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Description:
R&D Microbiology Lab Technician (Contractor)
Role Summary
The R&D Microbiology Laboratory Technician provides technical and laboratory support to the client Global R&D Microbiological Sciences team. This role is responsible for performing routine microbiological testing, preparing microbiological media and reagents, supporting product safety and quality programs, and assisting with challenge studies, shelf-life studies, and other research activities. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D microbiologists to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant laboratory operations that support innovation, product development, and consumer testing initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Sample handling & testing: Receive, log, label, and process R&D and pilot-plant samples; execute routine tests (e.g., APC, coliforms, yeast & mold), swabs/rinse waters, per defined Valhalla methods and micro sampling plans; document results with precision.
Media & reagent preparation: Prepare high-quality culture media, buffers, and reagents; perform sterility checks; maintain lot and expiration records.
Support studies: Assist Microbiologists during microbiological challenge/qualification studies (inoculation, monitoring, data capture); ensure aseptic technique and adherence to protocols.
Result reporting: Record, verify, and route test outcomes; notify stakeholders of releases or out-of-spec findings in line with Valhalla release procedures.
Lab operations: Maintain inventory, order supplies/consumables; perform equipment checks and cleaning (incubators, waterbaths, refrigerators/freezers) and complete LQS logs/SOPs.
Quality system & GLP: Follow SOPs, data integrity and traceability practices; support QC programs and proficiency activities; uphold safety and GLP standards.
Culture collection: Maintain and update the laboratory culture collection per department practices.
Digital/lab systems: Use SharePoint/DM templates and LIMS/recording tools for sample tracking and data entry (as applicable to Valhalla).
Minimum Qualifications
Education: B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related discipline with microbiology coursework/labs.
Experience: 1-3+ years hands-on experience in a microbiology lab (or equivalent academic, internship or co-op experience) performing standard methods (serial dilutions, pour/spread plates, colony counting, culture transfers).
Technical skills: Proficient aseptic technique; operation of micro lab equipment (autoclave, incubators, membrane filtration, pH meter, balances, biosafety cabinet); accurate documentation.
Soft skills: Strong attention to detail, ability to follow written procedures, teamwork, communication, and time management in a fast-paced R&D environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with the client or similar beverage micro testing/release procedures for R&D consumption products.
Experience with LIMS or structured data capture platforms in a lab setting (e.g., WinLIMS/LabVantage or equivalent).
Tools & Equipment
Role involves routine use of: autoclave (bench/stand-alone), incubators (walk-in/benchtop), membrane filtration units, biosafety cabinet/laminar flow hood, refrigerators/freezers, waterbaths, colony counters, microscopes, pH meters, balances, UV lamp; plus standard PPE and lab supplies per Valhalla SOPs.
Compliance, Health & Safety
Adhere to site EHS policies, micro lab safety manuals, and GLP standards; complete required safety modules and maintain LQS logs (temperature recording, cleaning schedules).
Follow R&D micro release requirements and documentation practices when products are intended for consumption by non-R&D personnel..
Notes:
Schedule: Standard day shift; occasional flexibility to support pilot runs or time-point sampling
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status