Microbiologist Quality Control – Food Processing
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Job Location:
Salary:
Experience Required:
Posted on:
13 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Our client is a key player in the agricultural production sector. They are looking to hire a seasoned Microbiologist Quality Control experienced in the Food Processing industry.
Job Summary
The ideal candidate is responsible for conducting microbiological analyses of raw materials in-process samples finished plantain flour and the production environment. The role ensures compliance with food safety standards (NAFDAC SON HACCP ISO FDA/EU requirements) and supports the companys mission to deliver safe high-quality plantain flour for local and international role is a food safety enforcement function not a passive lab testing role.
Essential responsibilities
1. Microbiological Testing & Surveillance
Perform routine and ad-hoc microbiological testing on: o raw plantains o processed flour o water systems o production surfaces o packaging materials
Monitor and quantify: o E. coli o Salmonella spp. o Total plate count (TPC) o Yeast and mold levels
Identify contamination trends before they become production risks
2. Food Safety & Compliance Monitoring
Support and enforce HACCP and ISO 22000 food safety systems
Ensure microbiological compliance with: o NAFDAC standards o SON requirements o applicable export regulations (FDA/USDA-aligned expectations where applicable)
Ensure all test results are documented traceable and audit-ready
3. Laboratory Systems & Method Development
Develop validate and standardize microbiological testing procedures
Ensure repeatability and accuracy of all lab methods
Maintain SOPs for all microbiological processes
Continuously improve testing efficiency and reliability
4. Laboratory Operations & Equipment Control
Maintain calibration and functionality of: o autoclaves o incubators o microscopes o colony counters
Ensure full sterility and cleanliness of laboratory environment
Enforce strict aseptic techniques across all lab activities
5. Hygiene & Environmental Monitoring
Conduct routine hygiene swabbing of: o equipment surfaces o production floors o staff hands and uniforms (where required)
Monitor environmental contamination risks in production zones
Flag hygiene breaches immediately and recommend corrective actions
6. Deviation Investigation & Corrective Action
Investigate microbiological failures or abnormal results
Identify root causes (raw material process environment water handling)
Recommend corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
Work directly with production and QA to enforce fixes
7. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with: o Production (process hygiene control) o QA/QC (product release decisions) o Maintenance (equipment hygiene and sterilization risks)
Provide microbiological input into operational decisions affecting product safety 8. Documentation & Reporting
Maintain complete and audit-ready laboratory records
Generate: o daily lab logs o weekly microbiological reports
o deviation and risk reports
Experience and Qualification Requirements
BSc in Microbiology Food Science Biotechnology or related field
24 years hands-on experience in food manufacturing lab OR FMCG quality control lab
Strong knowledge of: o microbial culturing techniques o aseptic lab practices o pathogen detection methods
Compliance Knowledge (MUST HAVE)
HACCP implementation experience
ISO 22000 food safety systems exposure
Familiarity with NAFDAC and SON requirements
Understanding of food borne pathogens and contamination pathways Technical Competence Candidate must demonstrate ability to:
Independently run microbial tests (not just assist)
Prepare culture media and interpret results
Document results in a traceable and audit-compliant format
