Microbiologist

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•St. Louis, MO

5d•$54,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Quality Assurance and Nestlé Purina Analytical Laboratories (NPAL) department is comprised of talented individuals who possess a genuine love for pets and their families. We thrive on being at the forefront of research, contributing to the innovation and advancements in pet nutrition and quality that sets Nestlé Purina apart. Ensuring the delivery of safe ingredients and responsible sourcing practices to our factories and beyond, we are invigorated by the extensive research and development that goes into our products. Bring your impact to the table and together we will continue to work towards being one of the most trusted companies in pet care. As a Microbiologist, you’ll perform routine and advanced microbiological testing to support the analysis of food products, ingredients, environmental samples, and related matrices. Come prepared to generate accurate and timely analytical data, interpret results, and ensure compliance with internal and external quality standards. This position operates with a high level of independence and may support method development, troubleshooting, and training of junior staff while contributing to overall laboratory efficiency and quality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related life science discipline
3+ years of microbiology laboratory experience in food safety or commercial lab

Nice To Haves

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
Visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception required
Flexibility for overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed
Fast-paced laboratory environment with exposure to food matrices and allergens
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks
Manual dexterity for laboratory work and equipment operation

Responsibilities

Perform microbiological analyses including enumeration and detection of indicator organisms, pathogens, and other microbes
Prepare, process, and analyze samples using approved techniques and aseptic practices
Interpret, verify, and approve analytical data for accuracy and compliance
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, autoclaves, incubators, pH meters)
Ensure all work is completed in accordance with NPAL standard operating procedures and safety requirements
Ensure compliance with ISO 17025, GLPs, and internal quality systems
Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of all analytical activities
Identify, document, and escalate non-conformances and questionable results