R&D Food Safety Certification Specialist

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

Position Purpose
The Certification Specialist is responsible for supporting and delivering global microbiological method certification activities across the Food Safety portfolio. The role focuses on designing and executing validation studies collaborating with expert laboratories and certification bodies and ensuring that Thermo Fisher Scientific workflows meet regional and international requirements. This position requires technical competence strong organizational skills and growing expertise in certification schemes to support successful product validation and market access.

Key Responsibilities
Certification Project Planning & Requirements

• Apply knowledge of validation requirements across key regions (US EU UK) to contribute to certification project specifications aligned to customer needs.
• Build well-structured appropriately ambitious certification timelines and budgets using internal and external networks to support planning.
• Identify certification-related risks propose mitigation strategies and communicate effectively to project teams and leadership.
• Provide clear concise updates on certification status to R&D management and cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment.
• Support the integration of certification needs into broader project planning and cross-functional workstreams.

Delivery of Validation Studies

• Execute validation studies in collaboration with external expert laboratories consultants and method reviewers ensuring delivery to agreed timelines and quality standards.
• Use statistical tools to analyse large complex datasets interpret method performance and assess alignment with validation requirements.
• Extract key findings rapidly and accurately summarising them for technical and non-technical internal audiences.
• Prepare technical reports that meet business and certification body requirements.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations to external technical committees adjusting technical depth to suit certification body expectations.
  

Technical Expertise & Problem Solving

• Maintain and apply strong working knowledge of reference methods and rapid detection technologies relevant to food pathogen and quality testing.
• Troubleshoot study and workflow challenges knowing when to engage additional technical expertise.
• Build knowledge of validated workflows including awareness of benefits limitations and customer implications.
• Support the implementation of new methodology with external partners.

External Engagement & Certification Processes

• Engage with certification bodies (e.g. AOAC AFNOR MicroVal) and external experts to gather information address study requirements and ensure effective delivery of validation studies.
• Build and maintain a network of contacts across expert laboratories and certification bodies.
• Understand certification processes and apply this knowledge to support study design and delivery with limited assistance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with R&D Development Scientists Project Managers Product Management Operations QA/RA and Commercial teams across global sites.
• Communicate validation requirements and progress clearly to project teams and functional stakeholders.
• Ensure certification activities are aligned with customer requirements and market expectations.

Professional Development & Behaviours

• Maintain awareness of global food safety trends and regulatory changes affecting current and future projects.
• Proactively identify personal development needs and contribute to objective-setting and development planning.
• Demonstrate commitment to team goals overcoming obstacles and supporting colleagues where needed.
• Uphold all Thermo Fisher Scientific Health Safety & Environmental standards and model positive laboratory and workplace behaviours.

Decision-Making Authority

• Plans and executes validation studies with limited support.
• Independently analyses data and draws conclusions regarding study performance.
• Determines appropriate communication and escalation of certification risks.
• Selects appropriate analytical tools/methods for data interpretation.
• Makes recommendations on certification scope risks and timelines for review by senior staff.

Impact & Scope

• Supports delivery of validation studies essential for product certification and market acceptance.
• Influences project timelines and launch readiness through accurate planning and risk identification.
• Represents R&D Food Protection in communications with external laboratories and certification partners.
• Contributes to the overall success of multiple concurrent projects across global teams.
  

Experience Skills & Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant biological science.
• Awareness of global certification schemes e.g. AOAC AFNOR MicroVal relevant to food safety workflows.
• Experience with food pathogen testing including reference methods (ISO USDA-FSIS FDA-BAM) and rapid detection methods (e.g. PCR) is preferred but not essential.
• Strong analytical skills including application of appropriate statistical tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised adaptable and resourceful problem-solver.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint.