Product Testing:

• Must be proficient in the use of balance in weighing out samples into diluents
• Must be proficient in serial dilutions
• Must have an understanding of correct tests and dilution to use with each kind of product received
• Must have an understanding of the various kinds of media and their nutrient, differential, and selective characteristics
• Must have an understanding of the correct use of incubators, water baths, anaerobic chambers, etc. in which tests are incubated for various times to determine growth numbers
• Must have an understanding and be able to apply Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and aseptic techniques

Environmental Testing:

• Perform Water, Surface, and Air monitoring testing throughout entire facility on a weekly basis

Bacterial Identification Techniques:

• Responsible for correct use and care of microscope; ability to correctly perform Gram stains and wet mounts, along with controls for both

Laboratory Cleaning:

• Perform and record daily, weekly and monthly lab cleaning

Documentation:

• Thorough and legible recording of all quality control done in the lab
• Thorough and legible recording of all testing and results done in the lab
• Thorough and legible recording of all equipment monitoring and maintenance done in the lab
• Thorough and legible recording of all retesting, out-of-specification studies, and identification tests done in the lab
• Help maintain and update SOP’s

Miscellaneous Microbiology Lab Duties

• Inoculate and maintain control organisms
• Storage of media and other lab supplies; alert manager when supplies need to be ordered
• Restocking of items in the lab from storage areas outside the lab
• Archiving samples after they have been tested
• Routine checks of the lab DI water system to make sure it is functioning correctly (lights on); alerting supervisor with filter needs to be changes (light off)
• Additional responsibilities as experience and familiarity with lab procedures increase

• Previous lab experience in nutraceutical/food microbiology preferable
• School laboratory experience acceptable, based on experience
• Basic math skills
• Willingness to follow directions from lab management
• Computer skills helpful
• Eagerness to learn
• Knowledge to proficiently perform bacterial identification tests using the current biochemical IDs available in the lab

Bachelor’s degree in a science field, preferably in Microbiology