Functional Expert Consultant I - Microbiologist

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation; Silver Spring, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO/HMO Health Plan (includes medical,

Job summary

Cognizance Technologies, LLC is seeking a Functional Expert Consultant I - Microbiologist in Silver Spring, MD. The role focuses on identity and safety assessment of dietary ingredients, using traditional and advanced microbiology techniques, literature reviews, and robust data evaluation.

The candidate will review product labeling and manufacturing processes for regulatory compliance, working independently with subject matter expertise across regulatory science applications.

Qualifications

• Microbiology/Identity: traditional microbiological methods including sampling and preparation.
• Advanced microbiology techniques such as sequencing and toxin/detection work.
• Performing comprehensive literature searches and data quality evaluation.
• Scientific communication and thorough report preparation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate identity and safety of dietary ingredients using established regulatory science principles.
• Review labeling and manufacturing processes for regulatory compliance.
• Work independently, applying expertise to data evaluation and risk assessment as needed.

Skills

Microbiology methods

Sequencing methods

Literature review

Data quality evaluation

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in toxicology or related discipline

M.S./Ph.D. in Microbiology

M.S./Ph.D. in Nutrition

Job description

Cognizance Technologies, LLC | Full time

Functional Expert Consultant I - Microbiologist

Silver Spring, United States | Posted on 09/15/2026

The purpose of this task order is to identify candidates with demonstrated expertise in dietary supplement technical and regulatory science spanning identity assessment, safety assessment, labeling review, and manufacturing evaluation. Statement of Work covers two functional areas:

• Functional Expert Consultant I – Dietary Supplement Identity & Safety Assessment: Three (3) contractors – two (2) with a Ph.D. in toxicology or a related discipline, and one (1) with an M.S. or Ph.D. in Microbiology.
• Functional Expert Consultant I – Dietary Supplement Labeling & Manufacturing Reviewer: One (1) contractor with an M.S. or Ph.D. in nutrition or a closely related discipline, possessing demonstrated expertise in dietary supplement labeling and manufacturing evaluation.

All contractors shall work independently and demonstrate subject matter expertise in assessment methods, data evaluation, regulatory science applications and dietary supplement regulatory requirements. At a minimum, contractors shall possess demonstrated competencies or transferable skills in the areas relevant to their discipline, as outlined below.

Requirements

Microbiology/Identity:

• Traditional microbiological methods such as sampling and sample preparation, aerobic microbial counts, yeast/mold
• Advanced microbiological techniques such as sequencing/genetic methods, antimicrobial resistance evaluation, spore (and toxin) detection
• Performing comprehensive searches (e.g., peer reviewed publications; marketing evaluation)
• Literature review and data quality evaluation
• Scientific communication and report preparation

Identity & Safety Assessment: Use scientific expertise and principles to complete and aid in identity and safety assessments of dietary ingredients and supplements; review work will include assessment of pre-market and post-market data on single ingredients, complex mixtures, and/or finished dietary supplement products. The candidate for Toxicology will be expected to use risk assessment principles (including dose-response analysis and risk characterization and shall apply different assessment approaches based on ingredient complexity and available data as needed) and integrate data from multiple sources to reach a scientific conclusion. For Microbiology, the candidate will be expected to use knowledge in microbiological characterization and testing to evaluate the identity of microbials and assist in exposure assessments and risk assessments for microbiological organisms in and as dietary ingredients. The candidate will not be asked to comment on or contribute to policy decisions related to dietary ingredients and supplements.

Labeling & Manufacturing Review: Evaluation of product labels, labeling claims, and manufacturing processes to determine compliance with applicable regulations and policies.

• PPO/HMO Health Plan (includes medical, dental, and vision)