Food Microbiology Technical Manager

Michelson Laboratories, Inc.; Laguna (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Michelson Laboratories, Inc. in Commerce, CA is seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead our Microbiology Department and a team of about 30 professionals. You will oversee daily operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring quality, safety, and timely reporting of results.

Responsibilities include process improvement, client communication, and maintaining ISO 17025 compliance with rigorous QA/QC. Strong leadership and extensive microbiology expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years microbiology laboratory experience, preferably in food or environmental testing.
• 3+ years supervisory or management experience leading lab personnel.
• Experience in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, AOAC methods for food microbiology.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, VIDAS, VITEK and microbial identification techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of ~30 microbiology professionals.
• Manage daily operations ensuring efficiency, productivity and timely reporting.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, workflow management and performance.
• Partner with leadership to improve processes and turnaround times.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025, SOPs, and regulatory standards.
• Review and approve test results, certificates, and final reports.
• Consult with clients on test selection and food safety concerns.

Skills

Microbiology

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

PCR

Pathogen detection

Quality systems

Education

Master's degree in Microbiology

PhD in Microbiology or related

Tools

VIDAS

VITEK

PCR instrumentation

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Laboratory Manager to lead our growing Microbiology Department in Commerce, California. This position oversees a team of approximately 30 laboratory professionals and plays a critical role in ensuring laboratory quality, operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and team development. This is an excellent opportunity for a proven laboratory leader who is passionate about food safety, enjoys mentoring and developing teams, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where scientific excellence and customer service are equally valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of approximately 30 encompassing microbiologists, laboratory analysts, and technicians.
• Manage daily microbiology laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and timely reporting of results.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, workflow management, and departmental performance.
• Partner with laboratory leadership to improve processes, optimize turnaround times, and support continued growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Review, verify, and approve microbiological test results prior to client reporting.
• Conduct and oversee pathogen detection and confirmation according to FDA and USDA methodologies.
• Analyze food and environmental samples using PCR, VIDAS, VITEK, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Interpret culture results, agar plates, biochemical reactions, and microbial identification data.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods, testing procedures, and laboratory instrumentation as needed.
• Ensure proper sample handling, enrichment, preparation, testing, documentation, and disposition.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation requirements, laboratory quality systems, SOPs, and regulatory standards.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC activities involving media, reagents, supplies, and laboratory processes.
• Review and approve laboratory certificates and final reports.
• Consult with clients regarding test selection, result interpretation, and food safety concerns.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and compliance with all laboratory safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology, pathogen detection, aseptic techniques, and laboratory best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume laboratory environment.
• Ability to work overtime when required.

Required Skills

• 5+ years of microbiology laboratory experience, preferably in food testing, environmental testing, or a commercial laboratory setting.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience leading laboratory personnel.
• Experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, AOAC, and food microbiology testing methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience with PCR, VIDAS, VITEK, pathogen detection, and microbial identification techniques.