Pathogen Lab Analyst

Certified Group is a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services. Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, Labstat International Inc., Advanced Botanical Consulting & Testing (ABC Testing Inc.), Microconsult Inc., and Micro Quality Labs Inc. Certified Group provides laboratory testing and regulatory consulting services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, hemp, and other industries.

We are currently looking for a Pathogen Lab Analyst to join our growing team!

Job Summary:

Perform analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmentals. The position performs the application and evaluation of approved microbiological techniques and methodologies.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Accurately perform and read test results and notify Laboratory Management of deviations
• Prepare and analyze samples for indicator organisms, pathogens, and chemistries
• Apply aseptic/microbiological techniques in daily workload
• Report inventory and expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements
• Provide routine preventive maintenance by daily cleaning, sanitizing, trash disposal, and equipment quality control
• Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms, running media controls, etc.
• Pursue an assigned series of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures and customer requirements
• Maintain a high degree of technical competence by reading scientific journals, attending professional workshops, and being aware of food industry issues and trends
• Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner
• Share information in an open and timely manner
• Assisting with managing priorities and schedule such that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved with encouraged participation in the Food Safety Net Services Team
• Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area

Supervision:

• This job does has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education & Experience:

• Associate degree in Life Science or related field with two or more years of laboratory experience, preferred
• Two or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing or analytical laboratory
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working knowledge of aseptic sampling technique, automated lab equipment, and acceptable methods and procedures
• Familiarity with GLP, OSHA guidelines, FDA, BAM, APHA, ISO, and USP methods and procedures
• Broad knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures of a food testing laboratory
• Ability to travel when necessary

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other communications/computer components
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud
• Temperature varies from hot to cold
• Interactive and fast-paced team oriented tasks
• Overnight Travel is required at the discretion of management
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Color vision and depth perception

Benefits:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off
• Many positions which qualify for the company bonus program

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.