Description:

R&D Microbiology Lab Technician (Contractor)

Role Summary
The R&D Microbiology Laboratory Technician provides technical and laboratory support to the client Global R&D Microbiological Sciences team. This role is responsible for performing routine microbiological testing, preparing microbiological media and reagents, supporting product safety and quality programs, and assisting with challenge studies, shelf-life studies, and other research activities. The successful candidate will work closely with R&D microbiologists to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant laboratory operations that support innovation, product development, and consumer testing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Sample handling & testing: Receive, log, label, and process R&D and pilot-plant samples; execute routine tests (e.g., APC, coliforms, yeast & mold), swabs/rinse waters, per defined Valhalla methods and micro sampling plans; document results with precision.
Media & reagent preparation: Prepare high-quality culture media, buffers, and reagents; perform sterility checks; maintain lot and expiration records.
Support studies: Assist Microbiologists during microbiological challenge/qualification studies (inoculation, monitoring, data capture); ensure aseptic technique and adherence to protocols.
Result reporting: Record, verify, and route test outcomes; notify stakeholders of releases or out-of-spec findings in line with Valhalla release procedures.
Lab operations: Maintain inventory, order supplies/consumables; perform equipment checks and cleaning (incubators, waterbaths, refrigerators/freezers) and complete LQS logs/SOPs.
Quality system & GLP: Follow SOPs, data integrity and traceability practices; support QC programs and proficiency activities; uphold safety and GLP standards.
Culture collection: Maintain and update the laboratory culture collection per department practices.
Digital/lab systems: Use SharePoint/DM templates and LIMS/recording tools for sample tracking and data entry (as applicable to Valhalla).

Minimum Qualifications

Education: B.S. in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related discipline with microbiology coursework/labs.
Experience: 1–3+ years hands-on experience in a microbiology lab (or equivalent academic, internship or co-op experience) performing standard methods (serial dilutions, pour/spread plates, colony counting, culture transfers).
Technical skills: Proficient aseptic technique; operation of micro lab equipment (autoclave, incubators, membrane filtration, pH meter, balances, biosafety cabinet); accurate documentation.
Soft skills: Strong attention to detail, ability to follow written procedures, teamwork, communication, and time management in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with the client or similar beverage micro testing/release procedures for R&D consumption products.
Experience with LIMS or structured data capture platforms in a lab setting (e.g., WinLIMS/LabVantage or equivalent).

Tools & Equipment

Role involves routine use of: autoclave (bench/stand-alone), incubators (walk-in/benchtop), membrane filtration units, biosafety cabinet/laminar flow hood, refrigerators/freezers, waterbaths, colony counters, microscopes, pH meters, balances, UV lamp; plus standard PPE and lab supplies per Valhalla SOPs.

Compliance, Health & Safety
Adhere to site EHS policies, micro lab safety manuals, and GLP standards; complete required safety modules and maintain LQS logs (temperature recording, cleaning schedules).
Follow R&D micro release requirements and documentation practices when products are intended for consumption by non-R&D personnel..

Notes:

Schedule: Standard day shift; occasional flexibility to support pilot runs or time-point sampling