PRIMARY PURPOSE
Assure high quality Microbiology lab operations are performed in an efficient manner, on time, to fulfill all Corporate needs and Customer requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Promote the company’s Values (Guiding Principles):
o We treat others as we would like to be treated.
o We strive for excellence in our work.
o We must be honest in all our dealings.
o We encourage and embrace innovation to guide our future.
o We exist because we are profitable but profits are not why we exist.
• Operate in the best interests of FQL (Be a good steward of the business employing good business judgments).
• Promote and conduct all activities in accordance with the company’s Mission Statement.
• Promote the safety of all personnel (subordinates and others).
• Oversee department quality by striving for zero defects / error-free work.
• Develops methodology for the microbiological and preservative efficacy analysis of raw materials and finished products to respond to identify microbial quality issues.
• Using microbiologically based scientific principle and theory, develops, validates, and documents new or improved techniques and methods of analyzing raw materials and finished products to improve microbiological procedures.
• Ensures microbial quality of products and substantiates claims of preservation efficacy
• Provides accurate and timely microbiological information and reports regarding product preservation and microbial quality through the use of microbiological methods and resources.
• Makes system recommendations, performs testing, analyzes and makes risk assessments of product performance and performs final formal approval for microbiology.
• Isolates and identifies significant microorganisms and works to define and identify the sources of contaminants.
• Assist in development and coordination of Lab systems and procedures to ensure efficient and effective Lab operations while maintaining on time delivery of requested orders.
• Assist Lab Manager in laboratory operations to ensure that proper calibration, methods and validation procedures are in place in accordance with FDA GLP laboratory operations and guidelines. Keep complete records and documentation of all such activities.
• Coordinate with Lab Manager appropriate staffing including hiring, job placement and terminations.
• Provide hands-on supervision and provide leadership to department personnel. Measure employee performance, coordinate training, set goals and direction and conduct performance appraisals.
• Effectively communicate with all employees. Assist in resolving employee relations issues.
• Coordinate with QA/QC, maintenance and other support personnel. Build cooperative working relationships and promote cross department cooperation.
• Develop and oversee morale of all personnel in department.
• Maintain clean work areas.

SECONDARY OR OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Cross training as needed.
• Customer interaction including sales and quotes.

STAND-IN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• May fill in for some Lab Manager responsibilities as needed.
• Schedule customer orders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• B.S. Degree in Microbiology.
• 2-5 years lab Microbiologist in food, nutraceutical or drug laboratory.
• Knowledge of pertinent microbiology equipment
• Supervision/leadership skills (motivate, develop others, etc.).
• Good communication and human relations skills.
• Able to work with minimal or no supervision.
• Organized and independently productive.
• High degree of creativity and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Advanced knowledge of job concepts, practices and procedures.
• Sustained levels of high performance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Physical ability to lift 35lbs. to waist high, 25lbs. above shoulders.
• Ability to readily move about the laboratory and support areas without limitations to the effective performance of your duties.

AUTHORITY
• Purchasing authority outlined by the Lab Manager.
• Can shut down an area or equipment for safety or equipment damage concerns.
• Will have resources and authority consistent with assignments from the Lab Manager.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Individual is exposed to the following work conditions while performing the essential functions of this job:

REGULARLY
• Indoors
• Hazardous chemicals

OCCASIONALLY
• Dust or airborne particles

ATTENDANCE
• Attendance exceeds company standards. Willing to be flexible and work outside of normal work hours.

Confidential information given during the job course including customer lists, proprietary organization plans, and other information shall remain confidential. I agree not to disseminate or use it outside of the organization.

To apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to hr@kirkmangroup.com

For more than 40 years, many of the largest food processors in the Northwest have depended on Food Quality labs for high quality, accurate and timely results.

• A passionate focus on being customer-friendly, knowledgeable, flexible, and responsive
• Consistency and accuracy through our quality control processes
• Availability of our scientists to discuss your testing questions and concerns directly with you - not through a receptionist or other intermediary
• Any testing concern you have is our concern until it is resolved and you are satisfied
• pathogen, environmental, nutritional, nutraceutical, or chemical testing