Microbiologist

Shreetula Food & Agro Industries; Nashik District; On-site; INR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Shreetula Food & Agro Industries in Nashik seeks a detail-oriented Microbiologist to lead microbiological testing for water samples and support QA processes in a packaged drinking water facility.

The candidate will perform routine analyses, maintain records, and ensure compliance with SOPs and safety standards while coordinating with production teams on water quality issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Life Sciences, Food Technology or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in water testing or related microbiology.
• Hands-on experience with microbiological testing of water samples.
• Knowledge of water-quality standards and microbiological testing requirements.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and media preparation.

Responsibilities

• Test microbiological parameters on raw, treated, filtered, and finished water samples.
• Maintain lab records, SOPs, and safety standards.
• Prepare media, reagents, and solutions for analyses.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Coordinate with production/despatch to address water quality.
• Support investigations of microbiological failures and CAPA.
• Ensure waste handling and regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to testing procedure improvements.
• Handle documentation for internal audits.
• Monitor trends and identify deviations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Laboratory skills

Aseptic techniques

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Water treatment

Independent work

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/ Life Sciences/ Food technology

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a detail-oriented and technically sound Microbiologist to join our team at a packaged drinking water manufacturing company. The candidate will be responsible for microbiological testing and monitoring of water samples, maintaining laboratory standards, ensuring compliance with applicable quality standards, and supporting the overall quality assurance process.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct microbiological testing of raw water, treated water, filtered water, and finished water samples.
• Perform routine analysis for parameters such as Total Plate Count, Total Coliforms, E. coli, yeast, mould, and other relevant microbiological parameters.
• Collect, label, preserve, and maintain water samples as per established testing procedures.
• Prepare culture media, reagents, and laboratory solutions required for microbiological analysis.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, instruments, and microbiological testing facilities.
• Ensure proper sterilization, cleaning, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and work areas.
• Maintain accurate records of test results, observations, sample details, and laboratory activities.
• Monitor microbiological trends and identify deviations or contamination risks.
• Support investigation of microbiological failures, non-conformities, and quality issues and assist in identifying corrective actions.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, laboratory safety procedures, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain proper documentation and records for internal audits, customer requirements, and regulatory inspections.
• Coordinate with the Production and Despatch teams to address water-quality and microbiological concerns.
• Support in validation and verification of water treatment and filtration processes where required.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of microbiological samples and laboratory waste.
• Support the development and improvement of laboratory testing procedures and quality-control practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Foodtechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in water testing, environmental microbiology, water treatment, food/pharma microbiology, or a related laboratory environment.
• Candidates with hands-on experience in microbiological testing of water samples will be preferred.
• Good knowledge of microbiological testing techniques, aseptic practices, media preparation, and laboratory procedures.
• Familiarity with relevant water-quality standards and microbiological testing requirements will be an advantage.

Required Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good laboratory and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and contamination control.
• Ability to maintain proper laboratory documentation and records.
• Basic understanding of water treatment and filtration processes.
• Good problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently as well as coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Good communication and reporting skills.

Key Performance Areas

• Accuracy and reliability of microbiological test results.
• Timely completion and reporting of laboratory tests.
• Compliance with SOPs and quality standards.
• Effective identification and reporting of microbiological contamination or deviations.
• Maintenance of laboratory hygiene, safety, and documentation standards.
• Support for continuous improvement of water-quality and filtration processes.

Preferred Experience

Experience in any of the following areas will be an added advantage:

• Water treatment / water filtration industry
• Environmental microbiology
• Drinking water testing
• Water-quality laboratories
• ETP/STP/WTP testing
• ISO-certified laboratories
• Quality control / quality assurance laboratories