Senior Microbiologist

About the role

The Senior Microbiologist – Starter Culture Program Lead will own and advance the enterprise-level starter culture strategy, leading culture development, molecular characterization, protected propagation (black-box methods), activity testing, and fermentation science. This role collaborates with Operations, QA, Procurement, suppliers, and R&D to protect IP, optimize fermentation, and ensure strain continuity.

Responsibilities

• Leads the starter culture program including mapping, risk assessment, and contingency planning.
• Oversees clean-room operations for culture propagation and sterile handling.
• Develops rotational strategies to minimize phage risk and maintain reliability.
• Drives development of backup strains and continuity plans for high-risk cheeses.
• Molecular Characterization & Strain Verification:
• Performs molecular characterization (genotyping, phenotyping) of strains.
• Develops verification workflows for strain identity and performance.
• Creates analytical methods to monitor purity, genetics, and culture integrity.
• Activity Testing & Fermentation Science:
• Develops starter culture activity assays and fermentation performance tools.
• Models acidification curves, fermentation behavior, and performance prediction.
• Investigates interactions between culture blends and milk/process conditions.
• Trade-Secret / Black-Box Culture Management:
• Designs and manages black-box propagation systems to protect proprietary blends.
• Works with suppliers to formalize protected growth and blending processes.
• Oversees co-manufacturing starter blend operations under confidentiality controls.
• New Starter Culture Recipe Development:
• Creates new starter culture blends, formulations, and rotation strategies.
• Supports proprietary flavor and texture development initiatives.
• Collaborates with R&D to enable new cheese innovation.
• Internal & External Collaboration:
• Partners with Operations and QA on culture handling, fermentation troubleshooting, and process improvements.
• Collaborates with Procurement on supplier management and continuity planning.
• Engages with university research partners for advanced microbiology and fermentation work.
• Documentation, IP Protection & Compliance:
• Maintains confidential documentation for strains, processes, and batch records.
• Strengthens IP protection around blends, propagation, and trade-secret processes.
• Supports GMP, HACCP, and clean-room compliance.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field required.
• 7–12+ years of experience in dairy or industrial microbiology required.
• Experience with fermentation, starter cultures, and aseptic propagation required.
• Strong background in molecular methods and microbial characterization required.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills required.