Microbiologist

JOB OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Microbiologist to join our New Jersey team. As a Microbiologist, you will be responsible for conducting laboratory tests, analyzing results, interpreting and reporting finalized testing data.

This position is full-time, in-lab at our East Hanover location, with a Monday-Friday, 8–10-hour schedule with available overtime. Benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, and paid time off.

The organization’s ideal candidate has demonstrated experience organizing microbiological workflow(s) to meet production needs of the laboratory, including daily preparation of samples for mandated state testing, and optional R&D testing, utilizing qPCR and culture-based techniques, as applicable, to meet expected turn-around times.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

MICROBIOLOGIST QUALIFICATIONS:

• 21 years of age and able to meet eligibility requirements for employment within a cannabis business set by the State of New Jersey.
• Valid driver’s license.
• BSc in natural or food science, to include, but not be limited to, biology, microbiology, biochemistry, food, plant or environmental sciences.
• (2) years of professional work experience using qPCR/PCR based platforms. AriaMX experience preferred.
• (2) years of professional work experience utilizing culture-based microbiological analysis. Petrifilm and/or Charm experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able and willing to work collaboratively with co-workers.

NJ MICROBIOLOGIST RESPONSIBILITIES:

The microbiologist is responsible for the testing, quality control, and tracking of cannabis samples for microbiological assays including but not limited to plant viroid and pathogens, Total Yeasts & Molds (TYMC), Total Aerobic Microbials (TAMC), E. Coli, and Salmonella utilizing qPCR and traditional growth plate techniques, while organizing Microbiology Department workflow(s) to meet the production needs of the laboratory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Excellent attention to detail to handle and report precise testing results and identify potential contamination risks within a production lab environment.
• Critical thinking and solution-oriented problem-solving skills to identify and address potential sources of contamination and risk mitigation strategies.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and management.
• Digital literacy to include proficient daily use of Microsoft Excel and various laboratory information management systems.
• Work in a timely manner, strive to improve quality and maintain accuracy across all laboratory activities.
• Adhere to current good documentation practices for the completion of laboratory documents, logs, forms, and worksheets.
• Use of aseptic technique to handle, prepare, and analyze samples.
• Follow company policies and procedures for the daily operations of the Microbial Department, including the accurate measurement and documentation of test samples and testing results, and fully comply with state cannabis business regulations.
• Participate in and endeavor to complete training and be determined competent for sample collection and preparation, using aseptic techniques, and reporting results within the laboratory’s information management and workflow systems.
• Prepare samples independently using aseptic techniques for all test methods they are trained and determined competent in, including compliant documentation of associated forms and logs.
• Organize Microbiology Department workflow to meet the production needs of the laboratory, including daily preparation of samples for mandated state testing, and optional R&D testing, utilizing qPCR and culture0based techniques as applicable to meet expected turn-around times.
• Producing, tracking, and documenting QCs.
• Successful completion and management of third-party, external proficiency tests.
• Responsible for inventory of Microbiological Department supplies and cannabis tracking and destruction related to Department activities.
• Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor, which may include offsite cannabis sampling and transport for R&D purposes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a high-volume, production laboratory environment where employees may encounter the following while performing essential functions of this job:

• Required use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to limit exposure to chemicals and/or other hazards found within a laboratory such as fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts loud noises and/or vibration.
• Frequent interruptions during the day requiring the re-prioritization of tasks and workflow.
• Per state requirements for cannabis businesses, the facility is controlled and monitored by a security system, including video surveillance, in areas where laboratory activities take place.

Reasonable accommodation may be available for some essential functions of this role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The position may include, but may not be limited to, the following physical demands to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. to successful

• Ability to concentrate over an extended period and consistently produce accurate work.
• Frequent periods of standing, sitting, use of hands, walking, bending, lifting or moving up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodation may be available for some essential functions of this role.

WORK HOURS:

• Monday-Friday schedule

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Overtime

Work Location: In person

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 45 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Plating: 2 years (Required)
• PCR: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• East Hanover, NJ 07936 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• East Hanover, NJ 07936: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person