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The Senior Food Microbiologist provides expert technical leadership in supporting product development, product testing, food safety troubleshooting, microbiological risk mitigation and innovation initiatives. This role supports internal and external stakeholders through product shelf life studies, challenge studies, evaluating raw materials against microbiological specification, leading microbiological investigations using advanced molecular & analytical tools, validating emerging microbiological technologies, and the maintenance of compliant testing methodologies. The position manages both internal and external microbiology laboratory networks and ensures that sensitive technical information is accurately interpreted, stored, and communicated to senior Quality Assurance & Food Safety leadership.

The Senior Microbiologist ensures microbiological safety and product quality in alignment with internal standards, customer expectations, and state/federal regulations. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable collaborating cross-functionally with RIC, Procurement and Supply Chain. 

This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of up to 25%.

Apply advanced knowledge of food microbiology to support food product development, design, execute and interpret microbial shelf life studies for new and existing product. 
Support Product Development with microbial risk assessment and advice on formulation, processing and preservative strategies. 
Plan, organize, and execute moderate scope microbiology projects, including experimental design and method development. Develop and optimize study protocols, sampling plans and analytical approaches ensuring scientific and regulatory compliance. 
Conduct necessary microbiological analyses including culturing, incubation, detection, microscopy, molecular methods, analytical testing, and statistical interpretation.
Verify and validate microbial control aspects of manufacturing processes.
Ensure the accuracy and reliability of analytical results and maintain a sanitary, safe, and compliant laboratory environment. 
Troubleshoot moderate complexity technical issues and develop scientifically sound solutions.
Operate, maintain, and manage microbiology equipment and laboratory spaces, including BSL 2 and BSL 3 environments. 
Maintain inventories, laboratory notebooks, and digital records; Have experience of utilizing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Design and execute stability testing, and microbial challenge studies to assess product process, and package stability.
Investigate product spoilage and support problem solving across business units.
Collaborate with external laboratories, academic partners, suppliers, and equipment vendors as needed.
Utilize advanced molecular testing techniques (e.g., PCR, PFGE, MLST, WGS) and platforms such as Illumina and BioLog.
Review, evaluate and approve raw material, ensuring supplier compliance with microbiological specifications. Partner with procurement, supply QA to support raw material risk assessment, supplier qualification and corrective action/RCA. 
Audit and qualify microbiological labs and lab material suppliers.
Support Rich Products business objectives through related responsibilities as assigned.
Evaluate and verify emerging microbiological technologies to enhance product safety and shelf life. 
Represent Rich Products as a subject matter expert at professional scientific meetings, working groups, and committees.
Train and monitor new associates or interns, provide technical guidance within the microbiological business partner. 

B.S. in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field with 6+ years of relevant food industry/Microbiological or Molecular laboratory experience; OR
M.S. in related discipline with 4+ years of experience. 
Hands-on experience with challenge studies, shelf life testing and microbial method development and verification. 
Proficient in advanced microbiological tools, such as WGS, strain typing, PCR, rapid detection methods. 
Deep expertise in food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety systems, manufacturing processes, material specifications, GLPs, auditing, troubleshooting, food spoilage, and foodborne illness control. Knowledge of RPC systems preferred. 
Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, critical thinking abilities, and decision making skills. Able to work independently and collaboratively. 
Excellent communication skills, able to translate complex scientific concepts in a clear practical manner to non-technical stakeholders. 
Demonstrated laboratory management experience, including media preparation, rapid microbiological methods, FDA BAM/AOAC methods. 
Proficient in scientific root cause analysis and corrective action development. Excellent technical writing ability, strong analytical, statistical skills. 
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power Apps, Teams), SAP, Linux applications, and basic coding. Ability to adopt and leverage AI tools. 
Familiarity with regulatory requirement (FDA, USDA, ISO, AOAC, etc.) 
Strong project planning and management skills. 
Continuous improvement mindset and adaptability to innovative technologies. 

Work Environment & Safety Notice
Research and Development laboratories are not food-allergen-free environments. Individuals with severe food allergies should consider this before applying.
Employees may occasionally be exposed to Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) detergents through smell or incidental contact during routine operations.
Exposure to food ingredients, chemicals, and cleaning agents is expected; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided to minimize risks.
Work may occur in varying temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas.

Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely.
Stand for 6 or more hours during the workday, with opportunities for sitting.
Regular bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching to access equipment, materials, and storage areas.
Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights, including occasional climbing of ladders or steps.
Push, pull, and maneuver carts, bins, and equipment, including heavy items with the assistance of mechanical aids when necessary.
Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision instruments.
Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively as required for operating various laboratory or production equipment.
Sensory ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, and products through taste, smell, touch, and visual inspection.
Ability to follow all safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices.

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