Quality Assurance Microbiologist

Mom's Meals•North Jackson, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Microbiologist applies knowledge and technical skills needed to ensure finished meals are properly produced under safe food conditions within the plant setting. The Plant Microbiologist is responsible to lead, develop, and execute microbiological solutions to maintain compliance to food safety and to drive performance improvements through enhancement of microbiological programs and techniques. This position reports directly to the Director of Food Safety and Quality, Kitchens.

Requirements

Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or other similar disciplines
BS +5 years; combination of laboratory and food manufacturing experience
MS +2 years; combination of laboratory and food manufacturing experience
Experience in Microbiology testing methods and techniques and familiarity with rapid test method for microbiological analyses
Experience in a scientific role in a food manufacturing facility
Knowledge of HACCP & HARPC and experience in implementation of Food Safety Management Plans
Knowledge of Food safety concepts and techniques required (GMPs)
Microbiological testing methodologies and equipment
Prior experience in leading a functional team (the ability to set goals, delegate work, and follow up results)
Experience in establishing an environmental monitoring program; experience with software for trending
Must have experience in establishing cleaning standards
Must have regulatory and industry awareness (USDA and FDA)
Strong understanding of sanitary design principles
Must be able to communicate persuasively and passionately about the need for food safety & quality
Must be able to use Microsoft Office programs such as Excel; strong computer skills
Must have the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Strong initiative and ability to work as part of a team; a self-starter that is highly motivated and passionate and eager to take on new projects
An excellent communicator; able to explain complex (often technical) information to a variety of audiences
Excellent organization and decision-making skills; consistently demonstrates a methodical approach to the work
Ability to teach others the importance of concepts revolving around food analysis, food microbiology
Lead process for and troubleshoot equipment failures and deviations
Work effectively in a general business environment, with a focus on high levels of quality and customer service
A critical thinker; use logic to identify opportunities, evaluate alternatives, and synthesize and present critical information to solve complex microbiological problems
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships cross functionally with all members of the value stream including Production, QA, QC, and R&D
Demonstrate proficient knowledge of Microbiological laboratory methodology and application
Risk evaluation/Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for complex issues including execution and escalation
Data analysis
Must be flexible in terms of working hours to meet the requirements of the position
Good critical thinking and experimental design skills
Excellent working knowledge of data analysis, statistical methods, and data reporting
Must possess a broad understanding of food safety standards, compliance, sanitation principles and good laboratory practices
Must be able to lead by example on adhering to all lab safety procedures

Nice To Haves

Seafood HACCP training
Prior experience in designing and setting up or managing a new lab
Experience in managing people

Responsibilities

Manage and develop an effective environmental monitoring program and provide recommendations for quality improvement within the facility; act as expert for all sites as needed
Conduct sampling for the environmental monitoring program and finished products as necessary following strong aseptic techniques
Perform the investigations of any out-of-specification lab results and reporting the results to Quality management in a timely manner
Function as primary contact for the plant Pathogen Monitoring Program (PMP) including development, implementation, adaptation and training
Investigate and resolve microbiology and environmental monitoring-related issues and deviations and leads implementation of corrective actions
Review and approve microbiology and environmental monitoring test results and reports
Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance laboratory and environmental monitoring operations in all sites as needed
Conduct thorough statistical data analysis for large data sets; develop and communicate trend analysis for the environmental testing program. Reviews all site data as required
Act as the key Microbiological Subject Matter Expert (SME) for in plant Production and Quality
Act as key Microbiological SME to consult on complex microbiological events and act as liaison with outside Microbiological Consultants as necessary
Lead production process validations for continuous improvement activities for production techniques such as heating/chilling, freezing, modified atmosphere packaging, etc.
Â·Identify Microbiological environmental hazards/risks in a production environment and provide the recommendations to the manufacturing sites; update and develop EMP procedures as required for environmental programs
Provide Microbiological expertise to respond to regulatory changes or external inquiries
Participate in regulatory and internal inspections/audits when necessary
Assist with risk assessments for microbiological hazard analysis for ingredients including involvement in plant Seek and Destroy Teams
Recommend and make changes to documents (i.e. SOPâs, policies, SSOPs, Testing Standard, methods, specifications) and ensure that these documents are aligned with the GMP practices
Provide cleaning standard recommendations and reinforce best cleaning practices in the facility
Work with sanitation personnel to investigate microbiological concerns
Work with production personnel regarding sanitary equipment design standards as it relates to microbiology concerns for new equipment
Ability to lead and initiate the development of microbiological laboratories within the plant and have the ability to align and collaborate with other plant laboratory personnel as necessary
Drive continuous improvement in area of expertise
Communicate with external laboratories regarding micro results, test methods, and concerns
Work with R&D personnel as needed for new product development initiatives to assist in the enhancement of product stability and food safety