Microbiologist

Job Summary:

The Microbiologist will be responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and ensuring microbiological quality of raw materials, process water, intermediate products, and finished beverages. The role focuses on maintaining food safety standards, implementing microbiological testing protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct routine microbiological analysis of raw materials, process water, packaging material, in-process, and finished products.
• Perform swab testing and environmental monitoring of production areas, equipment, and utilities.
• Ensure adherence to FSSAI, ISO, HACCP, GMP, and other regulatory/industry standards.
• Develop, validate, and maintain microbiological test methods and SOPs.
• Maintain culture stocks, prepare media, and ensure proper calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Analyze test data, document results, and prepare reports for management.
• Support root cause analysis in case of contamination or quality deviations.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for microbiological issues.
• Conduct shelf-life studies and microbial challenge tests for new products.
• Train production and quality teams on hygiene, sanitation, and microbiological safety.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: M.Sc. / B.Sc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Technology, or related field.
• Experience: 15 years of experience in microbiology/QA in food & beverage or FMCG industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000.
• Hands-on experience in plating techniques, microbial enumeration, pathogen detection, and rapid microbiological methods.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment (autoclaves, incubators, laminar air flow, colony counters, PCR, etc.).
• Good documentation, analytical, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment with cross-functional teams.

Key Competencies:

• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Proactive approach towards hygiene and quality compliance.