Position Title: Microbiologist 

Reporting into Title: Quality Manager

Business and Department: ABF Quality

Visual Pak Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visual Pak does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.

Position Purpose/Summary: The primary responsibility of the Microbiologist is to perform, evaluate, and properly document microbiological assays according to the U.S.P. protocol related to health care, beauty aids, hair products, soaps, household care and cosmetic products.

Direct Reports (or attach organization chart)

None

Knowledge-Skills-Abilities (minimum)

Education:

• BS or MS in Biosciences (Biology, Botany, Biochemistry etc.) or other related field.

Experience (years and topics):

• 2-5 years in cosmetic or pharmaceutical industry
• 2-3 years method development and validation particularly for microbiology
• 2-3 years’ experience with microbiological testing of cosmetic, OTC and/or prescription drug testing and USP/NF standards and methodology.

Technology/Software (years):

• Must be familiar with all basic cosmetic microbiology lab equipment including phase microscope, autoclave, laminar flow hood, and colony counter. Must be PC literate and literate in Excel, Word and Power point, etc.

Communication:

• Must have good communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Must have ability to work well under pressure

Physical Capabilities (add lines as needed)

Strength (lifting, dexterity, repetitive motion):

• Must be able to lift 30-lbs onto waist high shelves
• Must be able to lift and carry a min of 25lbs.

Movement: Must be able to stand / walk for an entire eight hour shift. Must possess superb manual dexterity in the performance of sterile techniques

Hearing: Must be able to hear and understand work direction in a loud, distracting environment

Vision: Must be able to judge distance, identify details, and view computer screen regularly

MISCELLANEOUS

Travel: local, if any

Vehicle (own): N/A

Tools (own): N/A

Technology (own): N/A

Position Responsibilities-Tasks-Deliverables

An individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

All duties as assigned and the following specific activities. (enlarge space as needed)

• Support production by performing microbiological assays as directed by the USP/NF and in-house procedures on:
  • Finished Goods
  • in-process materials
  • Environmental swabs
• Perform environmental studies
• Able to troubleshoot production micro failures
• Communicate out od specification results to quality management
• Understand and perform technical reviews of data generated advising internal customers on results
• Keep accurate testing records both electronically and hand written.
• Assist in testing new formulas and products.
• Maintain compliance with current GMP regulations including American Blending & Filling corporate policies and procedures.
• Order and maintain sufficient laboratory supplies and keep inventory records for optimal efficiency
• Perform general maintenance on equipment and instrumentation
• Provide and maintain equipment and supplies for sanitizing and disinfection surveillance program of the production and blending departments.
• Retain tested samples in lab until disposal is required
• Record and monitor temperatures of lab equipment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

On-going outcome that is measurable (minimum of 3)

Quality KPIs

1. First pass raw materials
2. First pass FG
3. Environmental swab results