Microbiology Manager - Food Testing

EFRAC Lab; West Bengal; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

EFRAC is hiring a Microbiology Manager to lead end-to-end microbiology operations for our Food and Pharmaceutical Testing Divisions. Preference is given to candidates from Food Microbiology testing labs.

You will oversee technical leadership, method validation, QA, audits, and team development while ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance across projects.

Qualifications

• Must have MSc/MTech in Microbiology or related discipline; PhD preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong communication and leadership skills.
• Experience leading a microbiology lab team in food or pharma testing is essential.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (FSSAI, USFDA, ISO/IEC 17025) is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead microbiological testing activities for food, pharmaceutical, water, environmental and surface samples.
• Ensure method selection, validation/verification and strict SOP adherence; review results and reports.
• Maintain expertise in classical and advanced microbiological methods including PCR and rapid systems.
• Oversee QA processes, audits, CAPAs, and method reviews; ensure biosafety and contamination control.
• Mentor and develop a team of microbiologists, analysts and technicians; manage workloads and training.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Leadership

Education

M.Sc / M.Tech in Microbiology or Biotechnology

PhD preferred

Job description

We’re Hiring: Microbiology Manager

? Food & Pharmaceutical Testing Division

? EFRAC - Barasat, Kolkata

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.

3. Team Leadership & Development

• 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.