Microbiologist

Miceli Dairy Products Company; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Health savings account

Job summary

Miceli Dairy Products Company is seeking a Plant / Quality Control Microbiologist for our dairy processing facility. You will manage starter cultures, conduct microbial testing, and support sanitation and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a Bachelor's in microbiology or related field with 1–3+ years in a dairy lab, strong aseptic technique, and data documentation skills. In-person work with competitive hourly pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Dairy Science, or Biology required.
• 1–3+ years in a food processing or dairy lab.
• Aseptic technique, microbial plating, PCR or rapid pathogen detection, and data documentation experience.

Responsibilities

• Culture management for starter cultures used in cheese production.
• Sample and test raw milk, whey, curd, and finished cheese for pathogens.
• Swab equipment and surfaces for sanitation and environmental monitoring.
• Troubleshoot fermentation, texture, and ripening issues.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, and food safety regulations.

Skills

Aseptic technique

Microbial plating

PCR/rapid pathogen detection

Data documentation

Dairy biochemistry

Fermentation science

Sanitation SSOPs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Dairy Science, or Biology

3 years experience in a related field

Job description

Job Overview:

• Role: Plant / Quality Control Microbiologist
• Industry: Dairy and Cheese Manufacturing
• Department: Lab

Key Responsibilities:

• Culture Management: Maintain starter cultures essential to cheese curdling, flavor, and texture.
• Microbiological Testing: Aseptically sample and test raw milk, whey, curd, and finished cheese for pathogens and spoilage organisms.
• Environmental Monitoring: Swab equipment and facility surfaces to verify sanitation.
• Process Troubleshooting: Help production resolve fermentation, texture, and ripening issues.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure operations meet FDA, USDA, and food safety requirements.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Dairy Science, or Biology.
• Experience: 1–3+ years in a food processing or dairy laboratory.
• Technical Skills: Aseptic technique, microbial plating, PCR or rapid pathogen detection, and data documentation.
• Knowledge: Dairy biochemistry, fermentation science, and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs).
• Bachelor’s degree OR 3 years experience in a related field to be considered for this position.

Pay:

From $25.00 per hour

Expected Hours:

60.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account

Work Location:

In person