IFF
Microbiologist – IFF
Job Summary
This role involves performing microbiological testing on dietary supplement products, troubleshooting lab equipment, and ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and cGMP standards. Responsibilities include data integrity, method validation, and supporting continuous improvement projects in a BSL‑3 environment.
Responsibilities
Perform routine and non‑routine microbiological analyses on raw materials, in‑process samples, and finished dietary supplement products including total aerobic count, yeast/mold, coliforms/E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria, indicator organisms and pathogen screens using AOAC‑validated methods and lab SOPs.
Execute sample preparation, serial dilutions, plating, incubation, enumeration/identification, and confirmation.
Operate and maintain rapid microbiology platforms (primarily Soleris/Neogen), including assay setup, calibration, control verification, and result interpretation.
Diagnose and resolve issues with Soleris instruments, incubators, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, balances, and pipettes.
Perform routine preventive maintenance, calibrations, and coordinate vendor service.
Lead root‑cause analysis for out‑of‑trend results or equipment deviations; implement CAPA and document impact assessments.
Follow and improve SOPs, test method validations/verifications, and uncertainty of measurement where applicable.
Ensure traceability, chain of custody, and method adherence in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025 scope.
Author and review test reports, method validations, and nonconformance/deviation records.
Participate in internal audits, proficiency testing, and support external assessments.
Record data contemporaneously and accurately; review and approve results, calculations, and certificates of analysis.
Plan and execute minor R&D projects (method optimizations, alternative rapid methods, media studies) and pilot process improvements to reduce TAT and improve throughput.
Comply with BSL‑3 practices, chemical hygiene, waste management, and 21 CFR Part 111 interfaces as relevant to QC testing.
Participate in training and help maintain a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Requirements
A legal right to work in the United States.
Must pass pre‑employment drug screen and background check.
Relocation not offered at this time.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field.
2–5 years of microbiology experience in a QC or regulated lab.
Hands‑on experience with AOAC methods and routine microbiology workflows.
Ability to troubleshoot microbiology instruments and laboratory equipment.
Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements (method validation/verification, traceability, document control).
Excellent documentation skills; proficiency with Excel and MS Office.
Preferred:
Experience in dietary supplement or food testing laboratories; familiarity with 21 CFR Part 111.
Prior involvement in probiotic enumeration, method verification, and proficiency testing.
Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience; exposure to CAPA/RCA.
Core Competencies
Technical Rigor – Applies validated methods accurately; recognizes anomalies and acts decisively.
Problem Solving – Systematic troubleshooting; implements sustainable fixes.
Quality Mindset – Champions data integrity, traceability, and compliance.
Communication – Clear, concise reporting; effective cross‑functional collaboration.
Project Ownership – Plans, executes, and closes minor R&D/CI projects on time.
Safety First – Consistently follows BSL‑3 and chemical hygiene protocols.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
On‑site laboratory work with exposure to biological materials, chemicals, and pressurized equipment (autoclaves).
Frequent standing, pipetting, lifting up to 50 lbs (media, consumables).
PPE required: lab coat, gloves, safety glasses; additional PPE as procedures require.
Salary Range $72,352 – $90,440
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industry Chemical Manufacturing
Diversity & Inclusion We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions. At IFF, we value diversity and strive for an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic self.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This role involves performing microbiological testing on dietary supplement products, troubleshooting lab equipment, and ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and cGMP standards. Responsibilities include data integrity, method validation, and supporting continuous improvement projects in a BSL‑3 environment.
Responsibilities
Perform routine and non‑routine microbiological analyses on raw materials, in‑process samples, and finished dietary supplement products including total aerobic count, yeast/mold, coliforms/E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria, indicator organisms and pathogen screens using AOAC‑validated methods and lab SOPs.
Execute sample preparation, serial dilutions, plating, incubation, enumeration/identification, and confirmation.
Operate and maintain rapid microbiology platforms (primarily Soleris/Neogen), including assay setup, calibration, control verification, and result interpretation.
Diagnose and resolve issues with Soleris instruments, incubators, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, balances, and pipettes.
Perform routine preventive maintenance, calibrations, and coordinate vendor service.
Lead root‑cause analysis for out‑of‑trend results or equipment deviations; implement CAPA and document impact assessments.
Follow and improve SOPs, test method validations/verifications, and uncertainty of measurement where applicable.
Ensure traceability, chain of custody, and method adherence in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025 scope.
Author and review test reports, method validations, and nonconformance/deviation records.
Participate in internal audits, proficiency testing, and support external assessments.
Record data contemporaneously and accurately; review and approve results, calculations, and certificates of analysis.
Plan and execute minor R&D projects (method optimizations, alternative rapid methods, media studies) and pilot process improvements to reduce TAT and improve throughput.
Comply with BSL‑3 practices, chemical hygiene, waste management, and 21 CFR Part 111 interfaces as relevant to QC testing.
Participate in training and help maintain a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Requirements
A legal right to work in the United States.
Must pass pre‑employment drug screen and background check.
Relocation not offered at this time.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related field.
2–5 years of microbiology experience in a QC or regulated lab.
Hands‑on experience with AOAC methods and routine microbiology workflows.
Ability to troubleshoot microbiology instruments and laboratory equipment.
Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements (method validation/verification, traceability, document control).
Excellent documentation skills; proficiency with Excel and MS Office.
Preferred:
Experience in dietary supplement or food testing laboratories; familiarity with 21 CFR Part 111.
Prior involvement in probiotic enumeration, method verification, and proficiency testing.
Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience; exposure to CAPA/RCA.
Core Competencies
Technical Rigor – Applies validated methods accurately; recognizes anomalies and acts decisively.
Problem Solving – Systematic troubleshooting; implements sustainable fixes.
Quality Mindset – Champions data integrity, traceability, and compliance.
Communication – Clear, concise reporting; effective cross‑functional collaboration.
Project Ownership – Plans, executes, and closes minor R&D/CI projects on time.
Safety First – Consistently follows BSL‑3 and chemical hygiene protocols.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
On‑site laboratory work with exposure to biological materials, chemicals, and pressurized equipment (autoclaves).
Frequent standing, pipetting, lifting up to 50 lbs (media, consumables).
PPE required: lab coat, gloves, safety glasses; additional PPE as procedures require.
Salary Range $72,352 – $90,440
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industry Chemical Manufacturing
Diversity & Inclusion We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions. At IFF, we value diversity and strive for an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic self.
#J-18808-Ljbffr