Microbiology Technician

Since 1980, NAI has been a leader in nutritional health, bringing whole food-based supplements to a global population. NAI is a leading expert and manufacturer of dietary supplements. We are involved in every facet of the industry, including research, development, manufacturing and marketing and advocacy. As a company, we continue to grow with manufacturing locations in Vista and Carlsbad, CA. We are looking for seasoned and entry level candidates that are interested in working for a great company with opportunities to grow, competitive pay and benefits.

Summary

This position will support comprehensive quality control activities during microbiological and environmental testing. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs routine microbiological testing on raw materials, in-process and finished products using compendial methods such as USP, AOAC, FDA-BAM and in-house validated methods on the rapid automated Soleris system.
• Perform Environmental Monitoring testing (air, drains and surface) per established protocol.
• Perform water testing including sampling and testing bioburden, TOC, and conductivity.
• Perform basic lab maintenance, such as laboratory and equipment cleaning as well as lab stocking/ managing inventory. 
• Perform basic microbiology testing such as gram staining, isolation etc.
• Perform allergen testing for raw materials, finished products and environmental samples.
• Perform waste treatment using autoclave.
• Document and report the results in appropriate notebooks, logbooks, files, and databases. 
• Follow applicable SOPs and perform routine testing efficiently per SOPs.
• Perform timely cleaning, disinfection and disposal of biohazard and general wastes.
• Effectively communicates testing progress or project status to Microbiology Supervisor. 
• Performs special projects as assigned by QC management.
• Complies with cGMP, cGLP, FDA and other applicable industry regulations as well as NAI policies. 

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in microbiology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related field.
• Previous experience with aseptic techniques, serial dilutions, and microbiology testing; environmental monitoring is a plus.
• Good computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain data, documents, and reports.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with peers and management.
• Ability to multi-task, work effectively and complete projects in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop and kneel; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and stand.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
• Lifting requirement: ability to move 40-gallon drums for sampling water at various ports and to lift up to the maximum safety-recommended 50-pound container.

Work Environment

Computer workstation and climate-controlled office environment. May occasionally enter production areas where personal protective equipment might be required to prevent or lessen exposure to airborne-borne powdered nutritional supplement substances.

Benefits:

• Medical plan options – Two HMO and one PPO
• Dental, vision, life insurance and other voluntary benefit options. 
• 3 weeks’ vacation and 11 paid holidays
• 401K including company matching and profit sharing
• $1,000 Employee Referral Bonus
• Quarterly employee lunches, Employee of Month and other recognition programs
• Opportunities for advancement
• Comprehensive training
• Tuition Reimbursement and more!

NAI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, intersectionality, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.  

Upon this conditional offer of employment, a satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) with submission and passing a pre-employment post offer drug test is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position. Upon successful completion of the background check process, we will determine the date when your employment begins. NAI utilizes E-Verify to electronically verify employment eligibility.