What are the responsibilities and job description for the Microbiology Operations Manager position at Analytical Food Laboratories?
Do you find peace in a well-organized incubator schedule? Get a rush from seeing a clean set of control charts? Ever dreamt of a lab that runs like a symphony-and you're a conductor with a pipette baton?
Then pull on your lab coat and grab your clipboard-we're looking for you!
Analytical Food Laboratories, a Tentamus Company, in Grand Prairie, Texas, is hiring a Microbiology Operations Manager to lead daily operations across our Microbiology, USP, and Diagnostic testing areas. If you are an experienced microbiologist legend with strong leadership skills and have a deep understanding of laboratory quality systems: apply now-the petri dishes are getting restless.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As the Microbiology Operations Manager, you'll be the bridge between beautiful lab chaos and beautiful lab order. You'll play a critical role in maintaining quality, efficiency, and compliance-while occasionally herding pipette-wielding cats.
Reporting to the Microbiology Department Manager, your job includes (but is not limited to):
Team Leadership & Scheduling - Build, coach, and empower a brilliant lab team. Own the schedule, coordinate onboarding and cross-training like a pro, and keep things moving with just the right balance of strategy, patience, and "we've got this" energy, especially when the autoclave calls out.
Operational Oversight - Supervise daily workflow in the Microbiology, USP, and Diagnostic areas like you're conducting a microbial symphony; ensure compliance with cGMP and Good Manufacturing Practices; and manage communication with clients.
Compliance & Quality Control - Nothing gets past you-not a mislabeled tube, not a questionable colony, not a single shortcut. You champion a culture of quality and accountability, while ensuring testing and documentation meet ISO/IEC 17025, cGMP, and internal standards. When the data's weird (OOS and nonconforming results), you dig in, unravel the mystery and initiate corrective actions. Honestly, you should probably wear a cape.
Method Proficiency & Training - Assess technician qualifications with jedi-level instinct through observation and data, oversee proficiency testing, and ensure proper aseptic technique and media preparation methods are followed.
Continuous Improvement & Risk Mitigation - You identify process risks like typos and lead improvements; monitor KPIs such as TAT compliance and nonconformance trends and contribute to ongoing efficiency projects with the Microbiology Laboratory Manager.
Administrative Responsibilities - Participate in hiring decisions, manage inventory and equipment maintenance, review SOPs and methods, and serve as backup to the Microbiology Laboratory Manager as needed.
SCHEDULE & POSITION
This is a full-time, onsite role located at Analytical Food Laboratories in Grand Prairie, TX. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 11AM - 7PM with flexibility to address lab needs when the microbes or machines get feisty.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Tentamus offers an annual salary starting at $70,000, plus a comprehensive, low-cost, benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Employees also enjoy paid time off (PTO), a matching 401(k) plan, and access to our free Employee Assistance Program.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be authorized to work in the United States indefinitely and without restrictions or sponsorship, hold a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science or related field and/or with extensive experience in microbiological testing will be considered; be a proactive, organized, and collaborative scientific leader who meets the following qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of laboratory experience and 2 years of experience in a leadership role preferred. Extensive experience in microbiological testing; supervisory experience in a commercial food, pharmaceutical, or dietary supplement lab strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025, cGMP, and data integrity standards
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and manage laboratory teams in a regulated environment
- Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement
ABOUT TENTAMUS:
Labs for Life®. We are a global network of full-service accredited analytical laboratories providing crucial quality and safety analysis for clients locally, nationally, and beyond using proven methods of chemistry and microbiology. Many of the products you use and consume daily rely on Tentamus labs. With 20 labs in North America and growing (100 globally), we celebrate having talented diverse scientific and service-oriented professionals.
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Salary : $70,000