Senior Microbiologist, Acidified Foods & Process Authority

US02 Solina USA Inc.; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Solina USA Inc. seeks a Corporate Microbiologist to lead microbiological safety, quality, and regulatory compliance for our dressings, sauces, and spice blends.

The role serves as Process Authority for acidified foods under FDA guidelines, reviewing formulations, pH targets, and thermal processes. The ideal candidate will collaborate with R&D, Technical Services, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, and Quality to guide food safety decisions across product lifecycles, bringing deep microbiology

Qualifications

• Requires PhD in Food Microbiology, Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• Process Authority certification preferred; willing to obtain if not already.
• 5–8 years of experience in food manufacturing or related roles.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations governing acidified foods (21 CFR 114).
• Experience conducting validation studies, challenge studies, and shelf-life assessments.
• Ability to translate microbiological concepts into practical manufacturing recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to ensure microbiological safety of foods in production.
• Review and approve acidified product formulations, pH targets, and thermal/hold processes.
• Create and maintain FDA process filings and scheduled processes.
• Develop microbiological specifications and guidelines for products.
• Support product development with microbiology input during formulation and scale‑up.
• Lead investigations of microbiological deviations and conduct trainings on microbiology and food safety.

Skills

Process Authority knowledge

FDA regulations knowledge

Validation studies experience

Microbiology concepts translation

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Food Microbiology / Food Science / Microbiology

Master’s with extensive industry experience considered

Job description

Solina USA Inc. seeks a Corporate Microbiologist to lead microbiological safety, quality, and regulatory compliance for our dressings, sauces, and spice blends.

The role serves as Process Authority for acidified foods under FDA guidelines, reviewing formulations, pH targets, and thermal processes. The ideal candidate will collaborate with R&D, Technical Services, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, and Quality to guide food safety decisions across product lifecycles, bringing deep microbiology