Microbiology Manager - Food Testing

Were Hiring: Microbiology Manager

Food & Pharmaceutical Testing Division

EFRAC - Barasat, Kolkata

EFRAC is seeking an experienced and technically strong Microbiology Manager to lead end-to-end microbiology operations for our Food and Pharmaceutical Testing Divisions, with a strong preference for candidates from Food Microbiology Testing laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Leadership

• Lead and oversee all microbiological testing activities for food, pharmaceutical, water, environmental, and surface samples.
• Ensure appropriate method selection, validation, verification, and strict adherence to SOPs.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues related to media preparation, contamination, equipment performance, and test execution.
• Review and approve analytical results and reports, ensuring technical accuracy and data integrity.
• Maintain expertise in classical and advanced microbiological methods, including rapid and PCR-based techniques and automated pathogen detection systems.

2. Operations & Quality Management

• Ensure full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, FSSAI, USFDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with the QA team during internal audits, external audits, CAPAs, and method reviews.
• Monitor turnaround time (TAT), capacity planning, and optimal resource utilization.
• Oversee media preparation, sterilization processes, culture management, consumables planning, and instrument calibration.
• Enforce strict biosafety, hygiene, and contamination-control practices.

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of microbiologists, analysts, and technicians.
• Allocate daily workloads and ensure timely and accurate test completion.
• Conduct training programs, competency assessments, and continuous skill development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of ownership, discipline, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Guide junior staff on method interpretation, troubleshooting, and documentation best practices.

4. Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure all worksheets, logbooks, instrument records, and LIMS entries are accurate and compliant.
• Review and approve COAs, microbiology reports, and OOS/OOT investigations.
• Prepare and present monthly performance metrics and laboratory reports to senior management.

5. Stakeholder & Client Coordination

• Collaborate with Operations, QA, Client Services, Sales, and Sample Management teams.
• Participate in client audits, technical discussions, and customer interactions to address microbiology-related queries.

Qualifications & Experience

• M.Sc / M.Tech in Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline (PhD preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of hands-on experience in Food Microbiology Testing (mandatory).
• Overall 10–15 years of experience, with strong exposure to food testing laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025.
• In-depth knowledge of foodborne pathogens, indicator organisms, environmental monitoring, method validation, and regulatory compliance (FSSAI, USFDA, etc.).
• Proven experience in leading and managing a microbiology laboratory team.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.

How to Apply:

Apply via LinkedIn Easy Apply or email your CV to [email removed]/WhatsApp your CV at @[phone removed] with the subject "Microbiology Manager– Food Microbiology".Role & responsibilities