Food Microbiologist - CPG Manufacturing and Technology SME

The Hershey Company • Hershey, PA

407d

About The Position

This position is responsible for providing microbiological Subject Matter Expert (SME) support to manufacturing and co-manufacturing plants, supplier quality management, research and development, and the micro service team. The role involves advanced micro detection technical support, troubleshooting complex microbiological issues, and conducting research projects to meet business needs.

Requirements

• M.S. in Food Microbiology, Food Science, or related science field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing plant and microbiology laboratory experience handling microbiological root cause analyses & Environmental Microbiological Monitoring Programs.
• Robust working technical knowledge of food microbiology and food science processes and/or instrumentation.
• Experience in working with foodborne pathogens related to low water activity foods.
• Experience in conducting failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Superior working knowledge of regulatory and quality system requirements - HACCP, HARPC, Good Manufacturing Process (GMP), Sanitation principles, etc.
• PCQI certification and Better Process Control School: Process authority certification preferred.
• Great communication skills in verbal and written form.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate complex information, identifying defect patterns and quality-related issues.
• Robust understanding of a production/manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge and comfort in aseptic technique and microbiological test methods.
• Proficiency in computer programs/software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, QIMS, and LIMS system.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for advanced micro detection methodologies.
• Conduct literature reviews and advise on methods modification and optimization.
• Partner with micro team and/or plant QA staff to troubleshoot complex micro incidents in micro lab, manufacturing environments, and/or products.
• Coach technicians or other lab team members for development in microbiology.
• Assist with new project work, microbiological evaluation, and risk assessments.
• Conduct microbiological risk assessments of manufacturing lines as needed.
• Review and trend the environmental microbiological monitoring program (EMMP) and product testing results, providing holistic recommendations.
• Support in EMMP CAPA processes and conduct internal & external audits for microbiological control programs and effectiveness.
• Continuously review and improve micro-related policies, standards, and procedures based on evolving food microbiology landscape and industry directions.
• Design, conduct, and report research projects to serve business needs.
• Provide technical support for microbiological risk assessments of new ingredients and evaluate adequacy of thermal validation studies and risk assessments provided by suppliers.
• Support finished product and ingredient specification development & reviews.
• Support R&D & innovation QA team for microbiological food safety risk evaluations.
• Conduct thermal process validation & verification activities as needed.
• Apply statistical analytical methodologies to describe process and product characterizations.
• Provide micro data analytics for decision-making & prevention strategy building.
• Collaborate on projects with internal and external stakeholders (QA, sanitation, R&D, Engineering, etc.).
• Promote Hershey culture and coach staff as necessary.
• Make recommendations to improve quality & efficiency by working closely with laboratory, production & engineering teams.
• Complete & review all data deviations with lab team as needed.
• Provide microbiological safety training/education for knowledge sharing targeting food safety behavioral change.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Food Manufacturing
• Education Level: Master's degree