Scientist

The Coca-Cola Company • Apopka, FL

6d • $109,000 - $129,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a Microbiologist trained to support fruit and vegetable ingredient testing and issues and routine troubleshooting. The key responsibilities of this role will be to perform complex microbiological analysis of fruit and vegetable ingredients; prepare detailed reports with recommendations and perform routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment.

Requirements

• Proficient in applying established standards in microbiology
• Able to train and instruct analysts/scientists, internal Company employees, and supply system technical individuals
• Problem solving of microbiology related issues in ingredients and processing of those ingredients
• Subject Matter Expert with knowledge base acquired in microbiology as applied to fruits and vegetables, beverages, beverage processing
• Works independently; may be required to coach other professionals
• Knowledge of quality management systems and laboratory information systems
• Ability to perform advanced, complex testing at a high level of throughput using the required methodology as required on fruit and vegetable ingredients and report results
• Demonstrates subject matter expertise in microbiology to evaluate data/information to make decisions, provide solutions to problems, and educated opinions on fruit and vegetable ingredients and make recommendations
• Build technical relationships internally and externally
• Advanced Field Specialty in microbiology: Expert ability to integrate advanced techniques and to apply the most appropriate techniques to a broad range of problems
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices; Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation, including instrumental theory, operation, maintenance and ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory methods; LIMS; Quality management systems
• Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences; to produce report of results
• Ability to read, write and speak the English language is required
• Once the successful candidate has received appropriate training, they will be expected to perform at a high level

Nice To Haves

• Masters or PhD in Microbiology is preferable
• ISO 14000
• ISO 18000
• Six Sigma
• Waterfall Model

Responsibilities

• Perform complex microbiological analysis of fruit and vegetable ingredients
• Prepare detailed reports with recommendations
• Perform routine maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment
• Train and instruct analysts/scientists, internal Company employees, and supply system technical individuals
• Problem solving of microbiology related issues in ingredients and processing of those ingredients
• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency
• Train and instruct Laboratory analysts/scientists
• Perform basic and complex testing of materials at a high level of throughput using the required microbiological, analytical and/ or sensorial methodology according to quality guidelines
• Interpret data from routine and non-routine analyses in order to validate that ingredients/materials meet specifications
• Record results & write technical reports
• Maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibrating and repairing)
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency (e.g., prioritize sample analysis, assign tasks, preventative maintenance)
• Work to and ensure self and team compliance to quality management system requirements through training, documentations, quality records and audits
• Perform data audit in order to ensure accuracy of data and analytical processes
• Lead research projects and develop or validate laboratory test methods or equipment (sampling, monitoring, analytical procedures) in order to ensure reliability and accuracy of analytical results
• Act as a subject matter expert for fruit and vegetable ingredients and juices
• Provide technical support in ingredient investigations
• Support Legal with matters that require technical input in area of expertise with recommendations that is clear and concise
• Build technical relationships
• Engage in daily contact with key laboratory personnel e.g. Lab manager, other team members, understand lab workload, priorities and other pertinent information
• Communicate with relevant other stakeholders providing information on testing, results, other facts
• Gather information from to help understand needs from lab operation
• Clarify questions regarding testing, rejections, and unusual results, referencing analytical methodologies, Co. policy and local regulatory requirements
• Provide training to internal and external (e.g. suppliers) stakeholders
• Be an expert with required testing within their dedicated area
• Evaluate information to determine compliance with specifications or standards
• Interpret results
• Work with Laboratory Manager to ensure proper use of resources
• Interpret of databases for specifications, methods, standards & advanced analytics
• Writes summaries and reports
• Recommends new methods or instrumentation to address current and future needs of the laboratory
• Applies Operational Excellence principles and processes to optimize lab operations

Benefits

• A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior