R&D Microbiology Lab Technician

R&D Microbiology Lab Technician

Job Description

Description:

Role Summary
The R&D Microbiology Lab Technician provides day-to-day laboratory support to the client Microbiology team. The role performs standardized microbiological testing on beverages, concentrates, and ingredients; prepares media and reagents; maintains GLP compliance; and supports challenge/qualification studies under the direction of R&D Microbiologists. The technician ensures accurate sample login, execution, documentation, and timely communication of results that enable product release decisions and research milestones.

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 client 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 client 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 client).

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 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 client 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.

VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status