Food Safety & Quality Assurance Scientist

Food Safety & Quality Assurance Scientist About M2 Ingredients We are passionate about our mission to harness the amazing power of mushrooms for healthier lives. M2 Ingredients is the leading vertically integrated organic functional mushroom solution provider in the Western Hemisphere. We grow our portfolio of functional mushrooms indoors in our controlled, state-of-the-art facility in Vista, CA. M2 Ingredients sells its functional ingredients to global brands in the supplement, beverage and food channels. M2 Ingredients was founded in 2010 by Sandra Carter, a health and wellness expert with a PhD in preventative medicine and Steve Farrar, a mycologist with over 30 years of experience in growing mushrooms. Both founders are active in the business. Position Summary: The Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA) Scientist has the responsibility of addressing productivity, Food safety and Quality issues through data collection, analysis and corrective actions planning. The FSQA Scientist will be part of New Product Development Team ensuring products meet required regulations and compliances from inception to new product. The FSQA Scientist will act as the company quality and regulatory point person. The FSQA Scientist will perform duties in accordance with industry specific regulations, Global Food Safety Initiative Standards, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Certification, Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Standards, performance expectations as well as Workplace Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Manage and maintain all databases and data trending required by the FDA and certification agencies. Manage environmental monitoring programs and issue data trends and recommendations for corrective actions. Project manage corrective actions initiatives and ensure timely resolution through cross functional collaboration. Lead monitoring, data collection and propose corrective actions related to mushroom cultivation challenges. Collaborate with the R&D and mycology team on new product development through data collection and analysis. Manage HACCP program including updates in documentation, monitoring CCPs and corresponding audits. Responsible for participating in the investigation of customer complaints and providing data to complete the associated CAPAs. Participate in any ingredient withdrawals through the investigation and data analysis. Support in responding to regulatory and food safety/QA questions from M2 customers. Responsible for any lab / testing questions for Customers. Responsible for maintaining updated internal and external specifications and other relevant regulated documents. Support the FSQA Director and Regulatory through regulatory audits for our facilities (Organic, BRC, FDA, Kosher, Non-GMO Project and NASC). Responsible for reporting on food safety and/or quality problems to personnel with the authority to initiate corrective actions. Responsible for developing/improving food safety programs and procedures. Qualifications: BSc. in Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry or other relevant fields Approximately 5 yrs of experience in R&D and/or FSQA role in the food or dietary supplement industry Experience in participating or leading environmental monitoring programs. Experience in data analysis and data trending as part of manufacturing FSQA programs. Strong understanding in HACCP, and GFSI knowledge is preferred. Previous experience working in the dietary supplement industry as an asset. Ability to work cross functionally and to manage external contractors. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS This full-time role will receive a competitive salary + benefits, including medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k match. This position's anticipated annual pay range is $95,000 – $110,000 plus an annual bonus. Various factors are considered when determining an individual's compensation–including a candidate’s professional background, education, certifications, experience, professional licenses, and location. Final offer amounts may vary from the amounts listed. We neither ask for nor consider the salary history of applicants. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. LOCATION M2 Ingredients is located in Vista, CA (about 35 miles north of San Diego and 60 south of Orange County). This position requires you to work full time, on-site in our Vista, CA location 5 days per week.

Salary : $95,000 - $110,000