Lead Lab Analyst

Job Summary:

Perform advanced microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. This role consistently exercises independent judgment and discretion in applying and evaluating approved microbiological techniques and methodologies used in analytical testing and the interpretation of test results. This role has training and supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Accurately perform microbiological analyses and notify Laboratory Management of deviations


• Prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and other laboratory analyses


• Apply advanced aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily workload


• Apply independent judgement in the interpretation of microbiological test results and recommend additional testing as needed based upon independent review of test results


• Accurately interpret special microbiological tests and complete final result disposition


• Communicate results including pathogenic confirmations and maintain a positive relationship with clients


• Report inventory and expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements


• Manage routine preventive maintenance and laboratory upkeep by administering and performing a set of routine sanitation processes


• Assist in quality control duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, and ensuring all daily QC duties are completed by the area team.


• Serve as a resource to answer questions for technicians in main lab, media, and login.


• Lead Responsibilities include: managing employee schedules, priorities, organizing workflow and processes, ensuring the team is consistently delivering on expectations and meeting quality requirements, setting the appropriate example to all team members to ensure a high level of confidence, facilitating team collaboration, problem solving, and customer communication


• Assist with quality assurance programs including performing management system audits, investigating root causes and completing preventive and corrective actions, recommending revisions or improvements to quality system documents and other duties assigned by the Technical Manager.


• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends


• Assisting with managing priorities and schedule such that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved with encouraged participation in the Food Safety Net Services Team


• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area


• Responsible for the completion of required training

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or related field, microbiology preferred


• Three or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing or analytical laboratory


• Two more years of experience in a leadership role preferred


• Familiar with GLP, OSHA guidelines, FDA, BAM, APHA, ISO, and USP methods and procedures


• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory


• Ability to travel when necessary


• Or equivalent combination of education and experience


• Training in general laboratory practices