Food Microbiology Supervisor

ABOUT MICROBAC

Microbac serves our clients with the utmost expertise and respect for their market requirements, constraints and challenges. We embody a company-wide commitment to exceptional customer experience, which has been refined over nearly 50 years of trusted, analytical and measurement experience.

Through our network of laboratories, offices, and field services, we have the flexibility to meet the unique requirements for each client, project and scope.

As a privately held third-party testing company, Microbac operates with a commitment to safety, quality and compliance. Our diverse work portfolio includes broad accreditation offerings and tested insights across the environmental, food and life science markets.

JOB SUMMARY

The Food Microbiology Supervisor working in an accredited commercial laboratory, is an experienced leader and analyst capable of performing a wide range of laboratory functions independently and with mastery including conducting chemical and/or biological analyses to determine composition, reactions, and chemical and/or physical properties of a variety of sample types, evaluates analytical problem solving approaches, uses independent judgement in making modifications to standard methods and techniques as appropriate. May supervise entry level bench staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Directly supervise and lead a team of operational staff, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure their performance meets or exceeds expectations.
• Management responsibilities including, but not limited to: involved in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, rewards and recognition, performance management and staff productivity, and daily operations of multiple levels of staff and multiple functions/departments across matrix organization
• Manage daily operational activities, including scheduling, task assignment, and resource allocation, to ensure timely completion of tasks and projects
• Maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance, analyze data to identify trends or areas for improvement, and report findings to management.
• Following established SOP's and adhering to state, federal and other accrediting body requirements, prepare and process samples, and collect information about the composition of substances to support the analytical testing needs of clients, for such purposes as quantitative analysis, and product development
• Prepare necessary standards, solutions, reagents, media, and samples for sample analyses
• Utilize specialized laboratory equipment and instrumentation to process and analyze samples
• Perform equipment and instrumentation set up
• Accurately record observations and data and basic interpretation of data
• Maintain the integrity of procedures and record professional activity for peer review
• Monitor and address sample backlog issues
• Maintain accurate, up to date logs, notebooks and equipment records
• Perform necessary laboratory administrative functions such as filing paperwork, photocopying, reviewing of data, and entering data into computerized LIMS
• Perform peer review and work with the QA team to maintain up to date SOPs
• Perform advance level sample analysis
• Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation issues
• Explore new test method developments
• Assist in the training of laboratory technicians and junior analysts
• Operate basic and specialized laboratory instrumentation
• Accurately record observations and data and interpret results
• Assists in the development and validation of new analytical methods
• Assists in the development of new laboratory procedures
• Sign off on final certificates of analysis
• Contribute to writing, editing, and reviewing SOP's
• Maintain accurate, up to date logs, notebooks and equipment records
• Investigate and address inconsistencies with data output
• Accurately record observations and data, and interpret results
• Create data reports; Review data and reports for accuracy; perform peer reviews
• Comply with and promote Safety, and Quality programs
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited institution with a major in a related applied science; plus five or more years of related experience; or 10 plus years of related laboratory experience with no degree
• Prior analytical testing experience

• Advanced understanding of principles, terminology, practices, techniques and instrumentation commonly used in a laboratory setting
• Ability to interpret data and prepare reports
• Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time in order to meet deadlines and rush orders
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work with delicate laboratory equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.