R&D Microbiology Laboratory Technician

Responsibilities

• R&D Microbiology Laboratory Technician provides technical and laboratory support to Microbiological Sciences team.
• Responsible for performing routine microbiological testing, preparing microbiological media and reagents, supporting product safety and quality programs, and assisting with challenge studies, shelf-life studies, and other research activities.
• Works closely with R&D microbiologists to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant laboratory operations that support innovation, product development, and consumer testing initiatives.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Sample handling & testing: Receive, log, label, and process R&D and pilot plant samples; execute routine tests (e.g., APC, coliforms, yeast & mold), swabs/rinse waters, per defined methods and micro sampling plans; document results with precision.
  • Media & reagent preparation: Prepare high quality culture media, buffers, and reagents; perform sterility checks; maintain lot and expiration records.
  • Support studies: Assist Microbiologists during microbiological challenge/qualification studies (inoculation, monitoring, data capture); ensure aseptic technique and adherence to protocols.
  • Result reporting: Record, verify, and route test outcomes; notify stakeholders of releases or out of spec findings in line with release procedures.
  • Lab operations: Maintain inventory, order supplies/consumables; perform equipment checks and cleaning (incubators, waterbaths, refrigerators/freezers) and complete LQS logs/SOPs.
  • Quality system & GLP: Follow SOPs, data integrity and traceability practices; support QC programs and proficiency activities; uphold safety and GLP standards.
  • Culture collection: Maintain and update the laboratory culture collection per department practices.
  • Digital/lab systems: Use SharePoint/DM templates and LIMS/recording tools for sample tracking and data entry.
• Tools & Equipment: Routine use of: autoclave (bench/stand alone), incubators (walk in/benchtop), membrane filtration units, biosafety cabinet/laminar flow hood, refrigerators/freezers, waterbaths, colony counters, microscopes, pH meters, balances, UV lamp; plus standard PPE and lab supplies per SOPs.
• Compliance, Health & Safety: Adhere to site EHS policies, micro lab safety manuals, and GLP standards; complete required safety modules and maintain LQS logs (temperature recording, cleaning schedules).
• Follow R&D micro release requirements and documentation practices when products are intended for consumption by non R&D personnel.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related discipline with microbiology coursework/labs.
• 1-3+ years hands-on experience in a microbiology lab (or equivalent academic, internship or co-op experience) performing standard methods (serial dilutions, pour/spread plates, colony counting, culture transfers).
• Technical skills: Proficient aseptic technique; operation of micro lab equipment (autoclave, incubators, membrane filtration, pH meter, balances, biosafety cabinet); accurate documentation.
• Soft skills: Strong attention to detail, ability to follow written procedures, teamwork, communication, and time management in a fast-paced R&D environment.