Microbiologist

Plan, create, and conduct microbiological experiments supporting Sterilex R&D, new product development, and innovation initiatives and objectives. Support quality assurance, quality control, manufacturing, and regulatory functions. General responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

 

·      Use fundamental scientific principles, theories, practices and existing technologies of microbiology to develop solutions for technical problems with low to moderate scope

·      Conduct routine and non-routine testing using ASTM, AOAC and other standard methods, internal testing procedures and customer specified project methods

·      Coordinate and execute assigned projects and activities; develop project goals and timelines in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and guidelines.

 

·      Design, conduct and evaluate experiments both internally and at external contract laboratories that support R&D and innovation projects

·      Independently lead specified R&D initiatives of limited to moderate scope/complexity as defined by supervisor

·      Work as part of a team to adapt, modify, or develop new test methods and procedures and design/validate new test fixtures and field testing capabilities

·      Strengthen R&D by contributing new innovative ideas

·      Ensure upkeep of the microbiology laboratory including maintaining lab inventory, preparing and cleaning lab instruments, and ensuring all work areas are clean

·      Compile and document results, draw conclusions, provide recommendations supported by experiments, and develop follow-on experiments as appropriate

·      Survey scientific literature to remain current with developments and stay abreast of current trends, practices, regulatory changes that would impact Sterilex products

·      Prepare and present written and oral reports on research findings, project status, literature reviews, and technical issues that affect the business

·      Report results and recommendations to senior management

·      Use experience to propose improvements to company products and processes

·      Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external functions to meet project goals and timelines

·      Interface effectively with Sterilex scientific, business development, and management staff to understand Sterilex markets, innovation and product development goals

·      Perform other duties as requested in support of the department and company business needs

 

·      B.S. degree in Microbiology or related degree from a four-year college or university with 1-5 years of post-educational experience working in an industrial microbiology laboratory setting is preferred

·      Fundamental knowledge in conducting routine and established microbiology laboratory procedures using excellent aseptic technique

·      Experience with handling pathogenic bacteria, including but not limited to food spoilage pathogens in a biosafety level 2 environment (BSL-2)

·      Experience in evaluating antimicrobial efficacy of hard-surface disinfectant/sanitizer (non-pharmaceutical) products is preferred

·      Understanding of biofilm growth and testing methods, including but limited to batch culture methods, CDC bioreactor methods, drip flow biofilm methods, single tube method, MBEC method

·      Good understanding of industrial laboratory processes and procedures including proper maintenance of laboratory notebooks and general laboratory safety procedures is preferred

·      Expertise in Design of Experiment (DOE) or other statistical analysis is preferred

·      Must perform well under pressure and deadlines

·      Good written and oral communication skills and effective interpersonal skills

·      Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

·      Proficient in MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Outlook, programs to operate equipment, and other related software

·      Good leadership skills

·      Skill in working independently and ability to achieve technical goals with minimal technical supervision

·      Ability to multi-task and balance priorities