Food Microbiologist

Description

The Lab Professional is responsible for overseeing the daily process flow of sample testing, precision, and accuracy of lab equipment and in performance of work instructions, data collection, storage, and information dissemination as well as trending.  Assist with all respective QA and Food Safety Systems pertaining to validations (Allergen Control) and microbiological functions supporting Kettle Cuisine’s standards and objectives.  The position requires a hands-on, self-starter with the ability to motivate and lead respective projects with minimal supervision. The Food Lab Professional must be a skilled communicator who can convey information, ways of improvement, and policy to all levels within the organization. In the absence of the Food Lab Professional, the duties will be performed by the evening shift laboratory technician.

Role And Responsibilities

• Organize, coordinate and execute all laboratory activities and record keeping requirements in accordance with SQF, GLP’s, customer and Regulatory requirements.
• Support and participate in root cause investigation of nonconforming test results.
• Aid in the investigation of customer and in-house shelf-life deviations or out-of-specification test results.
• Support the QA Department with the verification, validation, and internal auditing programs.
• Perform (hands on) in-plant validations on Allergen cleaning and sanitation, environmental sanitation and FCS cleaning of equipment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with frontline employees, peers, and Management.
• Prepare and analyze samples according to and appropriately with FDA BAM, AOAC, NOP, IDF, GFCO, ISO 17025 and other certified methodologies; With ability to successfully complete blind proficiency tests.
• Accurately performs and documents equipment calibrations and preventative maintenance.
• Coordinates and executes shelf-life studies and reporting out process on assigned studies.
• Accurately record observations, data and interpret results.  Maintain and organize test results database.
• Drafts protocols and revisions for Project Leader review and approval with minimal supervision.
• Maintains proficiency in specific quantitative and predictive food microbiology software or models.
• Monitors critical phases of routine and specialized studies and reports any problems or deviations
• Support Prerequisite Programs, HACCP and HARPC (Preventive Controls), GMPs, SSOPs, GFSI, USDA, and FDA guidelines. 
• Support audit readiness and supporting data for all Internal Quality Audits, SQF, GFCO, FDA, USDA, NOP and all other 3^rd Party audits, and respond to findings with Preventive and Corrective Actions
• Ability to drive and recommend positive changes in processes, systems and culture.
• Ensure adequate laboratory supplies par levels are set and orders are placed in a timely manner.
• Execute other projects as assigned by Leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Following established SOPs for Laboratory Testing, perform testing, collecting sample, entering and reporting data. 
• Maintain Outside lab relationships and coordinate testing per customer requirements
• Ensure Laboratory is following GLP and meeting SQF requirements for internal lab analysis.
• Communicate, mentor and work as a Team with all lab technicians and follow GLP’s.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Degree in one if the Biological Sciences, Microbiology or Food Science or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience on the Food Manufacturing Industry or related industry
• Experience working on Quality Assurance and ability to multi-task, work quickly while maintaining exceptional     accuracy in a deadline driven setting
• Knowledge of principles, terminology, practices, and instrumentation and micro testing commonly used in a food manufacturing laboratory setting
• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation skills and understand basic statistics such as mean, z-scores, t-tests, acceptance criteria etc.
• Ability to determine percent error, variance, standard deviation, correlation and regression, and dilution calculations. Ability to interpret complex chemistry equations and manipulate equations in troubleshooting situations
• Strong Microsoft Office skills

Required Attributes

• Self-starter able to conceptualize and drive initiatives forward
• Positive attitude and motivated by contributing to the overall success of the team
• Able to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Creative problem solving skills
• Obsessive attention to detail, well organized and able to juggle many projects at once
• Comfortable moving at a fast pace and in ambiguous environments
• Passionate about food
• Willing to address difficult situations head on with patience and respect

Americans with Disabilities Act

Kettle Cuisine complies with all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. This means we will not discriminate against qualified individuals with a disability in any phase of the employment relationship including application for employment, hiring, promotions and/or advancement opportunities, termination, compensation, training and any other conditions or privileges of employment.

Core Values

Kettle Cuisine takes the utmost pride in its people, products and reputation. Each employee is expected to understand and live our Core Values every day.

Honor Food – We create and produce the best tasting, safest, all natural recipes that strive for perfection in every batch, from bench to kettle

Honor Each Other – We seek to develop trusting, respectful and mutually rewarding relationships with all our team members and business partners

Honor Development – We recognize and nurture each other’s talents, strengths and interests in order to further strengthen and grow our team

Honor Innovation – We continually strive for creative and sustainable ways to achieve excellence

Qualifications

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000