Microbiologist

McKee Foods; Collegedale (TN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit‑sharing cash bonus program

401(k) with matching contributions

25 days Paid Time Off

Medical insurance (health, dental, and

Vision and prescription plans

Fully-paid parental leave

Job summary

McKee Foods Corporation is seeking a Food Microbiologist to join our Microbiology Lab. As a member of the Microbiology team you will gain exposure to many facets of microbiological testing and quality assurance in food manufacturing.

You will help prepare media, perform tests, and support data entry while contributing to safety, quality, and process improvements on a team that values collaboration and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology or related field.
• Ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively with appropriate technical terminology.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide microbiology lab support including media preparation, plating samples, operating automated detection equipment, and data entry of results.
• Provide leadership in solving problems and guiding company direction as it relates to microbiological issues.
• Develop technical methods and operating procedures for the microbiology lab.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology or related field

Job description

Join America’s favorite family bakery since 1934—home of Little Debbie®, Drake’s® Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery® Granola Bars. Work with legacy brands that bring smiles to faces nationwide, including yours. You’ll experience a culture committed to work-life balance, guaranteed time off, and supportive health and wellness offerings. Enjoy profit sharing, long-term job security, and a range of exciting career paths. When you join McKee Foods, you’ll discover a better way to live and work.

Pay Salaried grade 3 or 5 $56,500 - $73,400 / year, depending on experience and qualifications. Actual salaries may vary and in some cases may be higher with extensive experience and strong performance.

This position is part of a career ladder that includes grades 3-7, indicating potential for advancement.

Schedule 1st Shift (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

On-site Location 10606 Apison Pike Collegedale, TN 37315

Job Summary

McKee Foods Corporation is seeking a Food Microbiologist to join our Microbiology Lab. As a part of the Microbiology team you will gain exposure to many facets of microbiological testing. This is a great chance to put your technical skills and knowledge to work to provide support and leadership in specific tasks such as preparing microbiological media, completing quality tests, preparing samples and more. You will be a resource to a team that helps bring together technical knowledge, food safety and quality aspects of food manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Providing expertise and functional support for microbiology lab to include media preparation, plating samples, operating automated detection equipment, and data entry of results
• Providing leadership in solving problems and recommending company direction as it relates to microbiological issues
• Developing technical methods and operating procedures for the microbiology lab

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology or related field
• School lab or internship experience
• Ability to work in a team environment to accomplish continuous improvement
• Must be able to understand and communicate effectively with appropriate use of technical terminology
• Must be able to handle high degree of confidentiality
• Ability to handle detailed paperwork and maintain records
• Excellent organizational, prioritization and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills; must gain respect of peers and management
• High level of initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Willingness to receive additional training
• Flexibility to travel as needed. (estimated 5%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Food Microbiology or related field
• One or more years of related work experience
• Knowledge of, or experience with ISO principles for laboratories
• Technical knowledge of low moisture food manufacturing processes and related microbiological risks

Benefits

• Competitive weekly pay
• Profit‑sharing cash bonus program
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• 25 days Paid Time Off (for vacation, holidays, sick time, personal time, etc.)
• Medical insurance, including health, dental, vision and prescription drug plan
• Supplemental plans, including life insurance
• Fully-paid parental leave
• Health Center and Pharmacy
• Mental wellness counselling (on‑site in TN, virtual elsewhere)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Credit Union
• Exercise and recreation facility
• Wellness programs with incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits (company-paid)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Welcome to McKee Foods McKee Foods Corporation is best known for our line of Little Debbie® snack cakes, America's leading snack cake brand. At McKee Foods, we are committed to providing consumers with quality products at an excellent value. We hope you enjoy your time browsing our website and find helpful information about our company.