Quality Control Microbiologist

Life Science Recruitment; Ireland; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Science Recruitment is seeking a QC Microbiology Technician in Ireland to execute day-to-day microbiological testing, environmental monitoring and contamination control, ensuring the highest standards of food safety and regulatory compliance.

You will perform plating for Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mold, Coliforms, and pathogen screening; maintain records, review CoAs, and support CAPA investigations in a fast-paced, on-site laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology or related field.
• Minimum 2 years' hands-on microbiology lab experience in a regulated environment.
• Experience with plating techniques (TPC, yeast & mold, coliforms).
• Proficient in aseptic handling, media preparation and CFU calculations.
• Strong data management and documentation skills; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological testing on incoming materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Execute Environmental Monitoring Program including air and surface sampling.
• Prepare, sterilize, and verify culture media; maintain aseptic technique.
• Maintain records and file Certificates of Analysis; ensure compliance with specs.
• Investigate Out-of-Specification trends and assist CAPA implementation.
• Maintain lab equipment, manage waste, and inventory of consumables.
• Adhere to GLPs, GMPs, biosafety protocols and corporate testing methodologies.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Media preparation

Culture isolation

Laboratory calculations (CFU/g)

MS Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related

Job description

Our client are currently recruiting for a QC Microbiology Technician role is responsible for executing day-to-day microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and contamination control procedures to ensure the highest standards of food safety and regulatory compliance. This is a permanent role with on-site working.

Responsibilities:

• Microbiological Analysis: Conduct routine and non-routine microbiological testing on incoming raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products (including plating for Total Plate Count, Yeast & Mold, Coliforms, and screening for pathogens).
• Environmental Monitoring: Execute the site’s Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), including air sampling, surface swabbing of equipment, and microbial testing of facility water systems.
• Aseptic Technique & Media Prep: Prepare, sterilize, and verify culture media and reagents. Ensure strict adherence to aseptic techniques during all sampling and testing phases to prevent cross-contamination.
• Data Management & Documentation: Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records of all laboratory data. Review and file Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) and ensure all microbial testing results comply with internal and regulatory specifications.
• Out-of-Specification (OOS) Investigations: Immediately flag and investigate any out-of-specification or spiking microbial trends. Support root-cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Laboratory Maintenance: Clean, calibrate, and maintain critical laboratory equipment (e.g., autoclaves, incubators, biosafety cabinets, and pH meters). Manage the safe segregation, treatment, and disposal of biohazardous laboratory waste.
• Inventory Control: Monitor and maintain stock levels of laboratory consumables, dehydrated media, and testing kits to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Compliance & Safety: Adhere strictly to Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), biosafety protocols, and corporate testing methodologies.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience within a food/beverage or highly regulated manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on classic microbiology plating techniques.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in aseptic sample handling, media preparation, culture isolation, and standard laboratory calculations (e.g., CFU/g calculation). Strong computer literacy (MS Excel, Word).
• Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with food safety management systems (such as HACCP and FSSC 22000), GMPs, and GLPs.
• Core Competencies: Meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reporting critical micro data to cross-functional teams.