Microbiologist

Laboratory Microbiologist – EIA-Approved Laboratory

2. Department

Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QC/QA)

3. Job Summary

The Laboratory Microbiologist is responsible for conducting microbiological testing and maintaining food safety and hygiene standards across the ice cream manufacturing process. The role involves testing raw materials, ingredients, water, finished products, and environmental samples to ensure compliance with applicable microbiological standards, food safety regulations, and approved laboratory procedures.

The position also requires maintaining accurate laboratory records, monitoring sanitation practices, supporting quality assurance activities, and ensuring compliance with relevant EIA laboratory approval requirements and applicable regulatory guidelines.

4. Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Microbiological Testing

• Conduct microbiological analysis of raw milk, cream, milk powder, ice cream mix, ingredients, and finished ice cream products.
• Perform testing of water, ice, food-contact surfaces, equipment, and environmental swab samples.
• Carry out microbiological tests for applicable organisms, including total plate count, coliforms, E. coli, yeast and mould, and other specified pathogens, as per approved methods.
• Prepare culture media, reagents, and microbiological test materials in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Perform sample collection, preparation, dilution, inoculation, incubation, and result interpretation.
• Ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timely reporting of laboratory test results.

B. Quality Control and Food Safety

• Monitor microbiological quality throughout production, processing, storage, and distribution.
• Verify compliance with applicable food safety standards, specifications, and microbiological limits.
• Identify microbiological contamination risks and promptly report deviations to the QA/QC Manager.
• Support investigations into microbial contamination, product non-conformities, and customer complaints.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions to improve product safety and quality.

C. Hygiene and Sanitation Monitoring

• Conduct routine hygiene monitoring of production areas, equipment, utensils, and personnel.
• Perform environmental monitoring and swab testing according to the approved sampling plan.
• Verify the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation procedures.
• Monitor personnel hygiene, housekeeping, and hygienic handling practices in production and laboratory areas.
• Support the implementation of GMP, GHP, HACCP, and applicable food safety management systems.

D. Laboratory Management and Compliance

• Maintain laboratory registers, worksheets, test reports, sample records, and microbiological analysis data.
• Follow approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, and laboratory quality management procedures.
• Ensure proper calibration, verification, maintenance, and cleanliness of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain records of media preparation, sterilisation, incubation conditions, and quality control checks.
• Handle laboratory cultures, biological waste, and chemical reagents safely.
• Support internal audits, external assessments, proficiency testing, and laboratory quality improvement activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable EIA approval conditions, where relevant, and maintain documentation required for the laboratory's approved scope of testing.

5. Educational Qualifications

• M.Sc. in Microbiology, Food Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, or an equivalent relevant discipline.
• B.Sc. in Microbiology may be considered where permitted by the laboratory's approved scope and applicable requirements.
• Additional training in food microbiology, laboratory quality systems, and food safety will be an advantage.

6. Experience

• Relevant experience in microbiological testing within the dairy, ice cream, food processing, or food testing laboratory industry is preferred.
• Freshers with appropriate qualifications and practical laboratory knowledge may be considered, subject to the laboratory's competency and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working in an EIA-approved or other appropriately accredited/recognised food testing laboratory is an advantage.

7. Technical Skills

• Knowledge of food and dairy microbiology.
• Practical experience in microbiological testing techniques and aseptic handling.
• Knowledge of laboratory SOPs, sample traceability, and documentation.
• Understanding of GMP, GHP, HACCP, and food safety requirements.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as autoclaves, incubators, microscopes, and colony counters.
• Ability to analyse results, identify deviations, and prepare accurate reports.
• Knowledge of relevant FSSAI microbiological requirements and applicable laboratory testing methods.

8. Key Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and observation skills.
• Good documentation and reporting ability.
• Commitment to hygiene, safety, and quality standards.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Ability to meet testing schedules and reporting deadlines.
• Professional integrity and adherence to laboratory confidentiality requirements.

9. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and reliability of microbiological test results.
• Timely completion of sample testing and reporting.
• Compliance with laboratory SOPs and approved testing methods.
• Maintenance of complete and traceable laboratory records.
• Timely identification and escalation of microbiological deviations.
• Compliance with hygiene, sanitation, and environmental monitoring plans.
• Readiness for audits and satisfactory closure of laboratory non-conformities.

10. Reporting To

QA/QC Manager / Quality Assurance Head / Laboratory In-Charge.

11. Job Objective

To ensure the microbiological safety and quality of ice cream products through reliable laboratory testing, effective hygiene monitoring, accurate documentation, and compliance with applicable food safety and laboratory requirements.

Pay: ₹18,000.00 - ₹24,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person