Supervisor - Microbiology

NSF•Traverse City, MI

About The Position

The Supervisor — Microbiology is responsible for the day-to-day execution and performance of the Microbiology team. This role ensures microbiological testing is conducted accurately, on time, and in compliance with established methods, aseptic practices, and regulatory requirements. The Supervisor provides direct leadership for the team, coordinates daily workflow, maintains strict process control, and ensures consistent execution of microbiological testing workflows. This role sits at the intersection of frontline people leadership and hands-on technical oversight — translating priorities from the Director — Analytical into daily execution while upholding the aseptic discipline and timing precision that microbiological testing demands. We are looking for someone who combines genuine technical credibility in microbiology with the leadership presence to run a structured, process-driven team — someone who keeps the lab organized and on schedule, enforces compliance without creating friction, and communicates clearly in both directions without being chased.

Requirements

B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a closely related science discipline; or equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on microbiological testing experience in a regulated or contract laboratory environment.
Demonstrated experience in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity — directing daily workflow, supporting team members, and holding people accountable to performance and quality expectations.
Solid working knowledge of microbiological methods, aseptic technique, media preparation, plating, and incubation workflows.
Familiarity with SOP-driven workflows, LIMS systems, and good laboratory practices (GLP) in an analytical environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical status clearly to both bench staff and laboratory leadership.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a contract laboratory or regulated testing environment, particularly dietary supplements, food and beverage, cosmetics, or pharmaceutical testing.
Familiarity with compendial microbiological methods (USP, AOAC, BAM, ISO, or equivalent) and an understanding of method verification requirements.
Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements or experience working within an accredited laboratory.
Experience with environmental monitoring programs, including air, surface, and personnel sampling in controlled lab spaces.
Formal supervisory or people management training.
Familiarity with NSF standards or dietary supplement testing requirements (e.g., USP <61>, <62>, <2021>, <2022>, or equivalent) and the compliance expectations they impose.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and support microbiologists and technicians within the Microbiology team.
Provide clear daily direction on priorities, sample schedules, and workload distribution.
Monitor productivity, performance, and attendance; address issues in real time with guidance from the Director — Analytical.
Support onboarding and training to ensure proper technique, consistency, and adherence to protocols.
Coordinate daily microbiology workflow, including sample intake, plating, incubation, and reading schedules.
Ensure time-sensitive processes — including incubation windows, hold times, and test timelines — are strictly followed.
Assign work to maintain consistent flow and prevent delays or missed timepoints.
Monitor backlog and turnaround time (TAT), making real-time adjustments to maintain schedule integrity.
Identify, address, and communicate any immediate issues or bottlenecks to the Director — Analytical.
Ensure adherence to SOPs, validated methods, and regulatory requirements across all microbial testing.
Review QC results to confirm run validity and data integrity.
Make and support defensible data disposition decisions (release, qualify, or hold), with proper documentation of deviations, root cause, and CAPA.
Partner with Quality and Data Review to escalate issues appropriately and resolve deviations while reinforcing strong documentation and LIMS practices.
Maintain working knowledge of microbiological methods, media preparation, and environmental controls.
Provide support in diagnosing and resolving issues related to methods, media, environmental monitoring, and/or data abnormalities.
Partner with technical experts or leadership to resolve complex challenges.
Step in on the bench only when necessary for coverage, training, or urgent support.
Communicate daily status, issues, and risks to the Director — Analytical.
Coordinate with sample prep and bench teams to ensure readiness and smooth handoff into microbiological testing.
Partner with Data Review and Client Services to ensure timely progression of results.
Perform additional duties as the role evolves or as directed by the Director — Analytical or laboratory management.