Microbiologist Iii/Diagnostic Microbiologist

Overview Of Position

Microbiologists III perform a variety of technical laboratory functions in the daily operation and maintenance of the Microbiology Diagnostic laboratory. Microbiologists III read and interpret microbial growth on various platforms including performing confirmation testing when necessary. They are responsible for the independent performance of testing and/or quality control procedures and recording laboratory data according to the policies and procedures of Analytical Food Laboratories, and in compliance with laboratory certifications or accreditations, always following Good Laboratory Practices Regulations (in accordance with 21 CFR Part 58 and NELAC standards).

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science, Microbiology, Biology or a related science discipline. 1-2 years of laboratory experience. Non-degreed candidates with extensive laboratory experience and/or 1 year in Analytical Food Laboratories Microbiologist I and/or 6 months in Microbiologist II positions may be considered.

Responsibilities

Understand and follow the policies, procedures and SOPs of Analytical Food Laboratories including not only those involving laboratory work and management, but also those concerning ethics and conflict of interest and in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, NELAC and all other accrediting / certifying agencies

Independently perform testing and/or quality control procedures and record data according to laboratory policies and procedures.

Produce accurate, defensible, traceable test results and report them in a timeframe consistent with client requirements. These results depend on

• Following testing methods exactly (changes can only be made with the knowledge and permission of supervisors)
• Keeping accurate, legible data and, if necessary, making corrections properly
• Notifying leads or managers of any problems with equipment, media, or the test method
• Making sure that controls are in place during testing
• Reviewing client test requests and comparing them to data results pages

Participate in annual GMP training for laboratories testing pharmaceutical products.

Job Duties

Microbiologists III are responsible for using equipment according to instructions and for its intended purpose, as well as for informing designated members of lab management of any accidents in the department or any equipment malfunctions.

Understand the flow of samples through the microbiology lab and become proficient at each step including:

• Run Pathogen platforms
• Incubation
• Setting samples, including the theory and practice of dilutions
• Confirmation testing
• Transfer enrichment media
• Retain and disposal of plates and samples
• Media and reagents selection
• Pouring plates
• Daily Quality Control Samples
• Plate labeling
• Microbial ID
• Reading results- plates, Petrifilms and MPNs
• Weigh up

Understand and practice proper record keeping for each of the above activities. These records must be accurate, easily readable, properly corrected if necessary and traceable to the technician who performed the recorded function.

Understand and be able to perform laboratory environmental & quality tests such as:

• DI water sampling and testing
• Hand swabs
• Temperature logs (Electronic)
• Post-pouring sanitation checks on media
• Sanitation swabbing
• Air plates
• Positive controls
• Positive controls
• Daily laboratory opening and closing records

Understand and become proficient at Microbiology testing methods

• Know where the laboratory SOPs and methods are located.
• Understand what a typical test should look like and be able to recognize possible problems.
• Be familiar with the reference materials from which the methods are taken.

Be able to recognize reasonable results for a given client and/or test based on past testing history or client specifications and be responsible for reporting possible unacceptable/unusual results to the Lead Microbiologist & Microbiology Manager.

Actively participate in client notification

Actively participate in laboratory and equipment cleaning and maintenance.

Actively participate internal and external proficiency testing.

Assist in other areas of Microbiology lab

Perform other duties as assigned by Management.

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