Food Safety Microbiologist — Early Shift (4am–12:30pm)

Actalent; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Microbiologist to perform microbiological testing and support food safety programs in a Wisconsin food manufacturing setting. The role combines lab testing with pre-operational floor inspections and HACCP coordination, working 4:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

across production and quality teams. You will ensure compliance with FDA-related requirements, maintain audit-ready documentation, and contribute to regulatory and customer specifications while collaborating with operations and

Qualifications

• Experience performing microbiological testing on yeast, mold, aerobic plate count, LAD, and coliform testing.
• Knowledge of microbiology lab techniques including media preparation, plating, environmental monitoring, sterilization, and sample preparation.
• Familiarity with GLP and strong attention to documentation and record keeping.
• Understanding of FDA-related regulatory requirements.
• Ability to review and interpret microbiological, chemical, and physical test results and take corrective actions.
• Capability to conduct pre-operational inspections and environmental monitoring.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain audit-ready documentation for HACCP, GMPs, metal detection, lot control, and related programs.
• Effective communication to convey test results and support cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to work 4:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and flexible hours as needed.
• Experience with HACCP, GMPs, metal detection, and SQF programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform approximately two hours of pre-operational inspections daily to assess sanitation before production.
• Conduct approximately six hours of microbiological testing daily on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and environmental swabs.
• Carry out microbiological analyses including mold, yeast, APC, LAD, and coliform testing to verify specs.
• Perform analyses on raw ingredients and finished products to ensure compliance with internal and customer specs.
• Conduct additional chemical and physical analyses to support product integrity.
• Maintain thorough records of all microbiological, chemical, and physical tests for regulatory and customer requirements.
• Ensure audit records meet regulatory and customer requirements (HACCP, GMPs, metal detection, lot control).
• Review/audit HACCP plans to ensure current effectiveness and compliance.
• Support SQF readiness and coordinate corrective actions from test results.
• Lead HACCP coordination and training; manage related recording and reporting.
• Verify COAs and incoming materials meet specifications, including Kosher where applicable.
• Assist in audits and stand ready for on-site support during assessments.
• Work beyond normal hours to support production schedules or urgent quality issues.
• Operate in varying conditions including outdoor areas and extreme temperatures when required.
• Maintain knowledge of new microbiology methods and technologies.

Skills

Microbiological testing

Lab techniques

GLP documentation

FDA compliance

Data interpretation

Pre-operational inspections

Environmental monitoring

Audit coordination

Shift adaptability

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/ Chemistry/ Microbiology

High school diploma with food testing experience

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Microbiologist to perform microbiological testing and support food safety programs in a Wisconsin food manufacturing setting. The role combines lab testing with pre-operational floor inspections and HACCP coordination, working 4:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

across production and quality teams. You will ensure compliance with FDA-related requirements, maintain audit-ready documentation, and contribute to regulatory and customer specifications while collaborating with operations and