Food Microbiologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

We’re looking for a Manager of Regulatory & Technical Affairs who thrives on solving complex technical puzzles. If you have a background in life sciences (microbiology, chemistry, food science) and love diving into FDA, EPA, and USDA policy to spot emerging trends before anyone else, this role is built for you. You'll serve as a vital technical link between regulatory agencies and industry members, crafting policy responses that drive real-world impact.

Position Overview:

The Manager is responsible for supporting regulatory and technical affairs initiatives including state and federal regulatory response development, monitoring and tracking developments and trends related to state and federal actions, coordinating and contributing to internal workflow processes, and assisting with the implementation of association policies and procedures, as well as supporting the regulatory affairs team in day-to-day functions, including member engagement.

Company Overview: A leading trade association representing some of the most recognized and trusted consumer brands, this organization plays a vital role in shaping the policies and conversations that impact products people rely on every day. With a focus on advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, it brings together industry leaders to drive progress on issues like consumer safety, sustainability, and marketplace growth. Joining the team means contributing to work that directly influences the future of the brands and products that touch millions of lives.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Regulatory and Technical Affairs Support

• Monitor, track, and assess federal and related state legislation, regulation, emerging policies and issues that may impact the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, including FDA’s work related to food chemicals and nutrition as well as EPA- and USDA-related matters.
• Support the regulatory affairs team in gathering research and industry insights and engaging with regulatory agencies and members on priority topics, particularly those related to microbiology.
• Monitor communications and meetings from regulatory agencies, partnerships, and advocacy groups, including attending meetings and summarizing key takeaways.
• Identify opportunities and support enhancement of regulatory advocacy with communication tools, educational opportunities, or other services.
• Represent the association and its policy positions at industry meetings and events.

Member Engagement

• Work directly with members to gain insights regarding research, trends, and issues related to priority topics to the CPG industry.
• Develop and disseminate updates, research or data summaries, technical briefs, decision documents, educational materials, and/or other issue-related information to members.

Technical Support

• Track and monitor federal and state developments and trends in food safety regulations and guidance.
• Assist in the development of written and oral responses on federal and state actions.
• Serve as a technical specialist on food safety issues impacting the CPG industry.

Requirements

Experience & Education:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in microbiology, chemistry, toxicology, food science, or related life science, preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated interest in regulatory and technical affairs, especially as they relate to public policy.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills and email etiquette
• Excellent project management skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Analytical thinking with strong problem-solving abilities
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced proficiency in Office 365 Word, SharePoint, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Passion for regulatory work and industry’s role in solutions

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, and new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.