QA Executive - Microbiologist

The candidate will have responsibilities across the following functions:

Microbiological Testing:

• Perform microbiological analysis of raw materials, packaging materials, work-in-progress, process water, environmental swabs, and finished products.
• Conduct routine microbiological tests including but not limited to: Total Plate Count (TPC), Yeast & Mould, Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. Listeria spp. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus (where applicable), Enterobacteriaceae.
• Ensure all testing is performed using approved methods such as: FSSAI Manual of Methods, ISO Standards, BIS Standards, APHA Methods, AOAC Official Methods
• Interpret microbiological results and promptly report any deviations or out-of-specification (OOS) findings.

Laboratory Operations:

• Prepare, sterilise, and standardise microbiological media, reagents, buffers, and cultures.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of microbiological cultures and laboratory waste.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, biosafety, and housekeeping as per laboratory safety requirements.
• Operate, calibrate, verify, and maintain microbiological laboratory equipment including: Incubators, Autoclaves, Colony counters, Laminar Air Flow units, pH meters, Analytical balances, Water baths, Refrigerators and freezers.
• Maintain calibration and preventive maintenance records.

Food Safety and FSSC 22000 Compliance:

• Support implementation and maintenance of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in accordance with FSSC 22000 Version 6
• Conduct environmental monitoring programs for food contact and non-food contact surfaces.
• Verify sanitation and hygiene effectiveness through environmental swabbing and microbiological trend analysis.
• Support verification of prerequisite programs (PRPs), cleaning validation, sanitation validation, and disinfection effectiveness.
• Participate in food safety verification activities as required under the FSMS.

Documentation and Record Management:

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, worksheets, logbooks, and test reports.
• Ensure complete traceability of all samples tested.
• Review analytical data for completeness and accuracy before release.
• Maintain laboratory documentation in accordance with document control.
• Implement, monitor, and improve FSMS, SOPs, SSOPs, Quality Control Plans, HACCP Plan, in-line QA documents and related documentation.
• Conduct process evaluations, internal audits, and testing to meet food safety and legal requirements.
• Review and maintain documents for RM, PM, FG specifications, GMP, COA, and audit reports and support both internal and external audits.
• Monitor External microbiology lab testing, sampling, and reporting as per internal procedures.

• Requirements:
• Travel: Some travel will be required within the region and nationally as per requirement.
• IT Skills: Basic computer skill of MS Office are a must.
• Language: Regional/ English and Hindi proficiency is required.