Microbiology Manager - Food Testing

EFRAC Lab; Barasat; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

EFRAC seeks an experienced Microbiology Manager to lead end-to-end microbiology operations for our Food and Pharmaceutical Testing Divisions in India. The role emphasizes strong leadership, regulatory compliance, and technical proficiency in classical and rapid microbiology methods.

The candidate will supervise testing across food, pharmaceutical, water, environmental, and surface samples, ensuring data integrity and timely reporting while driving continuous improvement and staff development.

Qualifications

• M.Sc / M.Tech in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related discipline (PhD preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience in Food Microbiology Testing (mandatory).
• Overall 10–15 years of experience, with strong exposure to food testing laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025.
• In-depth knowledge of foodborne pathogens, indicator organisms, environmental monitoring, method validation, and regulatory compliance (FSSAI, USFDA, etc.).
• Proven experience in leading and managing a microbiology laboratory team. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee microbiological testing activities for food, pharmaceutical, water, environmental, and surface samples.
• Ensure method selection, validation, verification, and strict adherence to SOPs.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Team management

Education

M.Sc / M.Tech in Microbiology

PhD preferred

Job description

EFRAC is seeking an experienced and technically strong Microbiology Manager to lead end-to-end microbiology operations for our Food and Pharmaceutical Testing Divisions, with a strong preference for candidates from Food Microbiology Testing laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership

• Lead and oversee all microbiological testing activities for food, pharmaceutical, water, environmental, and surface samples.
• Ensure appropriate method selection, validation, verification, and strict adherence to SOPs.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues related to media preparation, contamination, equipment performance, and test execution.
• Review and approve analytical results and reports, ensuring technical accuracy and data integrity.
• Maintain expertise in classical and advanced microbiological methods, including rapid and PCR-based techniques and automated pathogen detection systems.

2. Operations & Quality Management

• Ensure full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, FSSAI, USFDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the QA team during internal audits, external audits, CAPAs, and method reviews.
• Monitor turnaround time (TAT), capacity planning, and optimal resource utilization.
• Oversee media preparation, sterilization processes, culture management, consumables planning, and instrument calibration.
• Enforce strict biosafety, hygiene, and contamination-control practices.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of microbiologists, analysts, and technicians.
• Allocate daily workloads and ensure timely and accurate test completion.
• Conduct training programs, competency assessments, and continuous skill development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of ownership, discipline, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Guide junior staff on method interpretation, troubleshooting, and documentation best practices.

4. Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure all worksheets, logbooks, instrument records, and LIMS entries are accurate and compliant.
• Review and approve COAs, microbiology reports, and OOS/OOT investigations.
• Prepare and present monthly performance metrics and laboratory reports to senior management.

5. Stakeholder & Client Coordination

• Collaborate with Operations, QA, Client Services, Sales, and Sample Management teams.
• Participate in client audits, technical discussions, and customer interactions to address microbiology-related queries.

Qualifications & Experience

• M.Sc / M.Tech in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline (PhD preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience in Food Microbiology Testing (mandatory).
• Overall 10–15 years of experience, with strong exposure to food testing laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025.
• In-depth knowledge of foodborne pathogens, indicator organisms, environmental monitoring, method validation, and regulatory compliance (FSSAI, USFDA, etc.).
• Proven experience in leading and managing a microbiology laboratory team.Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.