Operations Lead, Microbiology

Merieux NutriSciences; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

PTO

401(k) plan

Job summary

Merieux NutriSciences in Salt Lake City is seeking an Operations Lead, Microbiology to manage daily lab operations and ensure quality testing of food samples. You will oversee sample processing, safety, and coordination with other departments.

The role focuses on supervising staff, maintaining LAB quality, and driving continuous improvement within a fast-growing public health laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Asscoiates degree or equivalent; Bachelor preferred.
• 2-5 years relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of microbiology and lab safety.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, perform, and assist others with microbiology testing of food samples.
• Ensure opening/closing tasks are completed and documented per quality systems.
• Assign projects to staff to ensure efficient completion.
• Maintain sample analysis flow in coordination with quality.
• Supervise quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Assist with scheduling and staffing based on sample volume.
• Train new employees and support staff development.
• Support lean processes and lab projects.
• Communicate department needs to other departments and management.
• Ensure client-specific requirements are met.
• Assist with hiring and onboarding of new staff.
• Oversee LIMS batching and reports traceability; support continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Oral and written communication

Laboratory skills

Data entry skills

Pipetting dexterity

Education

Associates degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Operations Lead, Microbiology

Salt Lake City

Regular (US Only)

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES

As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 32 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years. If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment.

YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE

We are looking for a Operations Lead, Microbiology in 1945 Fremont Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84104 USA. Your mission will be to:

Purpose (Objective)

This position is responsible for working with department leadership to provide consistent efficient operations throughout the department.

Main activities

• Prepare, analyze, perform, and assist others with the chemistry preparation and testing of food samples.
• Ensure all department opening and closing tasks are completed effectively and efficiently and documented as quality systems require.
• Distribute projects or assignments to appropriate personnel within the department to ensure processes are efficiently and effectively completed.
• Ensure sample analysis flow if efficient in conjunction with quality
• Ensure safe working environment for laboratory and provide supervision of quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Assist with scheduling and adjusting staff as needed based on sample volume ensuring minimal delays or down time in processes.
• Support laboratory leadership in employee development by providing effective training to new employees and acting as a resource to all department employees in the resolution of questions, problems, or alternative resources.
• Help implement systems as guided by laboratory leadership and support lean process or Industrial Performance related activities either directed from Corporate or in Lab-Specific Projects.
• Communicate with other departments as well as management on department needs.
• Ensure client specific requirements are being met.
• Assist with selection and orientation of new hires
• Work with supervisor on identifying and correcting performance issues and recognizing outstanding performers.
• Ensure effective utilization of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) - as it pertains to batching, reports traceability, etc.
• Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process.
• Perform other related tasks as needed

YOUR PROFILE

Knowledge: The incumbent must have a basic knowledge of microbiology to accurately perform testing procedures and obtain accurate results.

Profile (required education/qualifications and professional background): Associates degree or equivalent work experience required, Bachelors preferred. 2-5 years relevant work experience. The incumbent must have a general knowledge of food science to accurately perform testing procedures and obtain accurate results. A broad knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies is necessary to ensure a safe working environment. Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that is required to complete job responsibilities. A general level of data entry skills is needed to calculate and record analysis results.

Required skills: Analytical skills are helpful to complete analysis procedures. Physical dexterity with pipetting is required to transfer sample into plates and tubes. Laboratory skills obtained as a laboratory technician or similar position are essential to perform the necessary analyses. Oral and written communication skills are necessary to supervise departmental personnel.

Work Environment: The incumbent works in a laboratory setting with proper lighting and temperature control. Occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals, and materials will occur when in the laboratory. Safety equipment of gloves, laboratory coat and eyeglasses may need to be worn depending on the testing process. The incumbent may use the autoclave daily to complete the analysis process. Continuous lifting of analysis materials weighing up to 50 pounds are necessary to transport media materials. The incumbent can expect extended time spent in a standing position. The incumbent should be able to detect slight variation in shades of colors.

Compensation

$24.00 - $28.00 hourly USD

Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process.

WHY JOIN US?

• Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 60 years of experience and expertise.
• Because you would be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
• Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
• Because you would grow in an international group of more than 10,000 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.