Microbiologist

Job Summary:  

Key roles and responsibilities of this position

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Microbiologist to join our team in Coca-Cola manufacturing Plant.

This individual will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of our products by overseeing microbiological testing and quality assurance processes in a newly constructed green field plant laboratory.

The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of microbiology, advanced analytical techniques, and the ability to troubleshoot and provide solutions.

Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for validating new technologies, training, and guiding team members, as well as participating in internal projects.
 

Micro Testing and Execution – 45%

Provide analytical support for microbiological and chemical analysis using valid test methods and conduct routine microbiological testing and ensure laboratory compliance. Ensure all testing programs comply with Company and ISO/IEC 17025 standards and the laboratory maintains ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and test methods – IS/ISO standard requirements of water. Perform routine analyses of personnel hygiene monitoring, water, environment, ingredients, in-process, and final product samples. Apply advanced analytical techniques and standard laboratory methods. Knowledge of latest tool and technologies of rapid microbiological tests and implementation in the area of water food additives and beverage bases and in environment monitoring. Timely coordination and assurance of mango juice testing program. Data analysis and communication to OU/Suppliers Knowledge of new method validation / verification of microbiological testing. Microbiological sensitivity and risk profiling of ingredients and Finished goods. Knowledge of LIMS and digital tools for microbiological equipment.

                                                                                                                                                               

Quality Assurance – 40%

• Evaluate data to determine compliance with regulations and specifications.

• Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Troubleshoot and resolve microbiological issues by providing effective solutions. Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.

• Maintain and update SAP for material control and release.

• Validate and verify cleaning and sanitation practices through microbiological testing.

• Train laboratory and production team members on microbiological techniques.

• Manage document control processes and compliance to KORE requirements.

• Participate in team projects and company-wide initiatives to share information and best practices

Cross functional support – 15%

• Perform chemical analysis, sensory analysis and other duties assigned by lab manager

• Raising Purchase orders, talking to suppliers vendors, sending samples to IQD, External labs or R&D or else, maintaining contracts, support in asset verification, analyzing OPEX/CAPEX w.r.t. Micro lab.

• Participate in GLP maintenance, SLE, Block stock monitoring, internal audits, Value creation projects
   

Organization Impact/Influence:

This position works with Laboratory Manager and QSE Head and provides support for testing and release of ingredients and finished products and to comply the Laboratory operation requirements as per TCCC, legal and ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation requirements.

The job scope will also involve the interactions with internal and external stake holders as below.

Internal interactions:

• Leadership team, all QA ,Manufacturing and warehouse staff to communicate the decisions related to Quality matters, Material disposition and reporting.

• Process control and manufacturing team on initiatives to create and achieve Zero defect product quality mind-set.

• Involve with Laboratory and Quality team to conduct Analytical test method validation and implementation of quality control test procedures.

• Warehouse and logistics team on incoming  ingredient and packaging material identification and disposition activities

External interactions:

• Global CPS Lab community for Laboratory initiatives,  receive analytical testing support, problem solving , sharing and implementing of best practises as per company requirements.

• IQD/APTC/EASC and third party laboratories to coordinate for testing and release.

• Supplier and vendors: Calibration & Maintenance and Third party service support.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with admin and plant associates to monitor and implement GLP and GMP activities.

• Coordinate and Supervise Visitor /contractor activities related activities to ensure compliance as per Company requirement.
   

Related Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• Experience: 5-7 years in a laboratory within the food, pharmaceutical, or chemical industry. Experience in beverage technology and microbiology preferred.

• Education: M.Sc. in Microbiology, Food Science, or equivalent.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in microbiological testing, molecular biological techniques, advanced analytical processes, and laboratory instrumentation (e.g., PCR, GC, LC, IC, AA, FTNIR, etc.).

• Certifications: ISO 17025, GLP, FSSC 22000 preferred.

• Software Proficiency: LIMS, SAP, Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), Power BI.

• Language: Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Ability to interact in local language is a plus.

• Personal Skills: Strong communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and systematic thinking abilities. Ability to train and guide team members.

Cultural Diversity:

• Able to interact in English and local language internally and externally.

• No ethnic or cultural differences faced in this job

Judgment and Decision Making:

• Key decision maker in determining whether actions are necessary to address micro and thereby quality  issues identified as part of analytical monitoring program.

Working Conditions:

• Laboratory environment. Use of chemicals and standards under good laboratory practices, Microbiology testing  as per  microbiology standard requirement & GLP norms.

• Highly unlikely, it is possible that, this position is subject to hazards and risks associated with normal chemical testing laboratory such as noise, heat stress and hazardous chemical / ingredient exposure conditions.

Travel Requirements:

• This position will be primarily based in Gujrat, India with minimum travelling (maximum 5% of work time under normal conditions). Trips include occasional visits or training at other concentrate plants, bottling operations and training centres.

Skills:

Data Compilation; Quality Control (QC); Testing Methods (Inactive); Data Entry; Communication; Laboratory Testing; Recordkeeping; Researching