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Microbiologist, Augusta, Georgia, Full-time

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of biotechnology today.

Manus is seeking a Microbiologist embedded within the Quality Control (QC) function at our Augusta, GA manufacturing plant. This hands-on role owns routine and investigative microbiological testing across raw materials, in-process streams, finished food ingredients, water and utilities, and the manufacturing environment. Working closely with QC, QA, production, and sanitation teams, the Microbiologist executes and continuously improves the plants microbiological testing and environmental monitoring programs, drives trending and root-cause investigations, and ensures results support the safe, compliant release of product.

Why work at Manus:

• Opportunity For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
• Accountability You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.
• Passion We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that comes with working on the cutting edge.
  

Key Responsibilities
Microbiological Testing & Methods

• Routine testing Perform routine micro testing aerobic / total plate count, yeast and mold, coliforms / E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and other indicator organisms.
• Pathogen testing Conduct pathogen screening and confirmation (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria) per validated methods.
• Media & technique Prepare and QC culture media, reagents, and controls; maintain strict aseptic technique and sterility.
• Lab instrumentation Operate and maintain micro lab equipment incubators, autoclaves, biosafety cabinet, and plate-reading or rapid-detection systems.
• Method support Support method verification / validation and the onboarding of rapid microbiological methods.

Environmental Monitoring & Sanitation Verification

• Environmental monitoring Execute the environmental monitoring program (EMP): zone-based swabbing and sampling, ATP, and air, water, and utility monitoring.
• Sanitation verification Verify sanitation effectiveness (post-CIP / COP, hygienic zoning) and support the plant hygiene and sanitation program.
• Trending Trend EMP and verification data to identify hot spots and emerging microbiological risks.

Investigations, Data & Compliance

• Investigations Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) and atypical results; lead micro root-cause analysis and support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Data & reporting Record and trend data in LIMS and generate periodic microbiological reports and dashboards.
• Documentation Maintain GLP / GMP documentation, sample chain-of-custody, and retains with full data integrity.
• Audit support Support GMP, FSMA, HACCP, and GFSI (SQF / BRC) audits and customer and regulatory requests.
• Standards Contribute to microbiological specifications, sampling plans, and SOPs.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or a closely related discipline.
• 3+ years of microbiology experience in a food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or related manufacturing QC laboratory.
• Hands-on expertise in microbiological methods (enumeration, indicator organisms, pathogen screening) and aseptic technique.
• Experience executing and trending environmental monitoring programs.
• Strong documentation, data-integrity, and GMP / food-safety knowledge.
• Familiarity with LIMS and data trending.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Microbiology or a related field.
• Experience in fermentation / bioprocess or natural-ingredient manufacturing.
• Rapid microbiological methods (PCR / qPCR, automated detection systems) and method validation.
• HACCP or PCQI certification and GFSI scheme experience.
• Experience supporting CIP / sanitation verification programs.

Scope & Working Conditions

• Reporting & team Reports to the QA/QC Manager embedded within the Quality Assurance & Control team at the Augusta manufacturing plant and partners daily with QA, production, and sanitation.
• Location & schedule On-site in Augusta, GA; may require shift or weekend coverage to align with production and incubation schedules.
• Environment & safety Laboratory and plant-floor work involving microbiological samples and cultures under appropriate biosafety practices; use of required PPE.
• Physical demands Standing for extended periods and occasional lifting up to ~25 lbs.