Microbiological Testing: Perform routine microbiological testing on raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods, including tests for pathogens, spoilage organisms, and other microorganisms (e.g., total plate count, coliforms, yeast, molds, and E. coli).
• Sterility & Validation: Conduct sterility testing and other specialized microbiological assays to validate product safety, ensuring that the company’s products comply with hygiene standards and meet regulatory requirements.
• Sample Preparation & Analysis: Prepare and process product samples for microbiological testing, ensuring proper sample collection and handling procedures are followed.
• Data Documentation & Reporting: Accurately document test results, observations, and any deviations from expected microbiological standards. Prepare comprehensive reports on testing activities and provide clear feedback to the quality and production teams.
• Microbiological Control: Monitor microbiological control points in the production process to prevent contamination. Ensure the correct application of sanitation procedures in manufacturing and storage areas to avoid microbial risks.
• Investigating Non-Conformities: Investigate any microbiological non-conformances, such as positive microbial results, contamination incidents, or deviations from established microbiological standards. Work with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions and preventive measures.
• Compliance with Standards: Ensure compliance with relevant local and international microbiological standards (e.g., ISO 17025, GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, and FDA regulations) during all testing and quality processes.
• Equipment Calibration & Maintenance: Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, such as incubators, autoclaves, and microbiological testing tools, ensuring they are operating efficiently and within compliance standards.
• Documentation & Record Keeping: Ensure accurate and timely completion of laboratory records and test documentation, following company SOPs, GLPs, and regulatory requirements for traceability and audit purposes.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing microbiological testing procedures, enhancing product quality, and improving laboratory efficiency
• Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or a related field. • Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in microbiological testing within an FMCG, manufacturing environment. Experience in a GMP-compliant lab is preferred. • Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of microbiological testing methods and techniques, including culture-based methods, molecular techniques, and microbiological quality control. Familiarity with laboratory equipment and instruments • Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of relevant local and international microbiological standards and food safety regulations (e.g., ISO 17025, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, FDA, Codex Alimentarius). • Data Analysis: Proficiency in data analysis, trend tracking, and the use of software tools for reporting microbiological test results. • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot microbiological testing issues, investigate contamination events, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).