Job Description
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Independently conducts microbiological analyses as written in NOW's Microbiology Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedure.
- Microbiological analyses involve handling and disposal of Biosafety Level 2 organisms such as Salmonella, Listeria, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp.
- Operates the following types of instruments: Soleris Microbiological System, Molecular Detection Systems, Riboprinter, ATP Luminometers, Autoclave, Incubators, Microscopes, Colony counter, filtration testing equipment, water activity meters, electronic balances, centrifuges, stomacher, electronic pipettes, and ELISA kits.
- Performs other standard microbiological testing such as methods from the FDA-Bacteriological Analytical Manual, United States Pharmacopeia, and AOAC Microbiological Methods.
- Reviews and investigates laboratory results when necessary. Completes appropriate documentation and assigns disposition.
- Perform data entry, review, and release of data using computer software such as LIMS and Oracle.
- Perform routine environmental monitoring of surfaces, water, and air
- Provides guidance and training to other microbiologists.
- Provides microbiological safety guidance and training to other departments
- Order laboratory supplies if necessary.
- Complies with Safety and GMP requirements.
SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT Supports a culture of safety; follows all safety procedures. Responsible for safety performance in respective areas. Ensures implementing, adhering to, and enforcing workplace health and safety requirements. Ensures activities are completed to promote and implement safe behaviors by supervisors and employees. Fulfills responsibilities as outlined in the company safety management plan.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - Bachelor's degree (B.S) or equivalent from a four-year University, college, or technical school in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field;
- Experience with general laboratory safety, procedures, and instrumentation required.
- Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel, are required.
- Knowledge of cGMP regulations is required.
PERFORMANCE ABILITY Competency is shown by the accuracy of work and meeting productivity levels set by the Microbiology Lab Supervisor. Meets proficiency standards conducted for microbiology laboratories. Ability to train and mentor other employees.
LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret product specifications, departmental instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak and write effectively.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, proportions, and the metric system to practical situations
REASONING ABILITY Ability to compare results to specifications and determine if the result meets requirements. Must have excellent problem-solving skills. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Excellent time management, meeting deadlines, attention to detail, verbal and written communication skills, listening, decision-making, troubleshooting/problem-solving, and organization skills are required. Must possess strong organizational skills, be a self-starter, and be able to handle multiple tasks. Must possess a professional attitude and work well with peers and management-the ability to train others and mentor and guide other microbiologists and technicians.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to be able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms to properly handle and prepare samples and materials in the lab as needed, and regularly handle testing equipment, raw materials, and finished products, tools, or controls and communicate in person and on the telephone.
Repetitive, proper handling and manipulation of the tools, instruments, and materials during required procedures in preparing samples are frequently required. In addition, computer keyboard and mouse usage are commonly needed.
The employee frequently is required to use his/her sense of taste and smell, reach overhead, stand, lift boxes to 36 inches, lift 30 lbs. from the floor to 36 inches, lift 20 lbs. from 36 inches, carry 30 ft., and return to 36 inches (i.e., carry boxes), and move from place to place within the facility, climb, balance, or stoop. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- As required, works in a loud area requiring hearing protection and other protective equipment.
- Works around ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, botanicals, etc., and chemicals such as alcohol that may require respiratory protection.
- May be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
- Frequently exposed to vapors, airborne particles and/or herbal aromas.
- Frequently exposed to all of the FDA-designated major food allergens (Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp), Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans), Wheat and Soybeans, except for peanuts.
- 15-20% travel, including travel by plane, may be required.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including off shifts and weekends.
2025 BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
Equal Opportunity Employer
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Job Tags
Full time, Flexible hours, Shift work, Weekend work, Sunday,