Senior Microbiologist

Maritec Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ugene Lab in Singapore is seeking a hands-on Senior Microbiologist to strengthen our food, water and environmental microbiology services and support the development of new testing capabilities. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related field with 3–5 years of lab experience and proficiency in ISO, APHA and FDA BAM methods.

You will lead routine microbiological testing, review data, and help ensure quality and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology or related field.
• 3–5 years’ hands-on microbiology lab experience, preferably in a commercial or third-party lab.
• Strong experience in food and/or water microbiological testing and pathogen detection.
• Working knowledge of ISO, APHA and FDA BAM methods and result interpretation.
• Good understanding of ISO/IEC 17025, QA/QC, documentation and lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee routine and non-routine microbiological testing of samples per SOPs.
• Carry out microbial enumeration and pathogen detection (e.g., TP counts, E. coli, Salmonella).
• Review raw data, calculations and results; investigate non-conformities.
• Develop, verify and validate testing methods; update SOPs and records.
• Implement quality controls and corrective actions per ISO/IEC 17025.
• Ensure proper sample handling, aseptic technique and LIMS usage.
• Monitor turnaround times, troubleshoot issues, and improve workflows.
• Support SAC-SINGLAS assessments and expansion of accredited capabilities.
• Provide hands-on training and respond to technical inquiries.

Skills

Hands-on microbio lab

Microbial testing

QA/QC awareness

English communication

Mandarin helpful

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology / related

Job description

About Ugene Lab

Ugene Lab is a Singapore-based testing laboratory providing microbiological and chemical testing, rapid testing, hygiene monitoring and specialised testing solutions. We are looking for a hands‑on Senior Microbiologist to strengthen our food, water and environmental microbiology services and support the development of new testing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Perform and oversee routine and non‑routine microbiological testing of food, water, swab and environmental samples in accordance with approved methods and SOPs.
2. Carry out microbial enumeration and pathogen detection, including total plate count, coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, yeasts and moulds, as applicable to the laboratory scope.
3. Review raw data, calculations and test results; investigate atypical findings, test failures and non‑conformities, and support accurate, timely reporting.
4. Develop, verify and validate testing methods using applicable ISO, APHA, FDA BAM and other recognised standards; prepare and update SOPs and technical records.
5. Implement internal quality controls, media performance checks, equipment monitoring, proficiency testing and corrective/preventive actions in line with ISO/IEC 17025.
6. Ensure appropriate sample handling, aseptic technique, biosafety, traceability and proper use of the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
7. Monitor testing turnaround time (TAT), troubleshoot technical issues and improve laboratory workflows and testing efficiency.
8. Support SAC‑SINGLAS assessments, internal audits and the expansion of accredited testing capabilities.
9. Provide hands‑on training and technical guidance to laboratory staff, and respond to technical enquiries from internal teams and clients.

Job Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences or a related discipline.
2. At least 3-5 years of relevant hands‑on microbiology laboratory experience, preferably in a commercial or third‑party testing laboratory.
3. Strong practical experience in food and/or water microbiological testing, including pathogen detection, microbial enumeration and aseptic techniques.
4. Working knowledge of recognised microbiological methods (e.g. ISO, APHA and FDA BAM), method verification/validation and result interpretation.
5. Good understanding of ISO/IEC 17025, laboratory QA/QC, documentation, troubleshooting and laboratory safety.
6. Ability to work independently, prioritise multiple samples and meet testing turnaround times without compromising quality.
7. Good command of written and spoken English for technical reporting, documentation, client communication and daily laboratory coordination.
8. Communication skills in Mandarin is advantageous, but not essential for this role, for the purposes of liaising with colleagues internationally.

We welcome candidates who enjoy hands‑on laboratory work, technical problem‑solving and continuous improvement.