Microbiologist

Job Title - Microbiologist - 3934-1

Base Location – Maumelle, AR

Duration – 6 months

Job Description :

Position Purpose:

The Microbiologist will conduct routinely our finished product, raw materials, personnel, and environmental interpretation of results along with the quality controls. To apply expertise in microbiology in the operation of the facility's microbiological laboratory, and in support of sanitary manufacturing. Serves as a microbiology resource for environmental monitoring, investigation, method transfer/validation, equipment validation.

Scope:

The Microbiologist works as a member of the mill Microbiological Laboratory team, applying technical expertise to routine testing, evaluation of data, problem-solving of trends, compliance with applicable procedures and regulation, and support of continuous improvement efforts. The Microbiologist takes work direction from the Quality Manager and Microbiology Lab leader. The role is expected to operate with limited direction for day-to-day tasks.

Customers:

Manufacturing Operations; Microbiology Team; Quality Assurance; Suppliers; Purchasing; BCC Staff and Global Quality teams; Planning; Logistics/Distribution; Research; Engineering.

Position-Specific Accountabilities:

• Conduct routine Microbiological testing on baby wipes finished product, production materials, environmental samples such as air, surfaces and personnel testing, and water, and specialized testing as required for troubleshooting or as part of an improvement project.
• Conduct all testing and work in conformance with established Good Lab Practices (GLP’s) and GMP’s.
• Accountable for Micro Team testing, interpretation of results, record management, release of the product. Including raw material testing, Operations GMP audits, monthly GLP audits and Good Documentation Practice (GDP) audits for Micro and Operations Labs, as assigned.
• Conduct routine microbiological interpretation of results (per documented procedures) on finished product for on-time release of the product (Gram stain, Lanagram, Staph Latex, Catalase, etc.). Record data and communicate quality non-conformities as needed.
• Conduct routine microbiological interpretation of results (per documented procedures) on monitoring sampling program (production materials, environmental samples such as air, productive surfaces and personnel testing, water), and specialized sample as required for troubleshooting or as part of an improvement project.
• Conduct Growth Promotion test, as needed
• Conduct microbial identifications using VITEK technology.
• Executes and Supports Micro Lab test methods transfer, validations, and equipment qualifications, as needed.
• Accountable for GLP and GDP.
• Provides applied Microbiology technical expertise during investigations of non-conformities.
• Track, trend, and communicate microbiological data on time, and in a fashion that compels action.
• Prepares and executes Micro Lab test methods transfer, validations and equipment qualifications, as needed. Supports cleaning & sanitization / Clean-In-Place validations.
• Supports the facility being regulatory audit-ready by maintaining full compliance to procedures, addressing gaps, and facilitating a timely closure to all assigned investigations and problem[1]solving activities.
• Executes assigned continuous improvement activities for established processes and supports development of new processes.
• Ensure quality incidents are reported, communicated, and documented.
• Create, recommend, review, and update documents as appropriate.
• Conduct periodic audits of operating areas, sanitization procedures and microbiological laboratory activities to assure conformance to standards and verify effectiveness of training.
• Properly identify and react to quality issues including shutting down an asset if necessary.
• Review logbooks according to the GDP’s and follow-up with colleagues when needed to improve the GDP’s.
• Other duties as business needs dictate.

Required Qualifications / Education / Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline, 5 years Microbiological Lab Experience in regulated product (food, cosmetic, drug, medical device, pharmaceutical) manufacturing setting, with direct involvement on methods validations, qualification of lab equipment and test methods transfer.
• Understanding of Good Lab Practices, environmental monitoring, and trending of data.
• Required Time: five days every week, scheduled time (Friday – Tuesday) required to work every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
• Must be able to flex to support a 7-day operation, as circumstance dictate.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated proficiency with data analysis software, and/or industry-standard systems such as EtQ and SAP Batch management module, LIMS, Minitab or JMP are both statistical software.
• Excellent Microsoft-based computer skills in Microsoft Office to complete and update detailed reports, create pivot tables, etc.
• Ability to effectively influence others, possessing strong interpersonal skills, able to adjust communication style to different audiences.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving skills to determine the root cause
• Demonstrate initiative and self-motivation.
• Demonstrate managing time and tasks efficiently while maintaining an excellent quality of work.
• Demonstrated performance in safety, quality, and attendance with previous employments.
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Legal right to work in the United States