QA Senior Scientist - Microbiology

New Belgium Brewing; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading brewing company is seeking a QA Senior Scientist in Microbiology to enhance yeast management and quality assurance within their operations. The role demands strong leadership and expertise in fermentation science, with responsibilities ranging from anomaly detection to data analysis and project management. This pivotal position contributes significantly to product integrity and operational excellence within the brewery.

Benefits

Medical & Dental Insurance

401k Match

Paid Caregiver Leave

Profit Sharing

Flexible Spending Account

Qualifications

• 7+ years of related experience in microbiology and brewing.
• Expert knowledge of fermentation dynamics and yeast management.
• Experience with data analysis tools and IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific initiatives related to yeast stewardship.
• Ensure quality and consistency in the brewing process.
• Manage yeast harvests and troubleshoot brewing anomalies.

Skills

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Leadership

Microbiology

Fermentation Science

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in applicable field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

QA Senior Scientist - Microbiology

This is a senior-level position that plays a critical role in both leadership and scientific advancement within the QA department, with a specific focus on yeast stewardship and brewing science. The Senior Scientist will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities while driving scientific initiatives related to yeast management and product integrity, fostering a collaborative team environment.

Anomaly and Trend Analysis

• Expertise in detecting micro anomalies throughout the brewing process, ensuring quality and consistency.

• Proficient in yeast propagation methodologies on both the laboratory and production scales.
• Skilled in managing yeast harvests to optimize fermentation efficacy.
• In-depth knowledge of fermentation dynamics and their critical impact on product quality.
• Capable of making informed recommendations regarding routine and complex brewing anomalies and discerning when to escalate issues, such as initiating a production hold when necessary.
• Proficient in assessing the implications of subpar yeast harvests and addressing propagation inconsistencies.
• Experienced in diagnosing and resolving stalled fermentations, poor yeast health and identifying sources of micro contamination.
• Diligently follows up on any anomalies identified, ensuring thorough resolution and continuous improvement.
• Ability to analyze and interpret long-term trends in fermentation performance and micro stability in the brewery.

Data Analysis and Utilization

• Skilled in interpreting data beyond standard guidelines to proactively identify and escalate issues before out-of-spec (OOS) results occur.
  
  
• Strong knowledge of early indicators related to fermentation, yeast health, and contamination, enabling risk mitigation and timely intervention.
• Comprehensive grasp of the data flow necessary for effective brewing operations, with an emphasis on the significance of micro-level data.
• Effectively compile, organize, and interpret complex data sets to identify trends, support decision-making, and deliver clear, actionable insights to stakeholders.

Information Technology and Communication

• Expertise in utilizing IT tools to track and identify anomalies through platforms such as Insights, scheduling systems, Trend, MES, and HMI interfaces.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel to track, manage, and analyze data through formulas, tables, and charts for accurate reporting and insights.
• Consistently monitors Teams feeds, Outlook calendars, posts, and emails to remain informed on current brewing and quality assurance processes.
• Actively engages and/or leads in assigned meetings, demonstrating attentiveness and participation.
• Communicates critical information to relevant stakeholders promptly, ensuring alignment across teams.
• Capable of teaching and articulating micro standards and practices, including training new hires effectively.
• Holds team members and departments accountable to established micro standards, recognizing when to escalate deviations or conflicts regarding operating procedures.

Troubleshooting Expertise

• Propagation Insight: Recognizes yeast demand and understands the intricacies of brewing scheduling as they relate to propagation timing. Ability to assess yeast, brewery wide and make recommendations on disposition of yeast throughout generations and processes.
• Brewing Recommendations: Proficient in identifying and recommending process improvements and scheduling adjustments based on assessed risks in the areas of yeast, fermentation, and product integrity.
• Cellometer Proficiency: Possesses advanced knowledge of cellometer readings and settings, with the ability to troubleshoot inaccuracies in data output. Capable of rectifying cellometer readings to ensure accurate yeast statistics, enhancing quality control.

Project Management and Execution

• Demonstrated ability to start and facilitate projects that yield tangible production benefits, ensuring successful completion.
• Competent in initiating both directed and self-initiated projects, driving continuous improvement.
• Adaptable in executing external procedures and methodologies for implementation within NBB operations.
• Equipped to recommend changes and enhancements to existing NBB standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols, fostering operational excellence

Education/ Experience/Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degreein applicable field and 7+ years ofrelated experience
• Expert knowledge of microbiology and fermentation science
• Demonstrated ability to develop, deploy and improve processes

Percent of Travel:10-20%

Working Conditions:Laboratory,Office, Production Areas

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift objects up to 80 lbs and carry for 3 steps
• Ability to lift objects up to 37 pounds overhead
• Ability to walk up and down stairs carrying objects up to 6 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate their ability to stoop, climb, squat, and reach overhead

Wage information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is New Belgium's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, or other position-related reasons.

Starting Salary Range $60,000 - $73,000

All Full time Coworkers at New Belgium enjoy the following benefits after one calendar month of employment: Medical & Dental Insurance (options available for dependents), Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, PTO, 401k Match, Paid Caregiver Leave, and Profit Sharing. Certain positions with ‘On Call’ responsibilities may be eligible for phone/data reimbursement. Details will be shared and questions answered during our interview process.

New Belgium welcomes all. We are committed to building an environment that is diverse, equitable and inclusive within our own walls and amidst the entire craft beer community.

New Belgium strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.