish credibility and trust with highly technical audiences

• Product Development: Knowledge and practical application of the product development process. Flexible and creative development skills with a strong attention to detail

• Ingredients: Knowledge of and experience with key ingredients used in production of concentrates and beverage bases

• Laboratory and GM Practices: Knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices (e.g., handling of chemicals and glassware, preparation of standards and reagents, proper measuring techniques, data management, housekeeping)

• Project Management: Knowledge of project management principles and the ability to apply the principles, tools and techniques to develop/plan, manage or execute projects or work plans to ensure successful completion (e.g., on time, within budget).

• Communications Skills: Able to connect regionally and at global level to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the acceleration of our Food Safety and innovation goals.

• Endurance: Willingness and ability to occasionally function effectively over extended periods of time. Ability to be flexible and adjust priorities based on business needs

• Protection of Proprietary Information: Ability to recognize and protect proprietary information as it relates to formulas and ingredients

What We Can Do For You

• Purpose Driven: Purpose driven approach that empowers our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe & quality products.

• Global Connections: Allows you to develop, enhance and maintain global connections that allow us to move faster and learn from others.

• Community of Belonging: We’re an organization that believes our ability to continually grow and build the right atmosphere where people feel safe and empowered, lets you bring your best self to work.