The Microbiologist is responsible for conducting microbiological laboratory activities, providing technical expertise and analytical services to ensure product quality and safety, supporting plant quality teams, maintaining laboratory management systems, driving compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements, and serving as a subject matter expert in microbiology, sanitation, and laboratory operations.
Responsibilities
1.Microbiology Laboratory Operations
- Conduct microbiological analyses of raw materials, packaging materials, in-process samples, finished products, environmental samples, and other laboratory requests.
- Operate and maintain microbiology laboratory facilities, equipment, and testing environments.
- Prepare microbiological media and laboratory reagents according to established standards and procedures.
- Ensure implementation of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Laboratory Management Systems (LMS).
- Maintain laboratory records, inventories, calibration schedules, and testing documentation.
2.Technical Services & Problem-Solving
- Provide microbiological technical support for investigations, troubleshooting, and quality related concerns
- Participate in preventive and corrective action planning for microbiological and sanitation issues.
- Conduct laboratory-based research and technical studies to support quality and process improvements.
- Evaluate products and processes to ensure microbiological quality and food safety compliance.
3.Training & Capability Building
- Conduct microbiology-related training programs, lectures, workshops, and technical updates for laboratory and plant personnel.
- Facilitate microbiology proficiency testing and competency development initiatives.
- Support capability enhancement of Plant Quality and Microbiology teams through coaching and technical guidance.
4.Audit, Compliance, & Quality Systems
- Serve as Internal Auditor for Microbiology, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Laboratory Management Systems (LMS).
- Support compliance with Coca-Cola Operating Requirements (KORE), Integrated Management Systems, and applicable government regulations.
- Assist in maintaining ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and laboratory quality standards.
- Monitor compliance with waste disposal, sanitation, and laboratory safety requirements.
- Maintain microbiology laboratory documentation, SOPs, records, and quality system requirements.
- Serve as Records Custodian and SOP Champion for microbiology laboratory operations.
- Recommend and implement improvements to laboratory systems, methodologies, and testing processes.
- Evaluate and recommend new laboratory technologies, testing methodologies, and service providers when necessary.
Position Requirements
- Graduate of Microbiology or allied degree program with at least 24 units in Microbiology
- Minimum of at least 3 years’ experience in food and beverage microbiology within an industrial environment
- Must be a PAM-certified and registered Microbiologist (Philippine Academy of Microbiology)
- Expert knowledge of microbiological methods, procedures, and laboratory operations
- Knowledge of sanitation and cleaning validation principles.
- Familiarity with Laboratory Management Systems (LMS), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and quality management standards.
- Knowledge of food safety, beverage quality requirements, and applicable government regulations.
- Experience in quality audits, corrective actions, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Strong presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Computer literacy and proficiency in laboratory documentation and reporting