LAB TECHNICIAN (MICRO)

AB InBev Africa; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in South Africa is seeking a quality analyst to ensure compliance with packaging standards. The role involves conducting microbiological tests, maintaining laboratory equipment, and contributing to quality control processes. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and have 1-2 years of experience in the FMCG sector. Strong problem-solving and leadership skills are essential. Immediate availability is preferred.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years working experience in FMCG industry required.
• Understanding of brewing & packaging process is essential.
• Assertive and proactive individuals are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality analysis and procedures on packaging lines.
• Perform microbiological analysis through sampling and data interpretation.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.

Skills

Microbial identification

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Attention to detail

Education

MSc/BSc Microbiology, Biotechnology or equivalent

Tools

PCR

Microscope

Autoclave

Job description

Dreaming big is in our DNA. It’s who we are as a company. It’s our culture. It’s our heritage. And more than ever, it’s our future. A future where we’re always looking forward. Always serving up new ways to meet life’s moments. A future where we keep dreaming bigger. We look for people with passion, talent, and curiosity, and provide them with the teammates, resources and opportunities to unleash their full potential. The power we create together – when we combine your strengths with ours – is unstoppable. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do?

The Key Purpose of this role is to ensure that quality analysis and procedures on the packaging production lines comply with company standards and specifications. This includes conducting sampling, sample preparation, and analysis of packaging raw materials, as well as in-process samples from the packaging production lines.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Aseptically Sampling, Handling and Preparation for microbiological analysis
• Sterilization of Culture media using techniques like autoclaving and Isolation of Microorganisms
  
  

Perform Various Micro Techniques:

• Colony counts (e.g., pour plating, spread plating).
• Microbial identification using biochemical tests, staining techniques (e.g., Gram stain), and microscopy.
• Molecular techniques (e.g., PCR) if trained and required.
• Operate and calibrate specialized lab equipment, including microscopes, incubators, autoclaves, centrifuges, and other analytical instruments.
  
  

Quality Control and Assurance:

• Maintain detailed and organized records, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze and interpret data from tests, including reading plates for bacterial counts and evaluating microbial growth.
• Assist with report writing and presentations as needed.
• Monitor and maintain an adequate inventory of reagents, media, supplies, and consumables.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sterile laboratory environment including waste management of biohazardous substances etc.
• Participate in the development and optimization of microbiological methods and procedures.
  
  

Governance:

• Standards are in place and well understood
• Training and operational assessments are done against the specified methods
• Verification of the execution of the procedures to ensure that they comply with the standards
• Verifying Quality Control and Analysis in utilized by packaging, raw materials and quality production teams
• Ensuring for quality packaged product is delivered by designated production lines
• Ensuring execution of required quality checks and analyses, and accuracy of results inputted on the appropriate information system
• Ensure that VPO tools are utilized and imparted to production teams
  
  

Maintenance of Equipment:

• Ensure and conduct autonomous operations as defined for the instrumentation
• Ensure equipment is operated according to SOP’s
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Develop work instruction to empower autonomous maintenance of equipment, to ensure its uptime
• Identify defective equipment, and report these to the Team Leader, Instrumentation Technician and Lab Specialist
  
  

Communication:

• Actively participate in shift meetings, asking questions to test understanding and contributing suggestions. Making use of the action logs to record issues, problems and improvement opportunities
• Make use of relevant communication media to stay informed and inform others of issues
• Utilizing VPO digital tools to improve understanding of process and standards
• Required to escalate out-of-control processes to all Stakeholders
• Complete required hand over to incoming shift team members, ensuring the issues relating to plant performance, quality and maintenance are communicated
  
  

Problem-Solving:

• Ensure Problem solving for all out-of-control processes using the VPO problem solving tools to resolve and record the issues
• Ensure QFR and 5why are done timeously
  
  

Minimum Requirements:

• MSc/BSc Microbiology, Biotechnology or equivalent
• Minimum of 1 - 2 years working experience in FMCG industry
• Understanding of brewing & packaging process and environment
• Assertive and analytical
• Proactive
• Proven leadership ability
• Understanding of the principles and practices of Manufacturing Excellence
• Available immediately
  
  

Additional Information:

• BAND: X
  
  

SAB is an equal opportunity employer, and all appointments will be made in line with SAB employment equity plan and talent requirements. The advert has minimum requirements listed. Management reserves the right to use additional/ relevant information as criteria for short-listing.